2 February 2019
The Meeting/Presentation of our Lord & Saviour, Jesus Christ
FIRST FESTAL ANTIPHON – MEETING/PRESENTATION – TONE 2
✞ Tes Presvies tis Theotokou, Soter Soson imas! ✞ By the Intercessions of the Theotokos, O Saviour,
Save us!
1. Exirevxato i kardia mou Logon Agathon. Lego ego ta 1. My heart overflows with a Good Word; I tell my works
Erga mou to Vasili. to the King.
2. I glossa mou kalamos grammateos oxigrafou. 2. My tongue is the pen of a scrivener.
3. Oreos kalli para tous vious ton Anthropon, exehithi 3. Thou art more beautiful than the sons of men; Grace
Haris en hilesi Sou. was poured out on Thy Lips.
4. Dia touto evlogise se O Theos is ton eona. 4. Therefore, God has Blessed thee forever
SECOND FESTAL ANTIPHON – MEETING/PRESENTATION – TONE 2
✞ Soson imas Ie Theou, O EN AGKALES TOU DIKEOU ✞ O Son of God, C A R R I E D IN THE ARMS OF SYMEON
S Y M E O N V A S T A H T H I S , psallontas Si: Allilouia! THE R I G H T E O U S , Save us who sing to Thee: Alleluia!
1. Perizose tin Romfean Sou epi ton miron Sou, dinate, ti 1. Gird Thy Sword upon Thy Thigh, O Mighty One; in Thy
Oreotiti Sou ke to kalli Sou. Splendour and Thy Beauty.
2. Ke entine ke katevodou ke Vasileve eneken Alithias ke 2. And stretch Thou bow; and grant prosperity; and
Praotitos ke Dikeosinis. reign because of Truth, gentleness and
Righteousness.
3. Ta veli Sou ikonimena, dinate Lai ipokato Sou 3. Thine arrows are sharp, O Mighty One, (the people
pessounte. En kardia ton ehthron tou Vasileos. shall fall under Thee), in the heart of the King’s
enemies.
4. O Thronos Sou, O Theo, is ton eona tou eonos; Ravdos 4. Thy Throne, O God, is forever and ever; Thy Royal
Evthititos i Ravdos tis Vasilias Sou. Sceptre is a Sceptre of Uprightness.
THIRD FESTAL ANTIPHON – MEETING/PRESENTATION - TONE 1
1. Akouson Thigater, ke ide, ke klinon to ous Sou. 1. Hearken, O Daughter, and consider, and incline thine
ear:
✞Here Keharitomeni Theotoke Parthene. Ek Sou gar ✞Hail, O Theotokos Virgin Full of Grace: for from Thee
anetilen O Ilios tis Dikeosinis, Hristos O Theos imon, has shone forth the Sun of Righteousness, Christ our
Fotizon tous en skoti. Evfrenou ke Si Presvita Dikee, God, granting Light to those in darkness. Be glad also,
dexamenos en agkales ton Eleftherotin ton psihon imon, O Thou Righteous Elder, for Thou hast received in
harizomenon imin ke tin Anastasin. Thine arms the Deliverer of our souls, Who bestows
upon us Resurrection.
2. To Prosopon Sou litanefsousin i plousii tou laou. 2. Even the rich among the people shall entreat Thy
Favour
3. Mnisthisome tou Onomatos Sou en pasi genea ke 3. They shall remember Thy Name from generation to
genea. generation.
FESTAL ISODIKON – PRESENTATION/MEETING – TONE 2
Egnorise Kyrios to Sotirion Aftou enantion panton ton The Lord has declared His Salvation; He has revealed His
Ethnon. ✞ Soson imas, Iie Theou, O en Agkales tou Righteousness in the presence of the Nations. ✞ O Son
Dikeou Symeon Vastahthis, psallontas Si: Allilouia! of God, Who was borne in the arms of Symeon the
Righteous, Save us who sing to Thee: Alleluia!
FESTAL APOLYTIKION – MEETING/PRESENTATION – TONE 1
✞Here, Keharitomeni Theotoke Parthene. Ek sou gar ✞Hail, O Lady Full of Grace, O Virgin Theotokos, for
anetilen O Ilios tis Dikeosinis, Hristos O Theos imon, Christ our God, the Sun of Righteousness has risen
Fotizon tous en skoti. Evfrenou ke Si, presvita dikee, from Thee and He Illumined those in darkness. And
dexamenos en agkales ton Eleftherotin ton psihon imon Thou, O Righteous Elder, be glad in heart, receiving in
harizomenon imin ke tin Anastasin. (3) Thine Embrace the One Who Liberates our soul and
bestows on us Resurrection. (3)
FESTAL KONTAKION – MEETING/PRESENTATION - ST ROMANOS THE MELODIST - TONE 1
O Mitran Parthenikin Agiasas to Toko Sou ke hiras tou Thou Who has Sanctified by Thy Birth a Virgin Womb
Symeon Evlogisas, os eprepe, profthasas ke nin esosas and fittingly Blessed the hands of Symeon, Thou art
imas, Hriste O Theos. All irinefson en polemis to come, O Christ our God, and on this day has Saved us
plitevma ke krateoson Vasilis, ous igapisas, O Monos Grant Peace to Thy Commonwealth in times of Battle,
Filanthropos. and Strengthen the Orthodox People whom Thou has
Loved, O Thou Who alone Loves mankind.
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harizomenon imin ke tin Anastasin. embrace the One Who Liberates our soul and bestows
on us Resurrection.
PATRONAL APOLYTIKION
PROKEIMENON – PSALM 46/47 – TONE 3
Sing Praises to God! Sing Praises! Sing Praises to our King! Sing Praises!
All you Nations: clap your hands! Shout to God with voice of Rejoicing!
THE SECOND EPISTLE OF ST PAUL TO THE CORINTHIANS 6 : 1 – 10
THE MARKS OF APOSTLESHIP
Brethren: we, then, as workers together with Him, also plead with you not to receive the Grace of God in vain. He said:
“In an acceptable time I have heard you, and in the Day of Salvation I have helped you.” Behold! Now is ‘...the
acceptable time!’ Behold! Now is ‘...the Day of Salvation!’
We give no offence in anything - that our Ministry may not be blamed.
In all things we commend ourselves as Ministers of God: in much Patience, in tribulations, in needs, in distresses, in
stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labours, in sleeplessness, in Fastings, by Purity, by Knowledge, by
Longsuffering, by Kindness, by the Holy Spirit, by sincere Love, by the Word of Truth, by the Power of God, by the
Armour of Righteousness on the right hand and on the left, by honour and dishonour, by evil report and Good
Report; as deceivers, and yet True; as unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and behold, we Live; as chastened,
and yet not killed; as sorrowful, yet always Rejoicing; as poor, yet enriching many; as having nothing, and yet
possessing all things.
✶ ST PAUL DESCRIBES AN AUTHENTIC HOLY APOSTLE OF CHRIST OUR FAITHFULLY FOLLOW OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST AND OBEY THE
LORD. DIVINE WILL OF OUR HEAVENLY FATHER to the best of our
✶ HIS LIFE IN CHRIST CLEARLY DEMONSTRATES THE MYSTERIOUS ability and knowledge.
PARADOX OF GOD’S DIVINE GRACE AND STRENGTH WORKING IN ✶ “... I have heard you... I have helped you...” – OUR
OUR HUMAN WEAKNESS – by the Renunciation of the fallen LOVING AND GRACIOUS LORD KNOWS EXACTLY WHAT WE NEED
world in order to master and guide it along the in order to make good Spiritual Progress, even before
Righteous Path to Eternal Life in God’s Heavenly we beseech His Help.
Kingdom of Love (Agape.) HE HAS PROVIDED EVERYTHING NECESSARY FOR OUR SPIRITUAL
✶ “The Day of Salvation” IS RIGHT NOW! WELFARE AND ETERNAL SALVATION BUT IT IS ENTIRELY UP TO US
WE CANNOT – INDEED, MUST NOT – PROCRASTINATE by putting off TO MAKE THE RIGHT CHOICES that keep us on His Path of
our Sacred Duties and Commitments for “later,” Righteousness.
because none of us knows when we will depart from GOD NEVER FORCES US TO DO HIS WILL for WE MUST DO SO BY
this temporary lifespan. BEING COMPELLED BY OUR LOVE OF GOD AND EACH OTHER.
Therefore, OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST AND ALL OUR HOLY FATHERS ✶ “...we give no offence...” means that AS FAITHFUL
URGE US TO REPENT AND CONFESS OUR SINS NOW SO THAT WE DISCIPLES, WE MUST TAKE GREAT CARE NOT TO OFFEND NOR
CAN COMMIT OURSELVES TO OUR SACRED TASKS THAT NOT HURT OTHERS, WHO MIGHT DENIGRATE NOT ONLY US, BUT ALSO
ONLY BENEFIT US IN ETERNITY BUT ALSO BENEFIT AND OUR HOLY ORTHODOX FAITH AND CHRIST’S DIVINE MISSION.
STRENGTHEN US NOW WHILE WE ARE ENGAGED IN THIS CURRENT EACH OF US – NOT ONLY OUR BISHOPS AND PRIESTS – MUST SET
SPIRITUAL WARFARE AGAINST THE EVIL ONE. GOOD EXAMPLES for others to imitate and TO GLORIFY GOD
THE BEGINNING OF OUR ETERNAL SALVATION IS ALWAYS AT THIS IN WHOSE IMAGE AND LIKENESS WE WERE ALL CREATED.
PRESENT MOMENT, in this short, preparatory period No matter what our circumstances, we must always be
before the Reappearance of our Lord and Saviour, Steadfast in our Christian Faith – striving to imitate our
Jesus Christ, in His Incarnate, Glorious Resurrected Lord Jesus Christ in all situations – both good and
State. bad.
✶ This particular passage of St Paul’s Second Epistle to the ✶ “... always Rejoicing..” – WHEN WE ARE BLESSED WITH A
Corinthians is READ ON THE FEAST DAYS THAT CLOSE RELATIONSHIP WITH OUR LORD GOD, WE CERTAINLY ARE
COMMEMORATE OUR FEMALE SAINTS AND HOLY MARTYRS. IN A BLISSFUL STATE OF DIVINE GRACE THAT IS INCOMPARABLE
✶ “... as workers (Labourers) together with Him...” - BEING TO ANY OTHER HUMAN EMOTION OR EXPERIENCE!
FAITHFUL DISCIPLES OF CHRIST, WE MUST CO-OPERATE WITH ✶ “... Enriching many...” by OUR LOVE OF GOD AND EACH
OUR LORD GOD BY FULFILLING ALL OUR SACRED TASKS THAT OTHER, which POSITIVELY AFFECTS EVERYONE AROUND US.
ARE REQUIRED OF US AND ESSENTIAL TO OUR ETERNAL LIFE. ✶ “... having nothing... yet possessing all things!” LIFE IN
✶ “... not to receive the Grace of God in vain...” means CHRIST IS OUR GREATEST SPIRITUAL HERITAGE which is far
that we must ALWAYS KEEP OUR HOLY BAPTISM AND beyond any price. IT IS EVERLASTING TREASURE THAT
CHRISMATION IN MIND, DOING WHATEVER IS REQUIRED OF US TO CANNOT BE TAKEN FROM US AND NEVER DISAPPOINTS US.
THE HOLY GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST MATTHEW 25 : 14 – 30
TH E TALENTS
At that time, our Lord Jesus narrated this Parable: “A man going on a Journey, called His servants and entrusted to
them His Property. And to one He gave five Talents, to another, two, to another one – to each according to his
ability. And He went away.
“He who had received five Talents went at once and traded with them, and he made five Talents more. So also he
who had two Talents – he made two Talents more. But he who had received one Talent dug in the ground, and
hid his Master’s talents.
“After a long time, the Master of those servants came to settle accounts with them. And he who had received five
Talents went forward, bringing five Talents more, saying: ‘Master, Thou granted me five Talents. Behold, I have
made five Talents more.’ His Master said to him: ‘Well done, Good and Faithful servant! Thou hast been Faithful
over a little. I will set Thee over much. Enter into the Joy of Thy Master.’
“He who had received two Talents also went forward, saying: ‘Master, Thou granted me two Talents. Behold, I have
made two more.’ His Master said to him: ‘Well done, Good and Faithful servant! Thou hast been Faithful over a
little. I will set Thee over much. Enter into the Joy of Thy Master.’
“He who had received one Talent also went forward, saying: ‘Master, I knew Thee to be a hard Man, reaping where
Thou did not sow, and gathering where Thou did not winnow, and being afraid, I hid Thy Talent in the ground.
Here, Thou hast what is Thine.’
“His Master answered him: ‘Wicked and slothful servant! Thou know that I reap where I have not sowed, and gather
where I have not winnowed! Thou ought to have invested My silver with bankers, and at My Coming, I should
have received what was Mine – with interest!
“Take the Talent from him, and give it to him who hast the ten Talents, for to every one who has, will more be given,
and he will have abundance.
“From him who has not, even what he has will be taken away. And the worthless servant will be cast into the Outer
Darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth!”
As He said these things, He cried out: “He who has ears to hear – let him hear!”
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✶ This Parable of our Lord Jesus Christ illustrates THE USE OF FOR THE PURPOSES FOR WHICH THEY ARE INTENDED – our
OF THE GIFTS THAT ARE SO FREELY AND GENEROUSLY Spiritual Benefit, Growth and Welfare - and of others
GRANTED TO US BY THE LORD OUR GOD. whom we help, guide and teach by our own
Even one Talent was a great sum of money – which example.
symbolises THE INFINITE GOODNESS THAT GOD HAS ✶ ‘...The Bankers...’ represent OTHER FAITHFUL PEOPLE TO
BESTOWED ON ALL HIS HUMAN BEINGS. WHOM THE MAN COULD HAVE TURNED TO HELP HIM
THE AMOUNT OF DIVINE GIFTS GRANTED TO EVERY PERSON IS make the best use of his Talent – who could have
BASED ON OUR ABILITIES. guided and taught him to use it well and wisely
R O M A N S 1 2 : 4 – 7 – “... God has dealt to each – TO HIS FULL ADVANTAGE AND BENEFIT.
one a measure of Faith, for as we have many SINCE HELP, GUIDANCE AND WISDOM IS AVAILABLE TO US WITHIN
members in one body, but ALL THE MEMBERS DO NOT THE HOLY CHURCH OF CHRIST, WE HAVE NO EXCUSE AT ALL
HAVE THE SAME FUNCTION, so we – being many – are FOR WASTING OUR GOD-GIVEN TALENTS!
one Body in Christ, and individually members of ONLY TO THOSE WHO MAKE GOOD USE OF THESE DIVINE TALENTS,
one another. Having then Gifts differing WILL OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST SAY ON THAT FINAL
according to the Grace that is granted to us, let JUDGEMENT DAY: ‘Well done, Good and Faithful
us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in servant! Thou hast been Faithful over a little. I
proportion to our Faith; or Ministry, let us use it will set Thee over much. Enter into the Joy of Thy
in our ministering; he who teaches, in Master.’
teaching...” However, our Lord tells us – without any doubt
ALMIGHTY GOD DOES NOT SHOW ANY PARTIALITY IN THE whatsoever – that ALL HIS ‘...WORTHLESS SERVANTS...’ “...
ULTIMATE REWARD, for we have all been invited to will be cast into the Outer Darkness. There
share the same Infinite, Holy Joy. will be weeping and gnashing of teeth!”
✶ THE WICKED, LAZY SERVANT COULD NOT EVADE HIS ✶ And, finally, HE GRAVELY URGES US ALL : “He who has
RESPONSIBILITY by ignoring his God-given Talent ears to hear – let him hear!”
because IDLENESS, SLOTH OR LAZINESS IS AS MUCH A In other words, we must PAY VERY CAREFUL ATTENTION TO HIS
REJECTION OF GOD AS BEING OUTRIGHT, WILFULLY TEACHINGS AND COMMANDMENTS, for IF WE CHOOSE TO
WICKED OR EVIL! IGNORE OR REJECT THEM, THE ETERNAL CONSEQUENCES WILL
BURYING THE TALENT in the ground SYMBOLISES USING OUR BE IRREFUTABLE SPIRITUAL DEATH AND EXILE that can
GOD-GIVEN GIFTS FOR EARTHLY, SELFISH PURSUITS INSTEAD never be changed!!
36TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST – AFTERFEAST OF THE MEETING/PRESENTATION - 16TH SUNDAY OF ST MATTHEW – THE TALENTS
✞ In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the imagine that our Struggles could have any larger
Holy Spirit... significance.
Beloved Brethren in Christ: Perhaps we think that only rich, powerful, and famous
When the stock market goes up or down, almost everyone people can influence and affect the world in
hears about it and many pay attention- especially meaningful ways - and that Holiness is only possible
those who have money invested! for those who have no problems to resolve and have
The reason for their interest is clear: their wealth either never done anything wrong.
increases or decreases, and their only concern is that Our previous efforts to grow in faithfulness might have
it will bring them great material profits. been somehow disappointing or frustrating, so we
Today’s Holy Gospel Lesson presents a similar situation, have given up.
for three servants received large sums of money - Many of us might identify or sympathise with the
called ‘Talents’ - from their Master before he set off on “...wicked and slothful servant...” who had so little
a long journey. confidence in bearing Fruit that he simply buried his
Being a ‘wise businessman’ their Master expected his one Talent in the ground.
servants to make the most of what he had entrusted to That might seem like a practical response, but it is
them. actually the opposite for it leads to nothing but
One servant invested his Talents so wisely that his five weakness and loss.
Talents increased to ten, and the other servant who Just as those who are unable to move physically for long
had received two Talents, did the same and earned periods of time quickly lose their muscle mass and
two more Talents. strength, any ability, Talent, or Gift that we have
They both doubled their Talents and eventually earned received from God, will become weaker and useless
the praise of their Master when he returned. unless we make good use of it.
However, the third servant, who had received only one ‘Playing it safe’ by becoming stagnant and unproductive
Talent to invest, was not such a good Steward. never works, for nothing ever stays exactly the same
Being afraid of losing that one Talent, he buried it the in over time.
the ground and produced nothing at all. So when we do not make good use of our Gifts and
The Master scolded him severely for not even banking Talents in order to bear Fruit – no matter what
the money so as to earn interest on it. circumstances confront us - we will end up being
Therefore, the Master took away the lazy servant’s one worse off than when we started.
Talent and gave it to the first servant. St Paul’s Epistle to the Corinthians which was read to us
At the end of His Parable, our Lord Jesus Christ cautioned today, applies personally to each and every one of us
us that “...to everyone who has, more will be given - regardless of whether we have one or ten Talents -
and he will have abundance, but from him who regardless of whether or not our present situation is
does not have, even what he has will be taken conducive to becoming a great channel of Blessings.
away.” As St Paul exhorted us: “Behold, now is the acceptable
Our Divine Saviour used the analogy of investments to time! Behold, now is the Day of Salvation!”
remind us HOW IMPORTANT IT IS TO BE A “A PRODUCTIVE If we choose to become “...Good and Faithful...”
STEWARD” (OR CARETAKER) OF ALL THE ABUNDANT BLESSINGS Stewards, we have to begin immediately – NOW! – to
THAT GOD HAS GRANTED US. courageously undertake our Spiritual Struggles and
Our life, all our Blessings and our abilities come from our fulfil our Sacred Tasks, no matter what our
Benevolent, Loving and Providential Lord. circumstance are at present!
Because He created us in His Image and Likeness, He has We cannot wait until all is perfect nor convenient for us!
Called us to invest ourselves in ways that enable us to We cannot wait until we have time, energy, or resources
flourish as His adopted Children. to spare, for then we will fall prey to a dangerous
He invites us to an Abundant Life that bears Fruit for His illusion, for this short lifespan will never be without
Heavenly Kingdom, that Blesses others, and that any challenges!
radiates the Light of Holiness throughout the world, Cowardly and lazy servants always have excuses for
although many might think that it is impossible for us. being afraid and burying their Talents in the ground
We are so consumed by the practical challenges of just - remaining unproductive and Spiritually Stagnant!
making it through the day that we find it difficult to The lazier and more self-indulgent we become, the
harder it will be to invest ourselves in ways that bear
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abundant Spiritual Fruit for the Eternal, Heavenly are able to do in the Service of the Holy Church of
Kingdom. Christ and our neighbours.
Excuses are nothing but lies and delusions that try to We do not have to be extremely wealthy in order to
justify our voluntary failures. acquire a Life of Abundant Blessings, or to be able to
St Paul endured innumerable beatings, imprisonment, Bless others in a variety of profound ways.
attempts on his life, shipwreck, and so many other We do not have to be ‘Spiritual Superheroes’ in order be
difficulties before he was Perfected as a Holy Martyr. Faithful Stewards of our God-granted Talents and to
He did not wait until his circumstances were favourable, implement our specific Role in fulfilling God’s Purpose
peaceful or convenient before serving our Lord God for the world.
and Blessing others with his God-granted Knowledge We simply have to offer what only we can offer to our
and Wisdom. Lord in Humility and Obedience, while letting Him do
St Paul described the lifestyle of the Holy Apostles “...as the rest.
dying, and behold we live; as punished, and yet not Nobody else can choose to save or invest our money for
killed; as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, we must make those choices and decisions ourselves.
yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet . Nobody else can become a Faithful Steward of our Life
possessing everything.” in Christ with all its Abundant Blessings and Joy – only
We cannot yet perceive, but our Path is ultimately the we can decide or choose to do so.
same as St Paul’s had been. The choice that confronts us is whether or not to cower in
No matter how sad, sick, frustrated, or deprived we may fear of failure and bury our Talents in the ground,
be, our Lord Calls us to invest ourselves in Holiness for thereby weakening ourselves, and refusing to do
the Blessing and Salvation of the world. what only we can for the Healing and Transformation
Most of us will not do that on as large or obvious a scale of the world.
as St Paul, but that is irrelevant. On the contrary, we can decide to make a solid
The “...wicked and slothful servant...” had also been investment of our Talents, no matter how large or
Called to Faithfully serve his Master with what little he small they may be, and subsequently increase our
had received, exactly like the other two “...Good and Abundant Life for which God created us in His Image
Faithful..” servants who invested their efforts wisely. and Likeness.
Whether we like it or not, each of us has been granted a Unlike worldly financial matters, there is no difference
specific lifespan in this temporary world by our Lord between those who have a lot in this world and those
God, so we cannot become someone else nor change who very little or nothing at all.
anything about our past. The only difference is whether or not we will offer
However, we can Repent our sins and become “...Good ourselves with sincere Humility and Obedience to our
and Faithful...” Stewards from this moment onwards, Lord like our humble offering of the bread and wine
when we Restore and Perfect our created identity as of the Holy Eucharist.
those who are Blessed by God and Called to become If we make the right choice, then we will receive in
a Blessing to others as a Sign of His Love, Mercy, and return, infinitely more than what we offered in the first
Holiness. place.
No matter how much or how little money we have, the Consequently, our life in this world - regardless of the
basic principles of budgeting and planning for the outward details - will become a Living Icon of the
future are the same. Heavenly Kingdom, producing Fruit “...thirty, sixty,
That is also true of our Life in Christ. and a hundredfold.” (MARK 4:8)
Regardless of the details, we can all invest ourselves for Now what shrewd investor would not want that rate of
the Abundant Life of the Kingdom through common return?
and familiar practises, such as: Prayer; Fasting; Amen
generosity to the needy - Almsgiving; Repentance;
Forgiveness; reading, studying and contemplating F ATHER P HI LIP L E M ASTE RS
Holy Scripture, the Lives of the Saints, and other O RTHODOX P RIEST & P ROFE SSOR OF C HRISTIAN T HEOLOGY AND E THICS
Spiritually Beneficial Writings; and doing whatever we HTTPS :// BLOGS . ANCIENTFAITH . C OM / EASTERNCHRISTIANINSIGHTS
8. 36 T H
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Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria & All Africa
Archdiocese of Good Hope
All Glory, Honour and Worship to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and forever,
and unto the Ages of ages. Amen. Remembering also our Most Holy, Most Pure, Most Blessed and
Glorious Lady, Maria, Theotokos, yet Ever Virgin, together with all the Saints. And let us commit
ourselves and one another and our whole Life to Christ our God. Amen.
6 February 2018
St Photios the Great of Constantinople
EQUAL TO THE APOSTLES & CONFESSOR
Afterfeast of the Meeting/Presentation
Also the Feast of St Bucolos, Bishop of Smyrna – St Barsanuphios the Great & St John the Holy
Prophet of Gaza, Palestine – St Dorothy, St Christina, St Callista & St Theophilos of Caesarea,
Cappadocia – St Julian of Emesa – St Fausta, St Evilasios & St Maximos of Cyzikos – St Martha &
St Mary, Virgin Martyr Sisters of Egypt & Asia Minor – St Lycarion of Egypt – St Arsenios the translator, researcher,
compiler of manuscripts, Hymnographer, Philosopher and Great Defender of the Faith, of Iqalto, Georgia – St Armand,
Abbot of Maastricht
37TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST – 17TH OF ST MATTHEW – THE CANAANITE WOMAN – 10 FEBRUARY 2019 11
W E DO NOT QUENCH THE S PIR IT BUT ACT W ITH P OWER AND IN OTHER WORDS: THOSE WHO ARE GENUINELY FAITHFUL TO GOD ARE
C OURAGE THAT IS GRANTED TO US BY D IVINE G RACE – EAGERLY COMPELLED TO FULFIL ALL GOOD DEEDS OFFERED TO US BY
the Grace of God that enables us to achieve amazing GOD HIMSELF.
Feats. WE CANNOT PROFESS TO HAVE FAITH IF WE DO NOT ALSO FULFIL OUR
1 T H E S S A L O N I A N S 5 : 1 9 “Do not quench the Spirit!” SPIRITUAL OBLIGATIONS BY DOING WHATEVER GOD REQUIRES OF US
M A T T H E W 1 0 : 3 3 “... whoever denies Me before WITH REGARD TO ONE ANOTHER – AS WELL AS TO HIS ENTIRE
men, him will I also deny before My Father Who CREATION.
is in Heaven.”
T I T O S 3 : 5 – 6 “... not by Works of Righteousness,
L U K E 9 : 2 6 “... whoever is ashamed of Me and My
which we have done, but according to His Mercy
Words, of him the Son of Man will be ashamed
He Saved us, through the Washing of
when He comes in His own Glory, and in His
Regeneration and Renewing of the Holy Spirit
Father’s, and of the Holy Angels.”
Whom He poured out on us abundantly through
O UR S ALVATION AND C ALLING ARE BASED ON D IVINE G RACE
Jesus Christ our Saviour...”. [HOLY BAPTISM & CHRISMATION]
AND L OVE – definitely not on anything we have done
“[Christ] submitted (to Suffering) so that He might break the
to merit God’s Divine Favour.
power of Death and demonstrate the Resurrection
E P H E S I A N S 2 : 8 - 1 0 “... by Grace you have been Saved
from the dead – thus it was necessary for Him to be
by Faith – and that not of yourselves; it is the Gift
manifested [Revealed] in the Flesh
of God – not of works, lest anyone should boast.
“Also [Christ] (submitted) so that He might fulfil the Promise
For we are His Workmanship – created in Christ
to the Fathers and – while He was preparing the
Jesus for Good Works, which God prepared
New People for Himself and while He was still on
beforehand that we should walk in them.”
earth – to prove that after He has brought about the
We are not Saved by our Good Works. W E A R E S A V E D
Resurrection He will Judge.” [ST BARNABAS 5: 6-7]
FOR GOOD WORKS.
THE HOLY GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST MATTHEW 15 : 21 – 28
THE FAITH OF THE CANAANITE WOMAN
At that time, our Lord Jesus went to the district of Tyre and Sidon. And behold! A Canaanite Woman from that region
went out and cried: “Have Mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David! My daughter is severely possessed by a demon!”
He did not answer her a word. And His Disciples went and urged Him, saying: “Send her away. For she is crying after
us.” He answered: “I was sent only to the Lost Sheep of the House of Israel.”
But she went and knelt before Him, saying: “Lord, help me!” He answered: “It is not good to take the Children’s Bread
and throw it to the dogs!” She said: “Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their Master’s table.”
Then Jesus answered her: “O Woman, great is Thy Faith! Be it done for you as you desire!” And her daughter was
Healed that very hour.
✶ St Matthew’s account of OUR LORD’S COMPASSIONATE AND AGAPE – that Pure Love that is beyond simple
MINISTRY TO THE GENTILE CANAANITE WOMAN ILLUSTRATES human love.
THE HEBREW ORIENTATION OF HIS HOLY GOSPEL. ✶ Several of our Holy Church Fathers regard THE DISCIPLES’
This particular Incident is also mentioned by St Mark in request to “... send her away...” as an ATTEMPT TO
His Holy Gospel. (MARK 7: 24 – 30) PERSUADE CHRIST TO HEAL THE DEMON-POSSESSED DAUGHTER –
However, there are TWO MAJOR DIFFERENCES: as if saying to him: “Give her what she wants so that
1. ST MATTHEW NOTED OUR LORD’S WORDS CONCERNING THE she will leave us alone.”
“...Lost Sheep of the House of Israel...” WHILE ST The response of our Lord to their request indicates that
MARK OMITTED THEM. this interpretation is correct, for HE CONTINUED TO IGNORE
2. ST MATTHEW MENTIONS THE FACT THAT THE CANAANITE THE DESPERATE MOTHER.
WOMAN ADDRESSED CHRIST BY USING THE HEBREW TERM ✶ Finally, HAVING EVOKED THE CANAANITE WOMAN’S LOVE AND
FOR THE MESSIAH – “Son of David” – WHICH, AGAIN, ST UNRELENTING FAITH, CHRIST REVEALED HER TRUE HUMILITY
MARK DID NOT. for she accepted her less important status to that of
✶ OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST WENT TO THE GENTILE CITIES OF TYRE the Hebrews, knowing them to be the Chosen People
AND SIDON IN ORDER TO WITHDRAW FROM THE FAITHLESS, AND of God, YET SHE STILL DESIRED A TINY SHARE OF GOD’S DIVINE
NO DOUBT, FRUSTRATING, SELF-RIGHTEOUS PHARISEES, rather GRACE – a little crumb from the Master’s Table!
than to preach His Divine Truth to them, which St OUR LORD JESUS’ HESITATION and apparent lack of interest
Mark confirmed in His Gospel Account – OUR LORD WAS DEFINITELY NOT A LACK OF HIS LOVE OR DIVINE
“...wanted no one to know...” THAT HE WAS THERE. COMPASSION.
In this Sacred Lesson, it is again evident from the Words of Rather, IT WAS A CONSCIOUS MEANS OF REVEALING THE
our Lord when He stated: “I was not sent, except to WONDERFUL VIRTUES OF THIS DEVOTED MOTHER to his
the Lost Sheep of the House of Israel.” Disciples as well as for her own sake.
✶ THE CANAANITE WOMAN REVEALED HER IMMEASURABLE LOVE ✶ HER ULTIMATE ACCEPTANCE BY CHRIST ALSO POINTS TO THE
FOR HER DAUGHTER when she appealed so persistently GATHERING OF THE GENTILES INTO HIS HOLY CHURCH AFTER
and loudly to our Saviour: “...have Mercy on me...” THE GLORIOUS DAY OF PENTECOST AND THE DESCENT OF THE
SHE REGARDED THE WELFARE OF HER DAUGHTER AS IMPORTANT AS HOLY SPIRIT.
HER OWN for she identified with her child’s sufferings AS ✶ ALL GENTILES – non-Hebrews – ARE NO LONGER REGARDED AS
THOUGH IT WERE HER OWN TERRIBLE BURDEN AND PAIN. “LITTLE DOGS” BUT AS THE ADOPTED CHILDREN OF GOD AND
✶ WHEN CHRIST SEEMED TO IGNORE HER PLEAS FOR HIS DIVINE CO-HEIRS WITH CHRIST TO THE ETERNAL KINGDOM OF GOD.
MERCY, He did so not only because she was a Gentile AS THE NEW ISRAEL WE ARE ALL INVITED to God’s Great Banquet
and His Divine Ministry before His Great Passion was to partake of the Bread of Eternal Life.
initially for the Hebrew Nation alone, but also IN ORDER
TO REVEAL AND EXPOSE THE DEPTH OF HER PROFOUND FAITH
37TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST – 17TH SUNDAY OF ST MATTHEW – THE FAITH OF THE CANAANITE WOMAN
✞ In the Name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Many of us Orthodox Christians actually know very little
about our Faith, yet this pagan Canaanite Woman
Holy Spirit.
was intelligent and Spiritually Aware enough to
Dearly Beloved Brethren in Christ, today’s Sacred Lesson
address our Lord Jesus Christ by His Messianic Title as
offers us a Perfect Example of how to pray.
“Son of David.”
The Woman of Canaan did several things we should do
Before we can utter one word of Prayer, we must KNOW to
as well when we pray to the Lord our God.
Whom we are praying, which is not a simple matter at
Despite her not being a Child of Israel, for she was a
all.
Gentile from a pagan country, the Canaanite Woman
Although we might claim to know Who our Lord God is,
obviously knew something about our Lord Jesus,
since we recite our Creed of Faith regularly, we still
which meant that she was concerned about - and
might not really know Who He is until we become
contemplated - significant Spiritual Matters with
more LIKE HIM.
regard to our Living and Compassionate God.
Only when we have a close Relationship with our Lord –
or anyone else – and we strive to become more Like
12. 37TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST – 17TH OF ST MATTHEW – THE CANAANITE WOMAN – 10 FEBRUARY 2019
Him by means our intensive Spiritual Struggles, can The simpler our Prayers are, the more powerful they will
we claim to know God well – especially when we be, because Pure Prayer does not consist of words
want to emulate Him and please Him because we alone, but should emanate from deep within our soul
Love, Honour and Worship Him with all our heart and as we are Communicating with our Lord God – our
soul, and Fear failing or disappointing Him. Divine Creator and Heavenly Father Who knows
However, since God is Love Itself and we fail to Love everything possible, and even more, about us!
completely, we do not know God at all well. We Communicate with our Lord God by means of a
Since the Son of God became Man and humbled Himself, language that we do not know, and with words that
even to death on the Cross, we cannot claim to know, cannot be uttered.
understand or possess Humility, which means that we The Canaanite Woman asked our Lord Jesus Christ for His
cannot truly know the Eternal Son of God either! Mercy upon her daughter, yet He seemed to have
If our Prayers are to be Fruitful – if we really want our completely ignored her.
Lord God to hear and to respond to our Supplications And here we learn another very important aspect of our
- dear Brothers and Sisters, they must be combined Prayers to our Lord.
with our morality - they must be combined with our Just like the Faithful Canaanite Woman, we must be
efforts to Transform - our determined striving to extremely Patient, and persistent in our Supplications,
become as Perfect as our Lord God created us to be! no matter how long we have to wait to receive a
We cannot even begin to know our Divine Saviour, nor Divine Response.
can we Experience His Divine Presence unless we We must remain persistent and hopeful, and never
constantly Struggle to acquire Spiritual Perfection, surrender to tempting thoughts of despair or rejection.
which is our first and foremost desired target. The Canaanite Woman ignored the Apostles who tried to
If our words, thoughts and deeds are immoral, our silence her or to chase her away, for she knew that
Prayers cannot be Fruitful at all until we Repent and our Lord had heard her.
Confess our sins, which is the beginning of our It is evident from various other Accounts of our Lord’s
Spiritual Transformation. Divine Mission that He often tests us in order to
We must never stop praying to God, but unless we are Strengthen, deepen and confirm our Faith in our
willing to Repent our sins and Restore our natural Loving God.
Relationship with Almighty God, we cannot expect So, like that Canaanite Woman, we must persevere in our
Him to respond to us – especially when we make no Faith and with our Prayers, knowing that sooner or
effort to draw closer to Him and remain in a state of later our Divine Saviour will respond to us, for He
Spiritual Death due to our stubborn, unrepentant never fails nor disappoints us!
attitude. We must pray for our Spiritual Perfection - for our
Our deeds certainly reveal our inner Spiritual Condition, complete Transformation of body and soul, which
which God alone sees clearly, for nothing is hidden takes a very long time to acquire – even a complete
from Him. lifespan.
We can never pretend to know God for our sinful lifestyle As we make Spiritual Progress we will understand our
demonstrates our Spiritual State. errors far better, which we must immediately Repent,
As we Struggle more intensely against all temptations correcting our course as we Journey towards Eternity.
and sins, our Prayers become more sincere and Furthermore, we will also understand what we are
intense. lacking and what is essential for us to acquire so that
As our Lord knows us far better than we know ourselves, we may become worthy Disciples of Christ and
He responds to our Payers in His own time and in a ultimately Righteous Citizens of our Lord’s Heavenly
most Blessed manner that always Benefits us. Kingdom of Love.
The Canaanite Woman went to our Lord Jesus to beseech When the Apostles became irritated and had lost
His Great Mercy for her daughter who was possessed patience with the Canaanite Women, they besought
by an unspecified type of demon. our Lord Jesus to send her away from them.
Many people are possessed by a variety of demons even However, our Divine Saviour was waiting for this moment
today, yet all too often they remain unidentified for to confirm the fact that He had been “...was sent only
the evil one is extremely devious and we prefer to to the Lost Sheep of the House of Israel...” whereupon
remain ignorant and oblivious of the real cause of the Canaanite Woman fell upon her knees before
many inexplicable physical and mental problems. Him, causing our Lord to stop walking and focus His
Believing in our own cleverness, we ascribe all kinds of attention on her, as she simply said: “Lord, help me!”
scientific reasons for deviant, violent and irrational His reply to her might have seemed rather insulting: “It is
behaviour, whereas in the past, we realised that not good to take the Children’s Bread and throw it to
certain people were indeed possessed by demons. the dogs!” - meaning the pagan unbelievers and
Being a loving mother, the Canaanite Woman those who were not Israelites – His Chosen People.
desperately wanted her daughter to be exorcised and Her reaction teaches us another significant Spiritual
Spiritually Restored, for they resided in a uncivilised, Lesson, for instead of being insulted and upset, she
pagan region where demon possession was rife said with profound Humility: “Yes, Lord, yet even the
amongst the people who surrounded them. dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their Master’s
If we look at our contemporary world these days, it does table.”
not appear to be very different from those pagan eras Our Lord already knew the depth of her Faith in God, but
when we see what society in general considers His Apostles needed to witness it, as on other
desirable and important! occasions.
Woman were forbidden to speak to any man who was And at that exact moment, her beloved daughter was
not a close family member, so the Canaanite Woman Restored to full physical and Spiritual Health, due to
called out loudly to Christ, addressing Him by His her courageous persistence, her Knowledge of our
Messianic Title, beseeching His Mercy and stating her True and Living God, her Faith in Him, her sincere
daughter’s terrifying problem: “Have Mercy on me, O Humility and her simplicity of Prayer.
Lord, Son of David! My daughter is severely possessed This is the way we should approach our Lord God and
by a demon!” how we should pray to Him.
Her Prayer to God was short and uncomplicated. We must have the courage to stand before our Lord, with
So, too, our Prayers should be simple and sincere, for God Whom we must nurture and maintain a close,
already knows what we need. All we have to say is intimate Relationship by striving to become more like
merely: “Kyrie, eleison!” “Lord, have Mercy!” Him as He showed us by His own Perfect Example.
There is no need for long, extremely detailed sentences. Christ our Lord has provided us with everything
We only need to bow down before our Lord God in abject necessary to successfully complete our Journey to
Humility, beseech His Great Mercy, and then be Eternity, but it is entirely up to us to make every effort
completely Obedient to His Divine Will, offering our to fulfil whatever is required of us.
heartfelt Prayers of Thanksgiving for His To know God requires us to understand and to fulfill His
Compassionate and Providential Blessings. Divine Teachings and Commandments that are
recorded and explained throughout Holy Scripture
37TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST – 17TH OF ST MATTHEW – THE CANAANITE WOMAN – 10 FEBRUARY 2019 13
and in all the Writings and Teachings of our Holy Nourishment that grants us Forgiveness of sins and
Fathers. Life Everlasting.
Consequently, we have no justifiable excuse for failing to So many of our Beloved Brethren fail to develop a close
be Faithful Disciples of Christ who accomplish and Relationship with God, nor do they bother to be
execute our Sacred Tasks and Commitments. Nourished and Nurtured by His Holy Church and the
Without daily Prayers beseeching Divine Assistance and Life-sustaining Holy Mysteries because of their self-
expressing our ongoing gratitude for God’s Great indulgent lifestyles, various distractions, false
Mercy, we cannot and will not be prepared for priorities, wilful ignorance and Spiritual Slothfulness
Eternity, keeping in mind that we must pray with and negligence.
simplicity and persistence, in the context of our Every one of us really needs a close and intimate
Struggle to Live in Christ each moment of the day. Relationship with our Lord God that is extremely vital
As next Sunday is the beginning of the Triodion period, to our Spiritual Welfare and Eternity.
leading into Great Lent, which continues until The only way to achieve this is with sincere Prayers that
Saturday of St Lazaros, it is highly appropriate to are simple, uncomplicated, persistent,
remember the simple, persistent Faith of the knowledgeable and humble.
Canaanite Woman whose good example we should May God help us all to pray like the Canaanite Woman,
try to apply to ourselves. so that like her beloved daughter, we may all be
As Orthodox Christians, we are members of the Holy Cleansed, Healed and Restored to our created state.
Household of our Lord God, so in that context, by Amen.
extension, are members of the “New Israel” – and thus
are “the Children” who can joyfully partake of our FATHER SERAPHIM HOLLAND (2010)
Heavenly Father’s “Food.” ST NICHOLAS RUSSIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH
Sadly, far too many of us live in such a way that we MCKINNEY, TEXAS, USA
seldom – and some, never – partake of that Divine HTTP://WWW.ORTHODOX.NET/
14. 37TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST – 17TH OF ST MATTHEW – THE CANAANITE WOMAN – 10 FEBRUARY 2019
Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria & All Africa
Archdiocese of Good Hope
All Glory, Honour and Worship to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and forever, and
unto the Ages of ages. Amen. Remembering also our Most Holy, Most Pure, Most Blessed and Glorious Lady,
Maria, Theotokos, yet Ever Virgin, together with all the Saints. And let us commit ourselves and one another
and our whole Life to Christ our God. Amen.
38 T H
SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST – 1 S T
OF TRIODION – PUBLICAN & PHARISEE – 17 FEBRUARY 2019 15
T HE P HARISEE WAS HIGHLY RESPECTED AND A CAREFUL F URTHERMORE , THE REFRAIN “ L ORD, HAVE M ERCY ” – “KYRIE
OBSERVER OF THE O LD C OVENANT L AW , WHEREAS THE T AX E LEISON ” – PERMEATES O RTHODOX CHRISTIAN W ORSHIP
C OLLECTOR (P UBLICAN) WAS DESPISED AS A TREACHEROUS AND P RAYER .
SINNER who collaborated with the occupying Roman ✶✶ TO BE “J USTIFIED ” MEANS TO BE F ORGIVEN AND SET RIGHT
forces, betraying and cheating his own Hebrew BY G OD , FOR INWARD H UMILITY IS TRULY B LESSED WHILE
people. ARROGANCE AND PRIDE IN OUTWARD DEEDS IS CONDEMNED .
The practises of the Pharisee were worthy examples to ✶✶ OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST IS OUR CREATOR AND OUR JUDGE – SO
follow. His Good Deeds (Fasting and giving Tithes) WHATEVER HE TEACHES US OR CAUTIONS US AGAINST, WE MUST
are indeed the primary Weapons against the passions PAY VERY CAREFUL ATTENTION AND STRIVE TO APPLY HIS DIVINE
of lust and greed (adultery and extortion). PRINCIPLES TO OUR OWN WORDS, THOUGHTS AND DEEDS, FOR
✶✶ However, WITHOUT A HUMBLE AND REPENTANT HEART , THESE WILL JUDGE US – CONSEQUENTLY, THEY WILL EITHER
THESE OUTWARD PRACTISES ARE WORTHLESS AND LEAD CONDEMN US OR BLESS US.
ONLY TO PRIDE AND JUDGEMENT OF OTHERS . Our Saviour has given us ALL THE SPIRITUAL TOOLS NECESSARY
It is noteworthy that the Pharisee smugly ‘... prayed thus – INDEED, VITAL – FOR OUR ETERNAL SALVATION.
with himself...’ for GOD IS ABSENT WHERE THERE IS PRIDE , ✶✶HOWEVER, IT IS ENTIRELY UP TO OUR OWN CHOICES – our own
BOASTING AND ARROGANCE . free will – whether we will receive Eternal Life in God’s
On the contrary: THE P UBLICAN OR T AX C OLLECTOR SHOWS Heavenly Kingdom, or be Eternally alienated and
BY HIS ENTIRE POSTURE A SINCERE AWARENESS OF THE exiled from God and all His Wonderful Goodness.
SINFUL STATE OF HIS SOUL . Because of God’s infinite Love for us, WHILE WE ARE STILL IN
He stands “... afar off...” with eyes downcast – NOT DARING THIS PREPARATORY PERIOD BEFORE ETERNITY, OUR ERRORS ARE
TO LOOK HEAVENWARDS. ABLE TO BE CORRECTED THROUGH HUMILITY AND OBEDIENCE,
✶✶ HIS HEARTFELT PRAYER OF CONTRITION “O God, be Merciful WHICH LEADS US TO SINCERE REPENTANCE AND ETERNAL LIFE.
to me, a sinner” is the foundation of the Orthodox May we all root out our sins and THROUGH CONSTANT
‘Jesus Prayer:’ “O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God: have WATCHFULNESS AND PRAYER GROW EVER CLOSER TO THE
MERCY ON ME, A SINNER!” LOVING EMBRACE AND PRESENCE OF OUR LORD GOD..
38TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST – 1ST SUNDAY OF THE TRIODION – THE PUBLICAN & THE PHARISEE
✞ In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Whom he besought His Great Mercy, he returned
Holy Spirit... home “...Justified before God”
Dearly Beloved Brethren in Christ, WE ARE PREPARING FOR Without the Publican’s Humility, without his
LENT, BUT THROUGHOUT NEXT WEEK WE DO NOT FAST AT ALL, acknowledgement of being so unworthy he could not
NOT EVEN ON WEDNESDAY AND FRIDAY! life his eyes up to Heaven, and without beseeching
This is not in order to ‘fatten up’ before the great Lenten our Lord as he did: ‘O God, be Merciful to me, a
Fast, as some may think, but in order to set our mind sinner!’ our Lenten Fast will be worthless and even
and heart straight – and to help us understand that dangerous, as our pride leads us to assume the
Fasting is neither ‘a diet’ nor ‘a punishment’ but a arrogant Pharisee’s foolish stance, as Christ said:
period of self-denial and discipline that is the Spiritual “...he prayed thus with himself...” – for he did not
Antidote that cures our various Spiritual Illnesses, pray to our Lord.
including gluttony and selfishness. Furthermore, his pride caused him to judge others and to
Today, we begin the cycle of Holy Services from the boast to God, by saying: “I thank Thee, God, that I am
Lenten Triodion. not like other men…”
Our Lord’s Holy Church is preparing us for Great Lent, When we dare to judge others or feel the need to glorify
and during these weeks before Great Lent begins, ourselves, we are in fact, worse than anyone else, for pride
She offers us the Treasure of the Holy Gospel Lesson was the first passion or vice invented by Satan, which
concerning “the Publican (Tax Collector) and the subsequently caused his banishment from Heaven,
Pharisee” and the Eternal Consequences when Christ together with those Angels whom he had deceived into
Reappears to Judge His Creation. following him in rebellion against God, which he also used
It is clearly evident that these passages carry an to tempt Adam and Eve later, causing their Expulsion from
extremely vital Message or Sacred Lesson for each Paradise and our “Ancestral sin.”
and every one of us, for we are taught about that most
Let us then “…flee the vaunting of the Pharisee and
essential Holy Virtue of Humility.
learn the Humility of the Publican…” (Kontakion)
Only Humility allows us to see our true Spiritual State – on
Let us remember this Sacred Lesson as we enter into
our knees at the pig trough of sin, like the Prodigal
Great Lent in a few weeks’ time, and every day,
Son when he finally regained his sense.
thereafter.
Humility with its inseparable Holy Virtue of Obedience,
Let us not boast to ourselves about the lack of oil in our
urges us to return to our Heavenly Father by
food when we lack the Oil of Forgiveness for those
Repenting and Confessing our sins, returning to our
around us, nor should we dare to brag about the
correct Path that will lead us to our Heavenly Home
meagerness of our meals when our pride flows from
and the welcoming, Joyful Embrace of our Heavenly
‘the Horn of Plenty!
Father Who will count us among His Holy Flock.
The goal of Fasting is first and foremost the Holy Virtue of
Now we must pay very careful attention so that we can
Humility and Obedience, and a clear vision of our
contemplate and understand this First Lesson along
true fallen state, “…for he who exalts himself shall be
the Pathway towards Great and Holy Lent.
humbled!”
It is not like that of Saint Mary of Egypt, who exercised
Let us wretched sinners, sincerely humble ourselves
Prayer and Fasting in the wilderness, or that of Saint
before God, and with abject sorrow, like the
Anthony the Great, who is known for his severe
Repentant Publican, cry out from the very depth of our
Asceticism.
soul to our Heavenly Father: ‘O God, be merciful to
Rather, we are instructed to emulate the good example of
me, a sinner!’”
a despised but sincerely Publican (Tax Collector) who
Amen!
probably never Fasted at all – or at the very least,
certainly not as often as the proud, arrogant Pharisee,
FATHER SERGEI SVESHNIKOV (2009)
yet, after his sincere, humble Confession to God from
HTTP://WWW.PRAVMIR.COM
WHY DO WE FAST?
Fasting is an essential and important Discipline for that strengthens our soul and our will, by controlling
Orthodox Christians. the egocentric demands of our flesh, and enabling us
The importance of Fasting was taught by St Moses, the to fulfil and obey God’s Divine Will.
Prophets, our Lord Jesus Christ, His Apostles, our Holy Fasting is aimed at controlling our most powerful
Church Fathers, Church Canons, and reaffirmed in physical passion – the desire to eat.
the recent Great Synod of the Holy Church of Christ. When we need to eat, we have natural ‘hunger pangs’ in
Fasting is a vital Commitment because it is an essential our stomach, which motivates us to eat something, but
practise of self-denial, self-control or self-discipline if we are greedy, self-indulgent and gluttonous, we
16. 38TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST – 1ST OF TRIODION – PUBLICAN & PHARISEE – 17 FEBRUARY 2019
must control our appetite and resist the persistent To do so, we must do everything possible to overcome our
demands of our desires. sinful inclinations and Live in Christ, according to His
When we deny the “...demands and desires of the flesh..” Divine Commandments and Teachings.
– of our body - our soul and will gains control, which Like St Paul, we must contemplate - and understand -
indeed Benefits us on many levels. why it is that we do what we “...do not want to do...”
As we acquire this essential Discipline due to our Love and what we “...want to do...” we fail to do.
for God and our intense desire to obey His Will, our By using athletic analogies, St Paul explained that we
soul becomes more capable of controlling the must Strengthen and prepare ourselves like athletes
passions of our body that prevent us from doing so. who are about to compete in the most important
When we Fast with Faith and Love of God, we attract Contest of their life, for we are always engaged in a
Divine Grace that nurtures and strengthens us, and life-changing Spiritual Battle against the evil one and
draws us closer to God by deepening our Relationship his demons in a continuous Spiritual Warfare – until
with Him. our very last breath!
By Fasting, we become better able to overcome all our Due to our intense Love of God, our desire to be close to
grievous (shameful) passions - not just gluttony. Him and to obey His Divine Will, we must Fast
Therefore, our commitment to Fasting is truly a most regularly - every Wednesday and Friday, as well as
crucial physical and Spiritual Discipline that is highly according to all the prescribed Fasts throughout the
Beneficial to us both now, in this temporary lifespan, year.
and later, in Eternity. It is important for us to regard our Holy Commitment to
In any physically demanding sport, occupation or Fasting as a positive effort of Co-operation with our
warfare, preparation is utterly necessary in order to Lord God.
succeed. Exercises develop and strengthen our body Fasting is a proven means of bringing us closer to God
and discipline our mind. when we are compelled to do so by our all-
The same principles apply to our immortal soul for consuming Love for Him.
Spiritual Exercises are required to strengthen our soul When we are committed to fulfilling our Lord Jesus
in order to obey God’s Will, which prepares us for Christ’s Teachings and Commandments, our immortal
Eternal Life in His Heavenly Kingdom. soul controls our flesh – our physical desires - and we
For now, our soul must become strong enough to will then experience the Fruits of that marvellous Holy
overcome the demands of our flesh and to do battle Discipline.
against all evil forces and the innumerable, constant Fasting itself is not a Holy Virtue, but it is the control and
temptations of our contemporary society. submission of the passions/vices that is Virtuous.
We are all fallen beings whose sins alienate us from God Fasting is the necessary means of acquiring the essential
and each other. Holy Virtues by the Grace of God, which is significantly
Thus we all need to Struggle determinedly to regain Beneficial to our Eternal Salvation.
control over the demands of our body/flesh and resist Fasting consists of far more than merely what we consume, for
the temptations that cause us to sin so that we can live the Spiritual Fast should be perpetually exercised
in perfect Harmony and Unity with our Lord and with throughout the year.
each other.
FATHER CHARLES JOINER (DEACON)
Our Ultimate Aim is to be fully Restored to our original, SAINT GEORGE GREEK ORTHODOX CATHEDRAL, GREENVILLE,
created state by being Reunited with God in the SOUTH CAROLINA, USA
Everlasting Life of His Heavenly Kingdom of Love. (EDITED BY MP)
HTTP://ORTHODOXWAYOFLIFE.BLOGSPOT.COM/2018/02/
38 T H
SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST – 1 S T
OF TRIODION – PUBLICAN & PHARISEE – 17 FEBRUARY 2019 17
Name, will teach you all things and will remind OF GOD that is even greater than the contemplation of
you of everything that I have said to you.” deep theories.
M A T T H E W 4 : 1 7 - The Incarnate Word of God, Who is For WHEN WE RECOGNIZE OUR INTERNAL DARKNESS AND WHEN THE
an Eternal Co-Ruler with God the Father and God INFERNAL, DREADFUL NATURE OF SIN IS REVEALED TO US so that
the Holy Spirit, began His Holy Gospel by we can fully understand it, IT PROVOKES OUR NATURAL
commanding us: “Repent! The Kingdom of REPUGNANCE, COMPELLING US TO REPENTANCE, whereby
Heaven is at hand!” Divine Grace perceptively grants us Its own
THE PATH OF OUR SWEETEST LORD JESUS, OUR SAVIOUR, HAS Consolation.
BECOME OUR PATH TOWARDS OUR HEAVENLY FATHER AND THE ST ISAAC REFERRED TO VARIOUS TYPES OF CONSOLATION AND
HOLY SPIRIT, Who have also connected us with Him. PERCEPTION OF DIVINE GRACE, especially when we have
Therefore, the Ultimate in the Knowledge of God is our to endure long, lasting trials.
True Faith and our Hope. “When I stand in Prayer, I can only utter one Praise.
Many Psalms of St David constitute a Confession of From there on, even if I stand up in Prayer for three
Repentance. days, I remain in Awe of God and I have no sense of
P S A L M S 2 2 , 1 - 6 - “My God, my God why hast Thou the effort required...
forsaken me? Why art Thou so far from Saving “...I stood outside in the yard of my cell, in bright
me? So far from the words of my groaning? Oh, sunlight. As soon as I started to utter one Praise, I
my God! I cry out by day, but Thou dost not was conscious of my Spiritual Task, but
answer, by night and I am not silent, yet Thou art nevertheless, I was captured, without realizing
Enthroned as the Holy One; Thou art the Praise of where I was. I remained captivated in this State all
Israel. In Thee our Fathers put their trust; they night until the next day when the sun burnt my face
trusted and Thou Delivered them. They cried to again. Then I came to my senses and I immediately
Thee and were Saved; in Thee they trusted and realized that it was the next day.” (ST ISAAC –“THIRD ASCETIC
were not disappointed.” TREATISE - ON THE DEPARTURE”)
OUR HOLY FATHERS, next to whom we have studied and We must never think that those were achievements of our
whose mouths we have heard speaking the Truth, early Fathers, since OUR LORD “...Who is the same
HAVE DESCRIBED as much as possible and as much as yesterday, and today, and forever...” WILL GRANT HIS
we could grasp, THE DEPTH, THE BREADTH AND THE STATURE DIVINE GRACE TO THOSE WHO ARE WILLING TO BEGIN THE
OF COMPREHENSIVE REPENTANCE. STRUGGLE.
From all these explanations we cite just a few. Our Blessed Elder, Joseph the Hesychast, told us that
Repentance, or rather those of us who Repent our sins, DIVINE GRACE PRESENTS ITSELF PERCEPTIVELY AT THE END OF
BEGIN BY BESEECHING GOD TO FORGIVE US OUR TRESPASSES. EXHAUSTING ENDURANCE.
As long as we do not repeat the deeds for which we have “...Even to me, when trials would increase so that they
Repented, we reach the “...Third Heaven...” through would exceed my Endurance, then out of the blue, I
the Grace of Christ and the meticulous application of would be able to comprehend, which according to
the Rules of Repentance. the Psalms, was relevant to the pressing burden.”
There, WE HEAR AND LEARN UNUTTERABLE AND UNFATHOMABLE P S A L M S 9 4 : 1 9 - “When anxiety was great within me,
EXPRESSIONS AND CONTEMPLATIONS, which we cannot Thy Consolation brought Joy to my soul!”
speak of or explain to those who are not familiar with “...Once an Angel of God gave me Holy Communion,
this Grace. while at another time, our Lord, seen hanging on the
2 C O R I N T H I A N S 1 2 : 2 - “...whether it was in the body or Cross, reminded me of the Love for hard work.
out of the body, I do not know, only God knows...” “Our sweetest Lady has also Consoled me several times,
THIS SPIRITUAL STATE OF GRACE was Experienced not only by appearing to me in Person, accordingly to Her
St Paul but CAN ALSO BE EXPERIENCED BY ANYONE WHO Motherly Providence, which She especially
ARDENTLY REPENTS THEIR SINS. demonstrates to us, the residents of the Holy Mount
THE CRUSHED AND HUMILIATED SPIRIT of mankind, which Athos.
Hungers and Thirsts for the wholesome Love of Christ, “Oh, how pleasing it was to hear Her voice, which was
IS CAPTURED by Him AND IS ELEVATED to where our Lord as sweet as honey, guaranteeing my Salvation!”
takes us, WITHOUT BEING ABLE TO COMPREHEND where, how DIVINE GRACE, WHICH APPEARS BECAUSE OF REPENTANCE, TOSSES
and how much, is the measure of this Spiritual OUR SOUL TOWARDS GOD, Whose Light attracts us.
Experience! In the beginning, this is not so obvious, but HIS WARMTH,
As our unforgettable Holy Elder taught us, OUR HUMAN WHICH IS LOVE, BEGINS TO SOFTEN OUR HEART. Then
SENSES ARE NOT FUNCTIONING DURING THIS SPIRITUAL STATE surprisingly, a dispute arises!
OF GRACE, NEITHER IS OUR MIND THINKING, BUT ADMIRING. On the one hand, WE ARE CONSUMED WITH FEAR, OR RATHER,
Only when we return to our normal state can we try to HORROR, AS WE REALISE OUR OWN APPALLING GUILT, while, on
express, or vaguely describe - if at all, since words are the other hand, WE ARE OVERWHELMED BY THE GRACE OF
so inadequate - that which we have Experienced. THE PRESENCE OF GOD with which we are unfamiliar at
2 C O R I N T H I A N S 1 2 : 4 - St Paul explained to the this stage.
Corinthians that he had been “...caught up to THE DIVISION OF FEAR IS EXCESSIVE, since THE PRESENCE OF
Paradise and heard Inexpressible Things which GRACE OPENS UP OUR EYES AND WE CONSCIOUSLY EXPERIENCE
man is not permitted to speak of...” OUR OWN TERRIBLE FILTHINESS.
1 C O R I N T H I A N S 2 : 9 – It is difficult to describe or to THE PERCEIVED PRESENCE OF DIVINE GRACE CONSOLES Us but we
explain certain Spiritual Experiences since “...no cannot contain OUR TEARS OF CONTRITION, which
eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has INDICATE OUR HONEST REPENTANCE and our return from
conceived what God has prepared for those who the “...far away land...” where we had wasted our
Love Him.” At present, we can only partly Heavenly Father’s Possessions – our Sacred
comprehend what is beyond this physical world. Inheritance!
Our Holy Fathers have taught us that WHEN WE PERCEIVE AND
ACKNOWLEDGE OUR OWN CORRUPT NATURE, IT IS A GREAT GIFT (... T O B E C O N T I N U E D ...)
THE ETERNAL, INSPIRED WISDOM OF OUR HOLY FATHERS
ST PAISIOS OF MOUNT ATHOS manifests itself, we must hit that one as well! We must
Blessed, and thrice-Blessed are those who are regarded strike each and every passion as they appear so that
as being ‘bronze” because of a “bad name” given to they cannot fatally injure us!
them by others, whereas, in Truth, they are 24 carat
gold! ST IGNATIOS BRIANCHANINOV
ST THEOPHAN THE RECLUSE How wounded is our natural Love! How deep are the
The grievous passions are like venomous serpents! When wounds of strong passions that it suffers! When our
one of them emanates from our heart, it is like a heart is engulfed by powerful passions we are
snake sticking its head out of a hole. We must strike it capable of every type of injustice and transgression
in the Name of Christ so that it immediately slithers as long as it satisfies its sick desires!
away, and as soon as another serpent of vice
18. 38TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST – 1ST OF TRIODION – PUBLICAN & PHARISEE – 17 FEBRUARY 2019
Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria & All Africa
Archdiocese of Good Hope
All Glory, Honour and Worship to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now
and forever, and unto the Ages of ages. Amen. Remembering also our Most Holy, Most
Pure, Most Blessed and Glorious Lady, Maria, Theotokos, yet Ever Virgin, together with all
the Saints. And let us commit ourselves and one another and our whole Life to Christ our
God. Amen.
PATRONAL APOLYTIKION
FESTAL KONTAKION - THE PRODIGAL SON - TONE 1
Tis Patroas Doxis Sou aposkirtisas afronos, en kakis Foolishly I ran away, from Thy Glory, O Father, and
eskorpisa, on mi paredokas plouton. Othen Si tin tou wasted in sin, all the wealth that Thou granted me.
Asotou fonin hravgazo. Imarton enopion Sou, Pater Therefore, the Prodigal’s cry I repeat to Thee: I have
iktirmon. Dexe me metanoounta ke piison me os ena sinned, before Thy Compassionate Father. Do
ton Misthion Sou. accept me in repentance, AND MAKE ME AGAIN, ONE OF
THY HIRED HANDS.
PROKEIMENON – PSALM 63 – TONE (7) VARYS-GRAVE
The Righteous shall be glad in the Lord.
Hear, O God, my voice in my Supplication!
THE SECOND EPISTLE OF ST PAUL TO THE CORINTHIANS 4 : 6 - 15
ST JOHN THE BAPTIST FACED DEATH SO THAT HE MIGHT SHOW FORTH THE LIGHT OF CHRIST
Brethren, it is God Who commanded light to shine out of darkness, Who has shone in our hearts to give the Light of the
Knowledge of the Glory of God in the Face of Jesus Christ. We have this Treasure in earthen vessels, so that the
Excellence of the Power may be of God and not of us.
We are hard pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not
forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed – always carrying about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, so that
the Life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body. For we who Live are already Delivered to Death for Jesus’
sake, that the Life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. So then Death is working in us, but Life in
you.
Since we have the same spirit of Faith, according to what is written: “...I believed, therefore I spoke...” we also Believe
and therefore speak, knowing that He Who raised up the Lord Jesus will also raise us up with Jesus, and will present
us with you. For all things are for your sake, that Grace, having spread through the many, may cause
Thanksgiving to abound to the Glory of God.
✶ THE GOAL OF PREACHING THE DIVINE TRUTH – the Teachings As this Divine Light shines in and through us, MANKIND WILL
and Commandments of God – is not in order to glorify SEE THAT THE POWER IS OF ALMIGHTY GOD, AND CERTAINLY
ourselves but rather TO GLORIFY GOD AND TO ENLIGHTEN NOT OF MANKIND!
ALL MANKIND WITH HIS DIVINE TRUTH, WISDOM AND LOVE. ✶ OUR ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN FAITH IS CERTAINLY NOT TROUBLE
✶ The “Treasure” is THE LIGHT AND TRUTH OF GOD’S DIVINE FREE BUT IT IS INDEED ETERNALLY VICTORIOUS!
GLORY IN OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, which is CONTAINED OUR DAILY TRIALS AND TRIBULATIONS SHOW US THE BENEFICIAL
WITHIN US WHO ARE THE “EARTHEN VESSELS” – THE TEMPORARY, POWER AND LOVE OF GOD FOR US SINNERS, AND even more,
PHYSICAL TEMPLES OF GOD. THEY REVEAL TO US HIS DIVINE GRACE that Protects and
Delivers us from the machinations of the evil one.
HOLY GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST LUKE 15 : 11 – 32
THE PRODIGAL SON – REPENTANCE & FORGIVENESS
At that time, our Lord Jesus narrated this Parable: “A certain Man had two sons. And the younger of them said to his
Father: ‘Father, give me the portion of goods that falls to me.’ So He divided between them His Livelihood.
And not many days later, the younger son gathered all his possessions together and journeyed to a far country
where he wasted his possessions with prodigal living. “And when he had spent everything, there arose a severe
famine in that land, and he began to be in need. And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country
39 T H A FTER P ENTECOST – 2 N D OF T RIODI ON – P RODIG AL S ON – 1 S T & 2 N D F INDI NG S T J OHN B APTI ST ’ S H EAD – 24 F EBRU ARY 2019 19
who sent him into his fields to feed swine. And he would have gladly filled his stomach with the pods that the
swine ate, yet no one gave him anything.
“And when he came to himself, he said: ‘How many of my Father’s hired servants have enough bread to eat and to
spare, yet I perish from hunger! I will arise and go to my Father, and I will say to Him: “Father, I have sinned
against Heaven and before Thee, and I am no longer worthy to be called Thy son. Make me like one of Thy
hired servants.”’
“And he arose and went to his Father.
“And when he was still a great way off, his Father saw him and had Compassion, and ran, and fell upon his neck
and kissed him. And the son said to Him: ‘Father, I have sinned against Heaven and before Thee, and I am no
longer worthy to be called Thy son.’ But the Father said to his servants: ‘Bring out the best Robe and put it on
him, and put a Ring on his hand, and sandals on his feet. And fetch the Fatted Calf and kill it, and let us eat
and be merry; for this, My son was Dead and is Alive again; he was Lost and is Found!’ And they began to be
merry.
“Now His older son was in the field. And as he went and drew near to the House he heard music and dancing. So he
called one of the servants and asked what these things meant. And he said to him: ‘Your Brother has returned,
and because He received him safe and sound, your Father has killed the Fatted Calf.’
“And he was angry and would not go in. Therefore his Father went out and pleaded with him.
“So he answered and said to his Father: ‘Behold, these many years I have been serving Thee; I never transgressed
Thy Commandment at any time; and yet Thou never gave me a young goat, so that I might make merry with my
friends. But as soon as this son of Thine returned – having devoured Thy Livelihood with harlots – Thou killed
the Fatted Calf for him.’
“And He said to him: ‘Son, thou art always with Me, and all that I have is thine. It was right that we should make
merry and be glad, for your Brother was Dead and is Alive again; and was Lost and is Found.’”
✶ The Younger, Immature Son’s request for his “...portion ✶ “...the Best Robe...” SIGNIFIES THE GARMENT OF
of goods....” (“Ousia” = “Essence”) from his Father, RIGHTEOUSNESS GRANTED TO US BY OUR HOLY BAPTISM.
signifies us human beings RECEIVING OUR FREE WILL (TO I S A I A H 6 1 : 1 0 “... They shall have exceeding Gladness
PICK AND CHOOSE WHICH PATH TO FOLLOW) AND OUR in the Lord. Let my soul Rejoice exceedingly in the
RATIONAL MIND FROM OUR GRACIOUS LORD GOD. Lord, for He Clothed me with the Garment of
JUST AS ADAM DID IN PARADISE, THE YOUNGER SON USED THESE Salvation and the Tunic of Gladness. He put a
WONDERFUL POSSESSIONS – DIVINE GIFTS – TO REBEL AGAINST Mitre around me like a Bridegroom and Adorned
HIS (HEAVENLY) FATHER. me with ornaments like a Bride. As the Earth
✶ The “...Far Country...” to which the Prodigal Son causes its flower to grow, and as a garden its
journeyed represents a LIFE EXILED AND ALIENATED FROM seeds, so shall the Lord cause Righteousness to rise
THE GOODNESS AND BLESSINGS OF GOD. up, and Exceeding Joy before all the Gentiles.”
WHENEVER WE ARE IN A STATE OF SIN, WE ARE ALIENATED AND St John Chrysostom and all our Holy Church Fathers have
EXILED FROM DIVINE GOODNESS – WE HAVE GONE A GREAT taught us that “...THE GARMENT OF SALVATION...” IS CHRIST
DISTANCE FROM GOD – i.e. to a “far country.” HIMSELF, which explains why St Paul taught us that in
✶ Having United himself to “ ... a citizen of that HOLY BAPTISM WE “...PUT ON CHRIST.”
country...” is an oblique reference to THE EVIL ONE G A L A T I A N S 3 : 2 7 “,,,for as many of you as were
WHO IS OBSESSED WITH OUR DESTRUCTION AND ALIENATION. Baptised into Christ have put on Christ.”
Satan first tempts us into a SPIRITUAL DEATH and then tries St Paul directly relates OUR SAVING FAITH AND BEING BAPTISED
to keep us there and away from God’s Blessings in A by connecting them as OUR MOST PRECIOUS AND INTIMATE
STATE OF SPIRITUAL SLAVERY AND IMPRISONMENT. However, BLESSINGS FROM GOD.
THE EVIL ONE CANNOT DESTROY US HIMSELF . This particular verse is the ancient Hymn chanted at all
Just like the Prodigal Son, BY GOD’S GRACE, WE WILL Christian Baptisms during the Procession of the Newly
EVENTUALLY AWAKEN FROM OUR GODLESS STUPOR AND REALISE Regenerated into the Assembly.
OUR PREDICAMENT, AND YEARN FOR HIS BLESSINGS AND ✶ ” .. put a Ring on his hand ...´SIGNIFIES FAMILY IDENTITY –
GOODNESS. OUR ADOPTION AT HOLY BAPTISM AS A CHILD OF GOD AND CO-
BEING IMMERSED IN THE DARKNESS OF SIN, IS EXISTING OUTSIDE HEIR WITH CHRIST to our Heavenly Father’s Kingdom.
OUR NATURAL CREATED STATE. H A G G A I 2 : 2 3 “... ‘in that day,’ says the Lord Almighty,
✶ “...Feeding swine...” could rightly be regarded as ‘I shall take Thee, Zerubbabel, My Servant, son of
‘Jewish Skid Row,’ because iN SUCH A STATE OF Shealtiel... and shall make Thee like a Signet
DEBAUCHERY AND SELF-INDULGENCE, WHICH RESULTED IN Ring; for I have Chosen Thee.’”
COMPLETE DESTITUTION – BOTH PHYSICAL AND SPIRITUAL - THE Official Royal Acts in the ancient world were
PRODIGAL SON COULD NOT POSSIBLY SINK MUCH LOWER. authenticated by the use of a Monarch’s Signet Ring
✶ “...when he came to himself...”means that HIS SANITY WAS so BY DESIGNATING ZERUBBABEL AS HIS SIGNET, THE LORD WAS,
RESTORED – I.E. HE REALISED THE TRUE SPIRITUAL STATE INTO IN EFFECT, STATING THAT HE WOULD BE ACTING AS GOD’S VICE-
WHICH HE HAD FALLEN. REGENT, CHARGED WITH CARRYING OUT HIS SUPREME RULE AND
THIS IS ESSENTIAL BEFORE BEING ABLE TO RETURN TO THE DIVINE DIVINE WILL.
LIGHT AND TRUTH OF GOD. On a deeper level: THIS IS A STRONG MESSIANIC PROPHECY.
AFTER OUR CONTRITE REPENTANCE-CONFESSION WE ARE ABLE TO St Ambrose of Milan taught us: “...When our soul
REGAIN OUR SPIRITUAL LIFE IN CHRIST through His Divine becomes Peaceful... then she (our soul) will receive
Forgiveness. Christ like a Signet Ring upon her, for she is the
THE PRODIGAL SON ACKNOWLEDGED HIS hopeless, sinful Image of God. Then she will be according to that
condition – his state of utter SPIRITUAL DEATH AND Image, because Heavenly is the Heavenly Man.
ALIENATION FROM GOD AND ALL HIS BLESSINGS. “And we need to bear the Image of the Heavenly One,
✶ HE IMMEDIATELY PREPARED HIS CONFESSION AND REPENTANCE: that is, Peace ...
“... I will arise and go to my Father, and I will say to “I wish the Lord Jesus may say to you: ‘Put Me as a Seal
Him: ‘Father I have sinned against Heaven and upon Thine arm.’ May Peace glow in Thy heart,
before Thee...’” Christ in Thy Works, and may there be formed in
✶ The “...Bread...” to which the Prodigal Son refers Thee Wisdom and Justice and Redemption.”
symbolises OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST Who is KNOWN TO US ✶ The “...Sandals...” signify how WE ARE EQUIPPED TO WALK
THROUGHOUT HOLY SCRIPTURE AND ESPECIALLY IN THE HOLY THE PATH OF RIGHTEOUS.
EUCHARIST – THE DIVINE LITURGY. WE ARE ABLE TO FOLLOW IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF OUR SAVIOUR,
✶ “...his Father saw him and ... ran...” although it was ACCORDING TO HIS HOLY GOSPEL – by the Will of God the
considered undignified and unfitting behaviour for a Father, through the Teachings of God the Son, and
mature man or elderly person to run. Activated, Inspired and Enabled by God the Holy
The FATHER EXPRESSED HIS LOVE AND EAGERNESS TO WELCOME Spirit.
THE RETURN OF HIS LOST CHILD BY RUNNING TO HIM AND E P H E S I A N S 6 : 1 4 - 1 5 “... Stand therefore, having
EMBRACING HIM WARMLY. Girded thyself with Truth, having put on the
This SELF-HUMILIATION FOR THE SAKE OF HIS LOST SON indicates Breastplate of Righteousness, and having shod
the manner whereby OUR HEAVENLY FATHER, THROUGH THE thy feet with the Preparation of the Gospel of
SACRIFICE OF HIS SON - OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST - ACTIVELY Peace...”
AND PATIENTLY AWAITS AND JOYOUSLY WELCOMES ALL THOSE CHRISTIANS FIGHT AGAINST ALL EVIL ARMED WITH THIS DIVINE
WHO RETURN SAFELY TO HIS LOVING EMBRACE. ARMOUR, which is God’s Uncreated Divine Energy,
20 39 TH
A FTER P ENTECOST – 2 N D OF T RI ODIO N – P R ODIGAL S O N – 1 S T & 2 N D F IND ING S T J OHN B A PTIST ’ S H EAD – 24 F EBRU ARY 2019
granted to us at Holy Baptism and used by us RIGHTEOUS, STUBBORN AND UNREPENTANT SINNERS to whom
throughout our Life in Christ as WE BATTLE IN SPIRITUAL Christ related this Parable.
WARFARE EVERY MOMENT OF THE DAY. St Cyril of Alexandria wrote: “... God requires His Faithful
AS FAITHFUL DISCIPLES OF CHRIST WE HAVE PUT ON ALL THE People to Rejoice whenever even the most guilty
QUALITIES BESTOWED UPON US AS SPIRITUAL ARMOUR - TRUTH, person returns to God through sincere Repentance-
RIGHTEOUSNESS, PEACE AND FAITH, which are constantly Confession.”
to be used in the Conflict we face as we proceed ever THE ELDEST SON’S FAILURE TO RECOGNISE HIS OWN SINS LEADS TO
closer to God and His Heavenly Kingdom. HIS SELF-RIGHTEOUS AND MERCILESS ATTITUDE.
WITHOUT STRUGGLE THERE CAN BE NO DEIFICATION – Theosis or Contrast this with the contrition of the Prodigal Son, as St
Spiritual Perfection. Ambrose of Milan commented: “...the one who seems
✶ THE “...fatted calf...” IS A SACRIFICIAL OFFERING. to himself to be Righteous, who does not see the
The ‘fatted calf’ is translated as either ‘wheat-fed bull- Beam in his own eye, becomes angry when
calf’ or ‘bull-calf formed from wheat,’ and is a male Forgiveness is granted to one who Confesses his sins
calf that has been raised on wheat IN PREPARATION AS A and begs for Mercy.”
SPECIAL SACRIFICIAL ANIMAL. ✶ THE OLDER SON’S INGRATITUDE IS ALSO APPARENT in his selfish
As THE RECONCILIATION OF THE PRODIGAL SON WAS NOT accusation: “... Thou never gave me a young goat...”
COMPLETE WITHOUT THE SACRIFICE OF THE FATTED CALF, so MEANWHILE HIS LOVING FATHER HAS GRANTED HIM EVERYTHING HE
too OUR RECONCILIATION WITH GOD IS ACCOMPLISHED AND HAS!
PERFECTED - not by our Repentance alone but BY CHRIST WE, TOO, ARE GUILTY OF ALWAYS COMPLAINING ABOUT WHAT WE
HAVING OFFERED HIMSELF AS THE ULTIMATE, FINAL AND MOST THINK WE ARE LACKING in material possessions and
PUREST BLOOD OFFERING OF ALL THAT FULFILLED ANY NEED wealth – all the unbeneficial, temporary, corruptible
FOR MORE BLOOD SACRIFICES AS REPENTANCE OFFERINGS. things of this life that WE DESIRE BUT WHICH WE DO NOT
THE FESTIVE DINING ON THE ‘Fatted Calf’ OFFERING - “FORMED ACTUALLY NEED!
FROM WHEAT” - IS A CLEAR REFERENCE TO OUR PARTAKING OF WE SHOULD CEASELESSLY EXPRESS OUR DEEPEST GRATITUDE TO GOD
THE NEW COVENANT HOLY EUCHARIST. FOR ALL HIS ABUNDANT BLESSINGS THAT HE BESTOWS SO
thus OUR RECONCILIATION WITH GOD IS THROUGH REPENTANCE- FREELY UPON US!!
CONFESSION AND HOLY EUCHARIST – FOR THE FORGIVENESS OF WHEN WE FINALLY LEARN TO ACKNOWLEDGE OUR INFINITE
SINS AND ETERNAL LIFE. BLESSINGS AND EXPRESS THANKSGIVING TO GOD FOR HIS
Consequently, both THE OLD AND THE NEW COVENANTS ARE GREAT MERCY IN ALL THINGS, WE WILL NEVER BE DISSATISFIED
FULFILLED at the Marriage of Christ the Heavenly WITH ANYTHING EVERY AGAIN!!!
Bridegroom and His Bride, the Holy Church. Instead WE WILL BE OVERJOYED BY HOW MUCH GOD HAS GRANTED
✶ THE RESENTFUL ‘...older Brother...’ SIGNIFIES THE US EACH AND EVERY MOMENT OF THE DAY – no matter how
HARDHEARTEDNESS OF THE PHARISEES AND ALL SELF- others may try to tempt us into a state of
discontentment and ingratitude!
39TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST – 2ND SUNDAY OF TRIODION – THE PRODIGAL SON
✞ In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the His hunger and degradation made him realise what he
Holy Spirit... had done, and only then did he come to his senses
Dearly Beloved Brethren in Christ, we have all had the and begin his long Journey home, knowing that the
experience of being ashamed of ourselves. most he could possibly expect from his Father was to
We have done, said, or thought something that might become one of his hired servants.
have seemed to be appropriate at the time, but which When he finally arrived at home, and was so warmly
we later realized was appalling. welcomed by his Loving Father, he confessed:
Whenever that happens, we catch a glimpse of Truth “Father, I have sinned against Heaven and before
about ourselves that is difficult to bear. Thee, and I am no longer worthy to be called Thy
We are often paralyzed by our shame, embarrassment, son.’
sorrow or by a prideful refusal to accept in Humility The Repentant Prodigal Son made no excuses for himself,
that we—like everyone else in this life—are very far and had not asked for anything from his Father other
from perfect and that we are in constant need of our than to become one of his hired servants.
Lord’s Mercy and Grace. He knew the seemingly irreparable harm that he had
Those who remain stuck in that rut of shame or pride will done, and the disrespect he had shown to his Father,
face great obstacles when seeking Spiritual Healing for he clearly understood the seriousness of his selfish,
for their immortal soul. greedy behaviour.
The Prodigal Son of today’s Sacred Gospel Lesson Furthermore, the Repentant Prodigal Son was painfully
provides a wonderful example of how to get over aware that his father owed him nothing at all,
wounded pride and Repent even the most shameful whereas he, himself, was totally dependent upon his
acts. Father’s Mercy.
The Prodigal Son had committed the ultimate insult to his The Courage and Humility of the Repentant Prodigal Son
Father by asking for his share of the Inheritance, is to be admired and emulated.
which was as bad as telling him that he was tired of Despite how disrespectfully he had treated his Father, he
waiting for him to die! refused to be paralyzed by his shame.
The loving Father apparently meant nothing to his He examined himself intensely with every step he took on
younger son other than being a means of funding his his return Journey, and fully accepted the Truth of
desired, self-indulgent lifestyle. everything that he had done.
The Prodigal Son remained unconcerned about the He was ready to accept whatever well-deserved
gravity and extent of his selfishness and disrespect rejection, criticism, punishment or awkwardness with
until he became utterly destitute and suffered which he would have to contend when he arrived
extremely wretched circumstances, which caused home and came face to face with his Father whose
him to return to his senses and acknowledge the unconditional Love he had rejected.
Truth. The Repentant Prodigal Son had no illusions about
Having “...journeyed to a far country...” which was himself, his ghastly behaviour, and how it had
foreign to everything his Father had provided for him impacted others.
and taught him, “...he wasted his possessions with He hoped he would be able to return to his Father’s
prodigal living...” household as a servant, for he thought he would not
“And when he had spent everything...” his impoverished be welcomed as a beloved son.
state forced him to tend herds of pigs – something that Had the Prodigal Son not Repented his sins and returned
would have been abhorrent to any Faithful Israelite. to his Father’s loving care, he would not have
Suffering from starvation, the Prodigal Son “... would received his Father’s unbelievable Mercy and
have gladly filled his stomach with the pods that the experienced that Great Joy of Reconciliation and
swine ate, yet no one gave him anything.” Forgiveness.
Most of us, by the Grace of God, have never suffered the His Father had scanned the horizon every day, hoping his
excruciating pangs of starvation caused by severe young son would return, so when he finally saw his
famine, so we cannot imagine how dreadful it is! Prodigal Son approaching, he impulsively ran out to
greet him and warmly embrace him.
39 T H A FTER P ENTECOST – 2 N D OF T RIODI ON – P RODIG AL S ON – 1 S T & 2 N D F INDI NG S T J OHN B APTI ST ’ S H EAD – 24 F EBRU ARY 2019 21
His son immediately responded with his heartfelt Heavenly Father through our eager, humble
Confession: “Father, I have sinned against Heaven Obedience to His Divine Will.
and before Thee! I am no longer worthy to be called As we prepare for the Spiritual Disciplines of Great Lent,
Thy son!.” we must keep in mind the Teachings of this Parable
And before he could ask to be hired as a servant in his which provides such a powerful image of what
household, his Father restored him fully as his beloved happens when we finally come to our senses and
son. recognize our sins, turning away from them, and
The loving Father did not simply forgive his son who had Renewing our Sacred Relationship with our Lord God.
rejected and insulted him, but instead he celebrated The overwhelming Mercy of the Loving Father is an
his Resurrection from the Spiritual Death of sin: “...for image of the Abundant Grace of God, for He does not
this, My son was Dead and is Alive again; he was simply Forgive us, but He also Restores us fully as His
Lost and is Found!’ adopted sons and daughters, thereby making us
Every one of us has done, said, or thought shameful Blessed Participants in Eternal Life by His Divine
things, of which we do not want to be reminded Grace.
because they challenge our stubborn pride. Despite our humble, contrite expectations, we are not
Unfortunately, many of us suffer from a crippling sense of treated as ‘hirelings’ with ‘low levels’ of Blessing who
disgrace, which is more a reflection of our refusal to somehow ‘sneak’ into His Heavenly Kingdom through
accept in Humility the Truth about ourselves than of a back-door.
anything else. Our Benevolent and Loving Lord God never scolds nor
When we have the proper attitude, the intensified shames us, but always Joyfully welcomes our return to
Spiritual Disciplines of the coming weeks of Great Lent Him with infinite, unconditional Divine Love that is
can Heal our guilt, for they are a common Calling of utterly beyond our limited human comprehension.
our Holy Church because we have all sinned and Sin is reprehensible because it is the ultimate rejection of
fallen short of the Glory of God. our Lord God and His Divine Purpose for us.
We have all failed to Love our Lord and our neighbours Repentance is never shameful nor humiliating because it
with all our being, for we are far from being as Perfect is an acceptance of our Lord and His Blessed Purpose
as our Heavenly Father. for us.
We have all failed our Vocation of striving to become How tragic it would have been if the Prodigal Son had
like God in Holiness and Devotion, which is the reason remained unrepentant and had thus starved to death
for our need in the coming weeks of intensified as a lowly, unpaid feeder of swine, due to stubborn
Prayer, Fasting, Alms-giving (generosity to the poor), pride that would have kept him enslaved by his
and Repentance-Confession, whereby we will come to destitute and lonely misery.
know our True Spiritual State more clearly and Instead, having regained his senses and acknowledging
sincerely seek the Great Mercy of our Heavenly the depth of his fall, the Repentant Prodigal Son
Father. returned to the warm embrace of his Loving Father
We are all guilty of shameful, disgraceful and and the re-instatement of his former privileges as his
disrespectful thoughts, words, and deeds, but none of beloved son.
us should be stuck in a rut of pride that prevents us The same applies to us when we sincerely Repent our
from taking the Homeward Journey of Repentance- sins, for no matter what we have done, thought, or
Confession. said, and no matter how far we have strayed from our
We must neither disregard the necessities of Great, Holy Heavenly Father, He will always joyfully Forgive us
Lent nor avoid the Spiritual Restoration and Healing and Reconcile us as His Beloved Children.
of Repentance-Confession because we cannot believe The Prodigal Son’s return home was joyfully celebrated as
that God would ever forgive us for the sins we have a Resurrection from Spiritual Death to Spiritual Life,
committed. which is why his Father called for such a great
This particular Parable of our Lord Jesus Christ is a very celebration.
good remedy for such an attitude, for the Loving Similarly, Great Lent prepares us to follow our Saviour to
Father is an image of our own Heavenly Father, His Cross and the Glory of His Resurrection at Pascha.
Whose infinite Love Restores our dignity as His It is vitally necessary for us to die to sin so that we will be
adopted sons and daughters whenever we Repent prepared for the Great Joy of our Lord’s Victory over
our sins, for His Great Mercy is infinite and Eternal! Death and to enter into the Eternal Celebration of His
However, we must imitate the example of the Repentant Heavenly Banquet.
Prodigal Son by “...coming to...” ourselves – regaining There is no shame at all in preparing ourselves to accept
our good senses, by acknowledging our sins and by such a Great Invitation.
earnestly Repenting them, knowing that we deserve In fact, the only shame would be if we rejected His
nothing due to our own poor merits, and by actually Invitation due to our wounded pride!
beginning our Homeward Journey – returning to the Amen
warm, welcoming and Loving Embrace of our
FATHER PHILIP LEMASTERS – EASTERN CHRISTIAN INSIGHTS (2017)
HTTP://ORTHOCHRISTIAN.COM/101018.HTML
ELDER DOROTHEOS – ON PRIDE AND HUMILITY
What is the cause and what is the Cure for this arrogant We suffer all these sorrows, and such wretchedness due to
and disdainful behaviour (pride)? our pride, through our own irrationality and because
When our Lord Jesus Christ urged us to “...Learn from Me, we accommodate our wicked intentions, and want to
for I Am Gentle and Humble in Heart, and you will impose our own petty will.
find Rest for your soul...” He showed us the root cause Although Adam and Eve were created in the midst of
of all evils, as well as their antidote, the cause of all every comfort, joy, solace and glory of Paradise, God
Blessings. [Matthew 11:29] issued one Commandment, which they broke
He taught us that pride has overcome us and that we anyway, due to pride, stubbornness and
cannot be free of it except through the acquisition of disobedience.
Humility. When God saw their shameless lack of respect, He
Pride begets arrogant, disdainful behaviour and understood that they were foolish and would not
catastrophic disobedience, while Humility begets appreciate what they had, for unless they suffered
Obedience and the Salvation of our soul – i.e. genuine they would go straight to Perdition, and unless they
Humility, not merely an expression or outward show experienced sorrow, they would never appreciate
but the actual humble disposition that is cultivated in Respite.
our heart and outlook... This is what He means when Therefore, they were cast out of Paradise and were given
He says: ‘...I am gentle and humble in heart’. over to their selfish desires ... eventually learning not
If we want true Rest for our soul we must acquire Humility to depend on themselves but on God alone, and that
for therein lies all Joy, all Glory and all Respite, just as suffering is caused by disobedience while Humility
the opposites are caused by pride. and Obedience grant us Joy, Peace and satisfaction...
HTTP://PEMPTOUSIA.COM/2019/01/ON-PRIDE-AND-HUMILITY/
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A FTER P ENTECOST – 2 N D OF T RI ODIO N – P R ODIGAL S O N – 1 S T & 2 N D F IND ING S T J OHN B A PTIST ’ S H EAD – 24 F EBRU ARY 2019