Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria & All Africa

Archdiocese of Good Hope

All Glory, Honour and Worship to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and forever,
and unto the Ages of ages. Amen. Remembering also our Most Holy, Most Pure, Most Blessed and
Glorious Lady, Maria, Theotokos, yet Ever Virgin, together with all the Saints. And let us commit
ourselves and one another and our whole Life to Christ our God. Amen.
1 NOVEMBER 2019

ST KOSMAS & ST DAMIANOS

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

THE SUNDAY AND FESTAL HYMNS ARE PUBLISHED IN BOOKLET FORM EACH MONTH. THESE
ARE PUBLISHED AND FREELY DOWNLOADABLE ON www.scribd.com/writers4574. L I N K S A R E A L S O P O S T E D O N F A C E B O O K
“ O R T H O D O X C H R I S T I A N E A S T E R N C A P E . ” ( O R C A N B E E M A I L E D D I R E C T L Y , O N R E Q U E S T T O marguerite.paizis@gmail.com )

P R OKE IME NON – P SALM 15/16 – T ONE 4

The Saints that are in His Land, the Lord has Magnified.
I have set the Lord always before me.

T H E F IR ST EP ISTLE OF S T P AUL THE C OR INTH IANS 12 : 27 – 13 : 8

Brethren: You are the Body of Christ, and members individually. And God has appointed these in the Church: first
Apostles, second Prophets, third Teachers, after that Miracles, then Gifts of Healings, Helps, Administrations, varieties
of Tongues.
Are all Apostles? Are all Prophets? Are all Teachers? Are all Workers of Miracles? Do all have Gifts of Healings? Do all
speak with Tongues? Do all interpret? Earnestly desire the best Gifts.
And yet I show you a more excellent Way:
Although I speak with the Tongues of men and of Angels, but have not Love, I have become sounding brass or a
clanging cymbal. And although I have the Gift of Prophecy, and understand all Mysteries and all Knowledge, and
although I have all Faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not Love, I am nothing! And although I
bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and although I give my body to be burnt, but have not Love, it profits me
nothing!
Love suffers long and is kind. Love does not envy. Love does not parade itself, is not puffed up, does not behave
rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil, does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the Truth;
bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
Love never fails.
✶ “... the BODY OF CHRIST, AND MEMBERS INDIVIDUALLY...” 2. To BAPTISE THEM in the Names of the Holy Trinity – IN THE

Altogether we form the ONE, HOLY, UNIVERSAL ORTHODOX DIVINE NAMES OF THE THREE DIVINE PERSONS OF OUR ONE,
CHURCH OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST. TRIUNE GOD as revealed to us by our Heavenly

Each of us is a SEPARATE SANCTIFIED MEMBER of His Holy Father and our Lord Jesus Christ, which we are
Church WHO FROM BAPTISM TO REPOSE STRUGGLE able to comprehend by the Power of God the Life-
AGAINST TEMPTATIONS AND SIN, WHILE STRIVING TO giving All Holy Spirit.
ACQUIRE SPIRITUAL PERFECTION, DEIFICATION OR THEOSIS. 3. To TEACH THEM EVERYTHING that our Lord Jesus has

In order for the Holy Church of Christ to fulfil our Lord’s Revealed and directly taught us, which His
Divine, Salvific Mission on Earth, WE MUST WORK Apostles and their successors have very carefully
TOGETHER IN PERFECT SPIRITUAL HARMONY, UNITY AND preserved intact and passed down to us so that
LOVE. we, too, continue His Divine Mission of Eternal
✶ “... God has appointed...” A HIERARCHY OF HONOUR that Salvation until the end of these Last Days – i.e. until
oversees, guides and teaches the Faithful Disciples time ends – yesterday, today, tomorrow; now and
of Christ, ENSURING THE CORRECT, CAREFUL PROTECTION then - and we enter Eternity – forever present,
AND MAINTENANCE OF OUR LORD’S DIVINE TRUTH – all His now.
Commandments and Teachings.
PROPHETS WERE CHOSEN BY GOD WHO DIVINELY INSPIRED AND

THE HOLY, ORTHODOX CHURCH OF CHRIST IS STRICTLY ENLIGHTENED THEM SO THAT THEY COULD PROPERLY LEAD,
ACCORDING TO HIS DIVINE TEACHINGS AND GUIDE, TEACH AND PREPARE GOD’S CHOSEN PEOPLE for the
COMMANDMENTS – both the VERBAL AND WRITTEN HOLY Great Divine Messiah Who would Deliver them
TRADITION – that is PERFECT AND UNCHANGEABLE. from the evil one and Save their immortal souls

THE APOSTOLIC WORK OF OUR BISHOPS SETS THE PACE AND forever.
STANDARD for everyone under their Jurisdiction and
MANY GENERATIONS PASSED BEFORE the final, greatest Holy
Authority. Prophet of God - ST JOHN THE BAPTIST AND

WHEN THE OVERSIGHT OF BISHOPS ARE IN ORDER – i.e. the FORERUNNER TO CHRIST - APPEARED AND EXHORTED GOD’S
supervision of each Metropolitan/Archdiocese – PEOPLE TO REPENT THEIR SINS AND OBEY THE DIVINE LAWS
THE HOLY CHURCH OF CHRIST FUNCTIONS AT OPTIMAL because the Kingdom of God and our Great
LEVEL. Messiah/Divine Saviour had come as God had
✶ “...Apostles ....Prophets .. Teachers ... Workers of Promised.
Miracles ... Healings .... speak with Tongues...
Teaching, Miracle-working, Healings and speaking or
interpret...” are ALL ACCORDING TO THE WILL AND understanding foreign languages or dialects are
EMPOWERMENT OF OUR LORD GOD FOR SPECIFIC DIVINE DIVINE GIFTS THAT ARE BESTOWED UPON ORDINARY HUMAN
PURPOSES, BUT ESPECIALLY FOR MANKIND’S RESTORATION BEINGS FOR THE SOLE PURPOSE OF SPIRITUAL
AND SALVATION. ENLIGHTENMENT, FIRMLY ESTABLISHING FAITH IN GOD,

APOSTLES WERE TAUGHT DIRECTLY AND SENT OUT BY CHRIST to AND BEING ABLE TO TEACH GOD’S DIVINE TRUTH OTHERS
spread the New Covenant Holy Gospel to all AND TO ENABLE US TO FULFIL HIS DIVINE WILL.
Nations as God commanded: (MATTHEW 28 : 16 – 20)
Speaking in tongues was INITIALLY ESSENTIAL TO PREACH
AND TEACH the New Covenant Holy Gospel of Christ
1. To MAKE DISCIPLES of Christ and His Divine Truth OF ALL to everyone IN THEIR OWN SPECIFIC LANGUAGE OR
NATIONS – without exception nor discrimination. DIALECT.

ST KOSMAS & ST DAMIANOS – HOLY UNMERCENARY PHYSICIANS OF ASIA MINOR - 1 NOVEMBER 2018 1.

Speaking in tongues means SUDDENLY BEING ABLE TO
SPEAK OR UNDERSTAND ONE ANOTHER’S LANGUAGE in
order TO COMMUNICATE Divine Truth AND FULFIL
whatever is required for our Salvation.

Speaking in tongues is CERTAINLY NOT GARBLED NOISES
THAT REQUIRE AN ‘INTERPRETER’ – for that is usually the
evil one making A TERRIBLE MOCKERY OF THE DIVINE
POWERS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT!

It is certainly not a “party trick” PERFORMED AT WILL
when AMONGST PEOPLE WHO HAVE A COMMON LANGUAGE
- being able to clearly communicate and
understand each other!! NEITHER DOES IT “PROVE”
NOR IS IT ESSENTIAL TO OUR CHRISTIAN FAITH as some
insist - for this is A DANGEROUS DELUSION TO BE AVOIDED
AT ALL COSTS.

To any church that is preoccupied with ‘the speaking
of tongues’ ‘ ST PAUL URGES THEM TO RATHER ACQUIRE
THE ULTIMATE DIVINE GIFT – THAT OF DIVINE LOVE –
AGAPE.
✶ “...Earnestly desire ... a more excellent Way...” which is
AGAPE – ABSOLUTE, PERFECT, DIVINE LOVE – THE TRUE
SIGN OF THE PRESENCE OF GOD THE LIFE-GIVING, ALL
HOLY SPIRIT.

St Basil the Great taught us THREE REASONS – all Biblical
and all God-given – FOR FOLLOWING OUR LORD:
 PROVERBS 1:7 “The Fear of God is the beginning of
Wisdom.”
1. FEAR - DUE TO OUR DEEPEST RESPECT AND LOVE OF GOD
whose Will we strive to fulfil – WE ALWAYS FEAR OUR
OWN FAILURE TO PLEASE OUR HEAVENLY FATHER Who
infinitely Loves us.
 ACTS 5:29 “... we ought to obey God rather than men...’
2. OBEDIENCE – We fully understand and acknowledge
that OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST IS INDEED ALMIGHTY GOD
WHO IS ALL WISE AND ALL KNOWING so we EAGERLY AND
CONFIDENTLY FOLLOW HIM WITH HUMILITY AND
OBEDIENCE IN ALL CIRCUMSTANCES.
 1 JOHN 4:19 “We Love Him (God) because He first
Loved us.”
3. LOVE – All Creation responds to Love and we who are
wretched, Struggling sinners, are COMPELLED BY THE
INTENSITY OF OUR LOVE FOR GOD TO FULFIL HIS DIVINE
WILL TO THE BEST OF OUR ABILITY because He Loves
and Blesses us so abundantly, despite our sinful
condition.
T H E H OLY G OSPEL ACCO
At that time, when our Lord Jesus had Called His Twelve Disciples to Him, He gave them Power over unclean spirits – to
cast them out – and to Heal all kinds of disease...
These Jesus sent out, having commanded them: “Do not go into the way of the Gentiles, and do not enter a city of the
Samaritans. Go to the Lost Sheep of the House of Israel. Go, preach, saying: ‘The Kingdom of Heaven is at
hand!’ Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out demons.
“Freely you have received – freely give.”
✶ “...Called His Twelve Disciples...” – although our Lord
already knew His Holy Apostles well, WHEN THE TIME
WAS EXACTLY RIGHT, HE CALLED THEM TO FULFIL HIS
DIVINE MISSION OF SALVATION.

THE TERMS “DISCIPLES” AND “APOSTLES” WERE OFTEN USED
INTERCHANGABLY when referring to our Lord Jesus
Christ’s Twelve Apostles (as well as His other 70
Holy Apostles.)

DISCIPLES ARE TAUGHT OR SPIRITUALLY ENLIGHTENED BY THEIR
TEACHER OR SPIRITUAL FATHER.
Disciples are disciplined or under the discipline of their
Teacher/Spiritual Father whom they ought to respect and
obey by applying such knowledge and understanding to
their thoughts, words and deeds.
Accordingly, we are “Disciples of Christ” because we Live in
Christ, under His Divine Discipline as our Divine Teacher,
Whom we Love and thus willingly follow and obey.

Apostles are those who, HAVING BEEN PROPERLY
INSTRUCTED, EMPOWERED AND AUTHORISED, ARE SENT
FORTH TO SERVE AND TO FULFIL THE WILL OF THEIR
MASTER, TEACHER OR LORD.

ALL THE HOLY APOSTLES OF CHRIST WERE EMPOWERED AND
AUTHORISED TO PREACH Divine Truth AND TO PERFORM
Divine Miracles IN THE ALL POWERFUL NAME OF GOD.
Their Successors throughout the ages have received that
same Divine Empowerment and Authority through the Holy
Mystery of Ordination.
Whenever performing the Holy Mysteries in Christ’s Holy
Church, the Bishops and Priests wear the heavily
embroidered Epitrachelion that symbolises the heavy
weight of Spiritual Responsiblity that rests upon their
shoulders – without which they cannot conduct any of the
Holy Mysteries.
2. ST KOSMAS & ST DAMIANOS – HOLY UNMERCENARY PHYSICIANS OF ASIA MINOR -
✶ “... but have not Love...” - WITHOUT THE ACQUISITION OF
DIVINE LOVE – AGAPE – the Greatest Divine Gift and Holy
Virtue that encapsulates all the other Divine Gifts and
Virtues – WE HAVE NOTHING AT ALL!

AGAPE OUTSHINES EVERYTHING ELSE because it has THE
GREATEST ETERNAL VALUE AND SPIRITUAL BENEFIT than
any other ability!
✶ “ ... give my body to be burnt...” means BEING MARTYRED
BY OUR ENEMIES FOR THE SAKE OF OUR FAITH - certainly
not voluntarily cremating our body and crushing
the bones to powder to then be discarded and
forgotten like garbage.

CREMATION IS FORBIDDEN BY OUR ORTHODOX FAITH BECAUSE IT
IS THE WILFUL, VOLUNTARY DESECRATION AND
DESTRUCTION OF GOD’S HOLY, SANCTIFIED TEMPLE THAT
BELONGS TO HIM ALONE.

FROM OUR HOLY BAPTISM UNTIL OUR REPOSE WE CONTINUALLY
SANCTIFY, CLEANS, RENEW AND RESTORE BOTH OUR BODY
AND SOUL, so OUR BODY MUST BE RETURNED TO EARTH
whence it originated while our soul Reposes in
Peace until BOTH THE BODY AND SOUL ARE RESURRECTED
AND REUNITED as Christ showed us Himself.

THERE IS NO ACCEPTABLE EXCUSE FOR CREMATION so Faithful
Disciples of Christ will AVOID THIS GREAT SIN AT ALL
COSTS! (Even after Martyrs were desecrated,
dismembered and burnt, all mortal remains were
collected and buried with respect.)
✶ “...Love suffers long ...is kind ... rejoices in the Truth;
bears all things, believes ... hopes ... endures ...
never fails...” - these are the SPECIFIC
CHARACTERISTICS OF TRUE, DIVINE LOVE that is
ABSOLUTELY PERFECT AND THE VERY CORE OF DIVINE
LIKENESS, which we are striving to acquire before
we enter Eternity.

AGAPE - Divine Love - IS ETERNAL, COMPLETE AND
FULFILLING, and continues as ETERNAL LIFE

As wonderful as all THE DIVINE GIFTS ARE, they are only
TEMPORARY AND INCOMPLETE – serving the various
purposes and requirements of this temporary,
preparatory period of life – TO ENABLE AND ASSIST US
WHILE WE ARE STILL SPIRITUALLY IMMATURE CHILDREN of
our Heavenly Father.

EVERYTHING WE STRIVE FOR CONCERNS THE ULTIMATE
ACQUISITION OF AGAPE, which ‘qualifies’ us as worthy
Heavenly Citizens and Co-Heirs with Christ.
R D ING TO S T M ATTHE W 10 : 1, 5 – 8

THEIR SACRED MISSION CONSISTED OF PREACHING
(Teaching/Enlightening) AND HEALING (physical and
Spiritual Afflictions).
✶ “...Do not go ...(to) the Gentiles, and ... the Samaritans...”
– to avoid THE NON-BELIEVING PAGANS AND APOSTATISERS
who had either rejected God or chosen their own
way of lifestyle.
Samaritans had inter-married with pagans and fallen away
from Old Covenant Laws so were despised even more than
the pagan Gentiles.
✶ “...Go to the Lost Sheep of the House of Israel...” Our
Lord Jesus sent His Apostles first to His Chosen
People of the Old Covenant because, initially, His
EARTHLY MISSION WAS FOCUSSED ON THE NATION OF ISRAEL
ACCORDING TO THE DIVINE PROMISE OF THE OLD COVENANT,
so that later His Apostles could not be accused of
going to “...uncircumcised men.” (ACTS 1:3)

After our Lord Jesus Christ’s Resurrection and Ascension,
HIS DIVINE MISSION WAS FOCUSSED ON THE “NEW ISRAEL”
ACCORDING TO HIS NEW COVENANT THAT INCLUDED ALL
NATIONS who became His Faithful Disciples.
✶ “ ... the Kingdom of Heaven...” is OUR ULTIMATE FOCUS AND
PURPOSE of every thought, word and deed.
✶ “...Freely you have received – freely give...” – ALL DIVINE
POWER AND GIFTS ARE FREELY BESTOWED ON US so we
must JUST AS FREELY AND GENEROUSLY BESTOW THEM ON
OTHERS!

The more of our Blessings that we share with others,
the more we receive in return – a hundred
different ways – yet NEVER DO SO WITH EXPECTATION OF
REWARD NOR RECIPROCATION!
1 NOVEMBER 2018
 Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria & All Africa
Archdiocese of Good Hope
All Glory, Honour and Worship to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and
forever, and unto the Ages of ages. Amen. Remembering also our Most Holy, Most Pure, Most
Blessed and Glorious Lady, Maria, Theotokos, yet Ever Virgin, together with all the Saints. And
let us commit ourselves and one another and our whole Life to Christ our God. Amen.
TONE 3 3 NOVEMBER 2019

20TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

5TH SUNDAY OF ST LUKE – THE RICH MAN & POOR LAZAROS

The Feast of St Akepsimas the Bishop, St Joseph the Presbyter,& St Aithalas the Deacon
of Persia – St George the Great Martyr & Trophy-Bearer (Relics) & the Consecration of
the Church of St George in Lydia – St Attikos, St Agapios, St Eudoxios, St Carterios, St
Istucarios/Styrax, St Pactobios/Tobias & St Niktopolion of Sebaste – St Akepsimas the
Hermit of Cyrrhus, Syria – St Snadulia of Persia – St Pimen the Bulgarian of Zographou
Monastery, Mount Athos – St Ann Vsevolodna, Righteous Princess of Kiev – St Nicholas
of Georgia

THE SUNDAY AND FESTAL HYMNS ARE PUBLISHED IN BOOKLET FORM EACH MONTH.
T H E S E A R E P U B L I S H E D A N D F R E E L Y D O W N L O A D A B L E O N www.scribd.com/writers4574.
LINKS ARE ALSO POSTED ON FACEBOOK “ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN EASTERN CAPE.” (OR
C A N B E E M A I L E D D I R E C T L Y , O N R E Q U E S T T O marguerite.paizis@gmail.com )

R ESUR REC TION G OSPEL 9 - J OH N 20 : 19 – 31

P R OKE IME NON – T ONE 3

Say among the Gentiles: The Lord is King, for He established the world, which shall not be shaken! [2]
V E R S E O sing a new song to the Lord!

E P ISTLE OF S T P AUL TO THE G AL ATIANS 1 : 11 – 19

Brethren: I certify that the Gospel, which was preached by me, is not according to mankind. For I neither received it
from man, nor was I taught it, but It came to me through the Revelation of Jesus Christ.
You have heard of my former conduct in Judaism – how I persecuted the Church of God beyond measure, and tried to
destroy Her. And I advanced in Judaism beyond many of my contemporaries in my own Nation, being more
exceedingly zealous for the traditions of my Fathers.
When it pleased God, Who separated me from my mother’s womb, and Called me through His Grace, to reveal His Son
in me, so that I might preach Him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately confer with flesh and blood, nor did I
go up to Jerusalem to those who were Apostles before me; but I went to Arabia, and returned again to Damascus.
After three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and remained with him for fifteen days. The other Apostles I did
not see, except James, the Brother of our Lord.
✶ “...the Gospel... preached by me, is not according to
ST PAUL (SAUL THE TENTMAKER) HAD HELD THE CLOAKS OF THE
mankind...” JUDEANS WHO HAD STONED ST STEPHEN the Archdeacon
The Holy Gospel concerning the Teachings of Divine and Protomartyr to death.
Truth and Revelation by our Lord Jesus Christ are NOT ALTHOUGH HE DID NOT PARTICIPATE IN THE BRUTAL EXECUTION,
ACCORDING TO MANKIND’S LIMITED AND FLAWED VERSION OF HE OBSERVED ST STEPHEN’S MARTYRDOM, which he
‘TRUTH.’ might have instigated or encouraged.
ST PAUL, who had been a devout and extremely zealous ✶ “...being more exceedingly zealous for the Traditions of
Old Covenant Hebrew/Judean PREACHED THE NEW my Fathers...” implies border-line religious
COVENANT HOLY GOSPEL OF CHRIST – HIS DIVINE TRUTH - to fanaticism.
God’s Chosen People as well as to the Gentiles, most of
ST PAUL WAS SINCERELY FAITHFUL TO GOD, WHICH IS WHY OUR
whom had been pagan idol-worshippers and non- (RESURRECTED AND ASCENDED) LORD JESUS CHRIST
believers. CONFRONTED ST PAUL ALONG THE ROAD TO DAMASCUS.
✶ “...nor was I taught it, but It came to me through the He and his fellow Judeans were about to persecute
Revelation of Jesus Christ...” the Faithful Disciples in Damascus.

APOSTOLIC TRADITION IS GROUNDED IN DIVINE REVELATION
ST PAUL HAD BELIEVED THAT HE WAS PROTECTING THE JUDEAN
FROM OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST. OLD COVENANT FAITH FROM WICKED APOSTATISERS,

According to the Will of our Heavenly Father, and by BLASPHEMERS AND PAGANS who performed the evil
the Grace of God, ST PAUL RECEIVED THE DIVINE TRUTH one’s work that was against God’s Divine Laws.
DIRECTLY FROM OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST. According to Old Covenant Law any Judean who

He was then EMPOWERED AND ENABLED BY GOD THE HOLY worshipped other ‘gods’ and committed
SPIRIT TO CORRECTLY PREACH THAT SAME DIVINE TRUTH TO blasphemy, was to be cast out, stoned to death or
OTHERS WHO SPIRITUALLY HUNGERED AND THIRSTED. executed by other means.

DIVINE REVELATION is never exclusively for one person ✶ “... when it pleased God...” shows that St Paul
but MUST BE SHARED WITH EVERYONE ELSE AS WELL. understood perfectly well that EVERYTHING IS

THIS IS HOW GOD’S DIVINE TRUTH WAS ABLE TO SPREAD SO ACCORDING TO THE DIVINE WILL OF OUR HEAVENLY
QUICKLY throughout the known world by FATHER WHO ALONE KNOWS WHEN WE WILL BENEFIT THE
comparatively few Faithful Disciples of Christ. MOST.

DIVINE TRUTH IS ETERNAL – ENDURING FOREVER. Thus, every human being is CONCEIVED AND BORN AT A
✶ “...my former conduct in Judaism – how I persecuted SPECIFIC TIME, GRANTED A PARTICULAR LIFESPAN DURING
the Church of God beyond measure, and tried to WHICH TO STRUGGLE AND STRIVE TO ACQUIRE SPIRITUAL
destroy Her....” is ST PAUL’S PUBLIC REPENTANCE- PERFECTION BEFORE FINALLY REPOSING UNTIL OUR
CONFESSION of his sins against God. RESURRECTION AND FINAL JUDGEMENT.

IT HAD BEEN PROPHESISED that some Judeans would OUR ENTIRE EXISTENCE IS ACCORDING TO THE LOVE, WISDOM
persecute our Lord Jesus Christ and His Holy AND GRACE OF GOD.
Church, thinking that they were fulfilling the ✶ “... separated me from my mother’s womb...” refer not to
Divine Will of our Heavenly Father. St Paul’s physical birth but to GOD’S DIVINE CALL TO
APOSTOLIC MINISTRY BEFORE HE WAS BORN.

20TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST – 5TH OF ST LUKE – THE RICH MAN & POOR LAZAROS – 3 NOVEMBER 2019 3

As with St Paul, GOD’S INTENTIONS FOR EACH OF US MAY
AFTER HIS HOLY BAPTISM, ST PAUL BEGAN HIS LIFE IN CHRIST,
REMAIN HIDDEN FOR MANY YEARS. subsequently converting so many souls into our
✶ “...Called me through His Grace, to reveal His Son in me, New Covenant with God as His ‘New Israel” – GOD’S
so that I might preach Him among the Gentiles...” NEW CHOSEN PEOPLE who became FAITHFUL DISCIPLES

THOSE WHO ARE CALLED TO SERVE OUR LORD GOD ARE OF CHRIST.
GRANTED FULL KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING OF HIS ✶ “...After three years I went up to Jerusalem to see
DIVINE TRUTH. Peter...”

BY THE GRACE OF GOD THAT KNOWLEDGE IS – AND, INDEED,
AS A TRUE APOSTLE OF CHRIST, ST PAUL SUBMITTED HIMSELF TO
MUST BE – TAUGHT TO OTHERS, especially those who THE CHURCH AND HER HOLY APOSTLES RATHER THAN
are in Spiritual Darkness. being utterly ELEVATING HIMSELF (by acting independently and
unenlightened with the Divine Truth concerning according to his own desires, concepts or actions
our Triune God. as so many do these days.)

MORE OFTEN THAN NOT, THOSE WHO ARE CALLED DIRECTLY BY
St Paul knew that HIS ENCOUNTER WITH OUR LORD JESUS
OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, ARE PERSECUTED TO VARYING CHRIST, HIS INSTRUCTION IN THE HOLY GOSPEL AND HIS
DEGREES BUT MUST NEVER BECOME DISCOURAGED. CALL TO APOSTLESHIP WERE EXTRAORDINARY AND UNIQUE.

Just as the Twelve Apostles
IN ALL PRIVATE REVELATIONS, THE ONLY OTHER WITNESS IS
1. were CALLED BY CHRIST, so was St Paul. ALMIGHTY GOD HIMSELF.
2. RECEIVED THE HOLY GOSPEL DIRECTLY FROM CHRIST, so
THE FRUITS OF OUR SACRED LABOURS OF LOVE SPEAK VOLUMES
did St Paul. – proving their authenticity and Truth.
3. STOOD TOGETHER AS ONE, so too did St Paul enter
St Paul knew - having confirmed with St Peter - that HE
their Apostolic Unity in consensus and mutual TAUGHT THE EXACT SAME HOLY GOSPEL AS THE OTHER
submission. APOSTLES OF CHRIST.

WE ARE CALLED TO SERVE GOD BY HIS DIVINE GRACE -.not ✶ “...The other Apostles I did not see, except James, the
according to our former or present conduct – Brother of our Lord...”
whether good or bad.
This also confirms that ST PAUL WAS NOT INFLUENCED NOR
✶ “...I did not immediately confer with flesh and blood...” TAUGHT BY ANY OF THE OTHER HOLY APOSTLES who had
shows HOW PROFOUNDLY A DIVINE CALLING AFFECTS AND already dispersed throughout the known world,
TRANSFORMS US. fulfilling their Divine Mission.

A DIVINE ENCOUNTER IS SO WONDERFULLY ASTOUNDING –
ST JAMES WAS THE ELDEST SON OF ST JOSEPH THE BETROTHED
TRULY STUNNING! - that WE NEED TIME TO CONTEMPLATE, AND HIS LATE WIFE, SALOME (a sister of St Anna, the
to Glorify and to give Thanks to God for His Great mother of the Blessed Virgin) and therefore a
Mercy and infinite Love. COUSIN OF OUR LADY, THEOTOKOS AND OUR LORD JESUS
A DIVINE CALLING OR ENCOUNTER that COMPLETELY CHRIST.
TRANSFORMS US, overwhelms our heart and soul with
ST JAMES’ DEEP LOVE FOR AND DEVOTION TO OUR LORD JESUS
such AN EXTREME INTENSITY OF DIVINE LOVE, PEACE AND SINCE HIS BIRTH, ARE BELIEVED TO BE THE REASON FOR HIS
JOY, AS WELL AS SO MUCH DIVINE KNOWLEDGE AND TRUTH, HONOURABLE TITLE AS “... BROTHER OF OUR LORD...”.
it is UTTERLY IMPOSSIBLE TO EXPRESS OR DESCRIBE.
According to some, HE WAS THE ONLY ONE OF ST JOSEPH’S
OUR ONLY DESIRE IS TO BE VERY QUIET AND STILL so that we SONS WHO WAS WILLING TO SHARE HIS INHERITANCE WITH
can remain in that incredibly Marvellous Divine CHRIST from the moment He was born.
Presence – an all consuming Divine Love for which
The term “brother” also referred to A COUSIN OR CLOSE
we will always deeply yearn. MALE RELATIVE
IN THAT BRIEF MOMENT, WE ARE TRULY TRANSPORTED INTO
According to Judaic Law, ADOPTED CHILDREN WERE
ETERNAL LIFE – INTO ETERNITY! SUPPOSED TO HAVE EQUAL RIGHTS to Paternal
✶ “... returned again to Damascus...” where HE WAS inheritances, but often this proved problematic
BAPTISED BY ST ANANIAS, ACCORDING TO OUR LORD JESUS due to human greed or other motivations.
CHRIST’S INSTRUCTIONS.
St James was also known as ‘... JAMES THE JUST... ‘ who

He had accepted and began to understand THE FULL was THE FIRST BISHOP OF JERUSALEM AND AUTHOR HIS
IMPLICATIONS OF HIS DIVINE CALLING. UNIVERSAL EPISTLE.
T H E H OLY G OSPEL ACCO R D ING TO S T LU KE 16 : 19 – 31
TH E REALITY OF D EATH – THE RICH MAN & POOR LAZAROS
At that time, our Lord Jesus Christ said: “There was a certain Rich Man who was clothed in purple and fine linen, and
fared sumptuously every day. There was a certain Beggar, named ‘Lazaros,’ covered with sores, who lay at his
gate, and desired to be fed with the crumbs that fell from the table of the Rich Man. All the dogs came and
licked his sores.
“The Beggar died, and was carried by the Angels to Abraham’s Bosom. The Rich Man also died, and was buried.
“And being in Torments in Hades, He lifted up his eyes and beheld Abraham afar off, and Lazaros in his Bosom.
And he cried out and said: ‘Father Abraham, have Mercy on me and send Lazaros that he may dip the tip of his
finger in water, and cool my tongue, for I am tormented in this flame!’ Abraham said: ‘Son, remember that in
your lifetime you received your good things, and likewise, Lazaros, evil things. ’Now he is comforted - you are
tormented. And furthermore, between us and you there is a Great Chasm fixed, so that those who want to pass
from here to you cannot, nor can those from there pass to us.’ He said: ‘I beg Thee, therefore, Father, to send him
to my Father’s house. I have five brothers – that he may testify to them, lest they, too, come to this Place of
Torment!’
“Abraham said to him: ‘They have Moses and the Prophets. Let them hear them.’ He said: ‘No, Father Abraham. But
if one goes to them from the dead, they will Repent.’ He said to him: ‘If they do not hear Moses and the Prophets,
neither will they be persuaded to believe, although one rises from the dead!’”
✶ According to our Holy Fathers, THIS IS AN ACTUAL ACCOUNT LAZAROS BECAUSE HIS LAVISH, SELF-INDULGENT LIFESTYLE
of what occurred to these two people after they had CONDEMNED HIM ETERNALLY.
died. It is NOT ONE OF OUR LORD’S PARABLES, which are  PSALM 9:6: “...Thou rebukes the Nations, and the
instructive by means of extreme examples. ungodly man destroys himself; Thou blot out their
✶ “...a certain Rich Man who was clothed in purple and names in their lifetime and unto ages of ages...”
fine linen...” IMMEDIATELY IMPLIED EXTREME MATERIAL
ALTHOUGH THE NAMES OF THE UNGODLY ARE FORGOTTEN,
WEALTH for only Kings, Emperors and very affluent THEIR WICKED AND UNREPENTED DEEDS WILL BE EXPOSED
people could afford purple-dyed fine linen. AND JUDGED BY GOD because everything will be
Purple dye was produced from the mucus of the hypobranchial exposed by His Divine Light and Truth.
gland of various species of marine molluscs - notably ✶ “... fared sumptuously every day ...” - HIS DAILY
murex. Approximately 12,000 shellfish were used to CONSUMPTION OF LAVISH MEALS WAS ALSO EVIDENCE OF MUCH
extract 1.5 grams of the pure purple dye (purpura). PROSPERITY AND DECADENCE since others ate very simple
Finely woven linen was also extremely expensive to produce. meals of basic foods – whatever they could either

THIS RICH MAN REMAINS UNIDENTIFIED and is ONLY catch, grow, barter or purchase.
REMEMBERED IN CONNECTION WITH THE RIGHTEOUS POOR
MEAT AND ANY OTHER EXTRAVAGANT “...SUMPTUOUS FARE
(FOOD)...” WOULD BE SERVED ONLY ON VERY SPECIAL

4 20TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST – 5TH OF ST LUKE – THE RICH MAN & POOR LAZAROS – 3 NOVEMBER 2019
 OCCASIONS and then only by those who were able
to afford them.
✶ ... a certain Beggar, named ‘Lazaros’...” – in stark
contrast to the unknown Rich Man, CHRIST IDENTIFIES
AND KNOWS POOR LAZAROS WHOSE PATIENCE AND ENDURING
FAITH IN GOD’S GREAT MERCY - despite his destitution and
suffering - ETERNALLY BLESSED HIM.
POOR LAZAROS IS REMEMBERED FOREVER and held up as A GOOD
EXAMPLE OF ENDURING FAITH IN GOD.
✶ “...covered with sores... lay at his gate... desired to be
fed with the crumbs ... All the dogs ... licked his
sores...” describes THE SUFFERING, AND ABJECT
STARVATION AND POVERTY of Poor Lazaros.

IT IS NATURAL TO BE KIND AND COMPASSIONATE to those who
are weak, sick and suffering.

ONLY THE DOGS SAW POOR LAZAROS AND TRIED TO COMFORT
HIM by licking him – and perhaps keeping him
warm at night – YET HE SEEMED TO BE INVISIBLE TO ALL
OTHER PEOPLE – even those who stepped over him
and walked past him several times a day!

A FEW ‘CRUMBS’ OR SCRAPS OF LEFT-OVER FOOD CAN MAKE A
VAST DIFFERENCE TO THOSE WHO ARE STARVING.

IF ALL EXCESS FOOD WAS DISTRIBUTED AMONGST THE POOR, NO
ONE WOULD GO HUNGRY! Yet tons of fruit, vegetables,
meat, dairy products and baked goods are
discarded every moment of the day, while vast
multitudes of people are dying of hunger and
malnourishment!
✶ “...the Beggar died, and was carried by the Angels to
Abraham’s Bosom...” due to his Faith that kept him
in a good Spiritual State – Spiritual Life.

Poor Lazaros had accepted the miserable
circumstances of his life WITH EXTREME PATIENCE AND
DEEP GRATITUDE TO GOD – NEVER QUESTIONING NOR
COMPLAINING OR ENVYING OTHERS – WITH UNWAVERING
FAITH.

CONSEQUENTLY HIS SOUL WAS CARRIED BY ANGELS TO REPOSE
IN THE COMFORT OF ‘ABRAHAM’S BOSOM’ WITH ALL THE
OTHER RIGHTEOUS SOULS.

The ancient Patriarch, St Abraham, was mentioned by
Christ among all the Righteous because
compared to the uncharitable “Rich Man,” ST
ABRAHAM HAD ALWAYS SHOWN WELCOMING AND GENEROUS
HOSPITALITY TO ALL STRANGERS – EVEN THE HOLY TRINITY.
(REFER GENESIS 18: 1 – 8)
✶ “...The Rich Man also died... was buried... in Torments in
Hades...”

The Rich Man who had SELFISHLY ENJOYED A LAVISH,
THOUGHTLESS EXISTENCE, now suffered indescribable
“... torments in Hades...” because HE FAILED TO REPENT
HIS SINS, SO HE DIED IN A STATE OF SPIRITUAL DEATH.
He was “... buried...” under the terrible weight of his
Spiritual Neglect and self-indulgent lifestyle.

ACCORDING TO ST JOHN CHRYSOSTOM, THE RICH MAN WAS
ALREADY BURIED DURING HIS LIFETIME by his “...
couches, rugs, furnishings, sweet oils, perfumes,
large quantities of wine, varieties of food, and his
many flatterers...”

No Angels carried him to the Bosom of Abraham
because HE HAD NO THOUGHTS, WORDS OR DEEDS OF
LOVE, COMPASSION OR MERCY FOR OTHERS.
✶ “...He lifted up his eyes and beheld Abraham afar off...”

Before Christ’s Harrowing of Hades
1. ALL SOULS WERE IMPRISONED BY DEATH but separated
2. THE CONDEMNED, UNREPENTANT SOULS WERE ABLE TO SEE
3. THE RIGHTEOUS SOULS RESTING PEACEFULLY in the
comfort of Abraham’s Bosom.
4. So, to add to their terrible suffering, THE
UNREPENTANT SINNERS REALISED THE FULL EXTENT OF
THEIR IRREVOCABLE SINS.
Abraham’s Bosom was a Foretaste of Heaven and the Place of
Peaceful Repose for God’s Faithful People until Christ
descended into Hades, smashed open the imprisoning
gates and set the Righteous free to Rest in the re-opened
Paradise until the General Resurrection and the Final
Judgement at His Second Coming/Reappearance.
✶ “...Father Abraham, have Mercy on me...” was a
desperate appeal to the Old Covenant Spiritual
Father of all Faithful Believers.

HIS DESPERATE ENTREATY IS A SELFISH DESIRE FOR MERCY AND
COMFORT, WHICH HE NEVER OFFERED TO OTHERS,
including Poor Lazaros who lay at his gate.
20TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST – 5TH OF ST LUKE –

OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST MAKES IT VERY CLEAR – WHATEVER WE
DO FOR OTHERS IS RETURNED TO US A HUNDRED-FOLD –
GOOD OR BAD!
✶ “...send Lazaros ... dip the tip of his finger in water, and
cool my tongue, for I am tormented in this flame!’

THE DEMANDING CHARACTER OF THE RICH MAN DOES NOT
CHANGE, NOR DOES HIS ATTITUDE TOWARDS OTHERS whom
he regards as being ‘inferior’ to himself.

HIS GRIEVOUS PASSIONS CONDEMN THE RICH MAN FOREVER, for
they CANNOT BE REPENTED AND CORRECTED AFTER DEATH
had claimed him.

NOT EVEN THE TORMENTS HE SUFFERED HAD CHANGED THE RICH
MAN’S ARROGANT, SELFISH ATTITUDE - not even the
torments of Hades can change A STUBBORN, SELF-
SEEKING SPIRITUALLY DEAD SINNER!

GIVING EVEN A TINY DROP OF WATER TO A THIRSTY PERSON IS AN
ACT OF MERCY AND LOVE.

However, THE INDESCRIBABLE TORMENTS OF HADES AND ITS
UNABATED BURNING FLAMES CAN NEVER BE RELIEVED NOR
STOPPED.

OUR REGULAR PRAYERS AND COMMEMORATIONS OF THE
REPOSED ARE FOR THE SPIRITUAL BENEFIT OF THE DEPARTED
AS WELL AS THOSE STILL LIVING – for WE HOPE TO GIVE AND
TO RECEIVE EVEN A TINY DROP OF RELIEF FROM THE
TORMENTS THAT AWAIT US if we die in an unrepented
state of Spiritual Death.
✶ "... Son, ... in your lifetime you received ... good things,
and ... Lazaros, evil things...”

THE TORMENTED ‘SON’ OF ISRAEL WAS NOT REJECTED OUTRIGHT
but addressed with Compassion and Truth.

THE REALITY AND TRUTH CONCERNING THOSE IN HADES AND
THOSE WHO STILL LIVED WERE CLEARLY AND CONCISELY
EXPLAINED.

SPIRITUAL WARFARE IS A PERPETUALLY SPIRITUAL BATTLE that
is fought against all EVIL AND GRIEVOUS PASSIONS that
LURE US AWAY FROM GOD.

UNLESS WE FULFIL ALL OUR SACRED LABOURS OF LOVE
ACCORDING TO THE WILL OF OUR HEAVENLY FATHER, WE
WILL NOT ACQUIRE AGAPE AND ALL THE OTHER HOLY
VIRTUES THAT MAKE US WORTHY TO RECEIVE ETERNAL LIFE
in God’s Eternal Kingdom of Love.
✶ “...’Now he is comforted - you are tormented... between
...there is a Great Chasm fixed,..”

OUR ETERNAL CONSEQUENCES ARE DUE TO OUR OWN CHOICES
we make throughout this short life.

UNLESS WE DEVELOP A CLOSE, HUMBLE, LOVING AND OBEDIENT
RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD AND EACH OTHER, WE CANNOT
EXPECT ABUNDANT ETERNAL BLESSINGS.

OUR LORD HAS PROVIDED US WITH EVERYTHING NECESSARY FOR
OUR ETERNAL LIFE. We simply have to apply them to
every aspect of our daily existence.

THE “...GREAT CHASM...” IS not a physical nor
geographical divide but THE COMPLETE SEPARATION
BETWEEN VIRTUE AND VICE – goodness and wickedness
– AN INSURMOUNTABLE SEPARATION THAT CANNOT BE
OVERCOME OR CORRECTED AFTER DEATH.

Our Lord Jesus hereby reveals to us THE COMMUNION OF
SAINTS AND THE GREAT CLOUD OF WITNESSES for a man
who was not even a faithful servant of God called
out for mercy from Hades and conversed with St
Abraham!

SOME SCHOLARS SEE THIS HIGHLY SIGNIFICANT AFTER-DEATH
ACCOUNT AS OCCURRING AFTER THE FINAL JUDGEMENT of
Christ, citing the Punishment and Reward that will
be received by the two types of people
respectively.

However, OUR HOLY CHURCH FATHERS REGARD THIS
ACCOUNT AS BEING during a time after death but
BEFORE THE SECOND COMING OF CHRIST, as evidenced
by the man interceding on behalf of his five
brothers who were still alive.

The multiple Torments he experienced were merely A
HIDEOUS FORETASTE OF HIS FINAL JUDGEMENT AND
SPIRITUAL STATE IN ETERNITY.

THE RIGHTEOUS who Rest in Peace in Paradise
meanwhile ENJOY A BLISSFUL FORETASTE of Eternal
Life in the Kingdom of Love.
✶ “...I beg Thee... to send him to my ... five brothers....”

Our Lord Jesus Christ hereby reveals THE AWARENESS
AND CONCERN OF IMMORTAL SOULS FOR THE SPIRITUAL
STATE OF THOSE WHO STILL LIVE AND STRUGGLE against
the wicked machinations of the evil one.
THE RICH MAN & POOR LAZAROS – 3 NOVEMBER 2019 5

It also reveals that ALTHOUGH THE INTERCESSORY
SUPPLICATIONS of the Rich Man for Divine Mercy
upon his living family WERE HEARD, THEY DID NOT
BENEFIT EITHER HIM OR HIS FAMILY.

On the contrary, THE PRAYERS OF THE RIGHTEOUS ARE HEARD
AND ANSWERED by our Compassionate, All Merciful
Lord.

The Crucifixion of Christ was the fulfilment of the Old
Covenant Passover and our True Exodus from
Spiritual Enslavement of sin and Death into the
Glorious Promised Land of Eternal Salvation,
Spiritual Freedom and Everlasting Life.

The Hebrews believed that ALL THE DEPARTED SAINTS LIKE
ST JEREMIAH, ST MOSES AND ST ELIAS, ETC ARE ALIVE -
EVEN BEFORE THE GENERAL RESURRECTION, which was
confirmed at Christ’s Glorious Transfiguration on
Mount Tabor by St Peter, St James, and St John the
Divine Apostle and Theologian.
THIS IS WHY WE BESEECH OUR LADY, THEOTOKOS AND ALL THE
SAINTS THEIR INTERCESSORY PRAYERS, PROTECTION AND
SPIRITUAL GUIDANCE.
The human soul is immortal. It never dies. It remains alive
and perfectly aware – extremely conscious - of both the
visible and invisible worlds – to a far greater degree and
intensity than when still united to the physical body.
Souls who have been Blessed with a Close and Intimate
Relationship with God continue after this life to be in His
Divine Presence.
Obviously then, those who have rejected God and refused to
make any effort to get close to Him have self-imposed
Eternal Alienation and Exile from God and all His
Goodness, Light and Love. They will thus forever suffer
the Unceasing Torments of Hell forever – without any
respite nor relief.
✶ “... they have Moses and the Prophets . . . ” refers to

THE TEN DIVINE COMMANDMENTS – Mosaic Law – that God
gave to St Moses on Mount Sinai, which
1. CONCERN OUR LOVE OF GOD AND OF EACH OTHER.
2. are THE SOLID SACRED FOUNDATION OF BOTH THE OLD
AND NEW COVENANTS.
3. Our Lord Jesus clarified by HIS DIVINE TEACHINGS OF
UNCONDITIONAL LOVE – AGAPE.

THE DIVINELY INSPIRED PROPHECIES AND TEACHINGS OF GOD’S
HOLY PROPHETS who Enlightened, Guided and led
God’s Chosen People of Israel according to His Old
Covenant.
E LDE R J OSE PH THE H ESYC H AST
By committing the great sin of disobedience, mankind fell
from our highly created Spiritual Status, and the dire
consequences were extremely tragic.
Our Divine Image lost the wonderful Gifts of the Holy Spirit
with which we might have accomplished our Destiny
of acquiring the full Divine Likeness of God – ie
acquiring Theosis or Spiritual Perfection.
Having severed ourselves from the Source of Eternal Lie,
we lost the ability to become Immortal, Incorruptible
and Unchangeable.
Our Divine Image was tarnished, blackened, warped
and weakened by our sins.
Nevertheless, our Divine Image was not ‘... totally
ruined...” as Protestants teach, nor did It remain
unaffected as the Roman Catholics believe, because
even after our Fall, we still have the sense of Goodness
within us and we are able to work – to Struggle and
Strive – to Perfect It...
...Our Fall was the result of the inexperience and
carelessness of God-created mankind, which made us
neglect and practically betray our personal Union
and Communion with God our Heavenly Father,
especially when we think that we can prosper by our
own efforts and ‘power.’
Our Fall is regarded as the detachment and withdrawal
of each created being from the First Cause of Creation
– our Lord God.
The entire Universe, according to Divine Revelation, is
that which has been Caused (Created by God from
nothingness) and as such, it is not self-existent, but
6 20TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST – 5TH OF ST LUKE –
Their prophecies concerning our Lord Jesus Christ and
His Divine Truth were ALL FULFILLED AND CONFIRMED BY
OUR DIVINE SAVIOUR AND HIS NEW COVENANT.

GOD HAS PROVIDED US WITH EVERY MEANS NECESSARY for the
Restoration, Regeneration and Renewal of our
Divine Likeness with which He created us.

OUR SPIRITUAL PERFECTION IS A VERY LONG SPIRITUAL PROCESS
– not an instant Cure – which is why each of us has
a specific lifespan in which to accomplish it.
✶ “...If they do not hear ...neither will they be persuaded
to believe...”

UNLESS WE “... HEAR...” OUR LORD’S DIVINE TRUTH WE WILL
NEITHER BELIEVE, NOR LEARN, NOR UNDERSTAND NOR
FULFIL THE WILL OF OUR HEAVENLY FATHER.

Our Lord Jesus made it very clear that “... Blessed art
those who hear and obey...” - i.e. those who PAY
CAREFUL ATTENTION so as to APPLY HIS DIVINE TRUTH TO
THEIR EVERY THOUGHT, WORD AND DEED, thereby slowly
being RESTORED TO HIS DIVINE LIKENESS.

At His Beloved Son’s Transfiguration, our Heavenly
Father Commanded His three Apostles, St Peter, St
James and St John ““This is My Beloved Son, in
Whom I Am well pleased! Hear Him!”

In order to hear, we need to PAY ATTENTION to the
words, which we must COMPREHEND PROPERLY in
order to RESPOND CORRECTLY AND APPROPRIATELY.

As Faithful Disciples, we must NOT ONLY HEAR BUT ALSO
OBEY WITH SINCERE HUMILITY AND OBEDIENCE, so that
we can fulfil the essential requirements properly
and appropriately.

WE ONLY HAVE AN ALLOTTED, LIMITED TIME IN WHICH TO
ACQUIRE SPIRITUAL PERFECTION to the best of our
ability before we enter Eternity.

ETERNITY IS TIMELESS AND FOREVER. It is a state of
perpetual NOW – the present moment – and
nothing can be altered, corrected or changed!

OUR CHOICES IN THIS LIFESPAN DETERMINE WHETHER WE WILL
ENJOY THE MARVELLOUS BLISSFUL BLESSINGS OF ETERNAL
LIFE OR SUFFER THE HORRORS OF ETERNAL DEATH -
forever Exiled and Banished into ‘Outer Darkness’
or ‘the Abyss’ – a perpetual state of indescribable,
unrelieved evil terror, excruciating suffering and
Spiritual Death – a complete Absence of God and
all His Goodness!

ALL OUR LABOURS OF LOVE IN THIS SHORT LIFESPAN WILL
PRODUCE THE SWEETEST HARVEST OF ETERNAL LIFE.
OF M OU NT A THOS
exists because it participates in God’s Divine Energy
and Providence.
Therefore, if that which has been Created is cut off from
the Cohesive Force and Energy of Almighty God, it
becomes spoilt, corrupted and dead.
The defection of beings from our Lord God resulted in two
equally powerful disasters – the audacity against and
the defection from our Divine Creator and Governor
and the separation from the Source of Eternal Life,
Who is the only Cause of our existence and cohesion.
The same wicked offence caused disaster in both the
human and Angelic natures.
Because of selfish haughtiness, the fallen angels
(demons) imagined that they could become
independent from God, but subsequently, they lost not
only their significance, their Heavenly State and
Illumination, but were also altered - from being
beautiful, intellectual Heavenly Beings into horrific
monsters and demons, who instigate wickedness,
horror and terror, without any intention of
Repentance and return to Spiritual Life with our Lord
God.
Despite being victimised by demonic wickedness and
having lost our Spiritual State of Divine Likeness - and
thus being exiled (from Paradise) to this Valley of
Tears - we have not lost the great advantage of
Repentance-Confession, which might prompt us and
encourage us to return to the great Joy, Love and
Peace of Spiritual Life with our Loving and Benevolent
Lord God.
www.pemptousia.com
THE RICH MAN & POOR LAZAROS – 3 NOVEMBER 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.
8 NOVEMBER 2019
SYNAXIS OF THE HOLY ARCHANGELS
& ALL THE HEAVENLY HOSTS
St Michael, St Gabriel, St Raphael, St Uriel, St Selaphiel, St
Jehudiel, & St Barachiel, Holy Archangels of our Lord God.

THE SUNDAY AND FESTAL HYMNS ARE PUBLISHED IN

BOOKLET FORM EACH MONTH. THESE ARE PUBLISHED AND
F R E E L Y D O W N - L O A D A B L E O N www.scribd.com/writers4574.
LINKS ARE ALSO POSTED ON FACEBOOK “ORTHODOX
CHRISTIAN EASTERN CAPE.” (OR CAN BE EMAILED DIRECTLY,
ON REQUEST TO marguerite.paizis@gmail.com )

F E STAL M ATINS - T HE HO LY G OSPEL AC CORD ING TO S T M ATTHEW 18: 10 – 20

At that time our Lord Jesus Christ said: “...See that you do not despise one of these little ones! For I tell you that in
Heaven their Angels always behold the Face of My Father Who is in Heaven. The Son of Man therefore came to
Save the Lost.
“What do you think? If a Man has a hundred Sheep, and one of them has gone astray, does He not leave the Ninety-
nine on the Hillside to search for the one that went astray? And when He finds it, truly, I say to you: He Rejoices over
it more than over the Ninety-nine that never went astray. So it is the Will of your Father Who is in Heaven that not
one of these little ones should perish.
“If your Brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault – between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have
gained your Brother, but if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you so that every word may be
confirmed by the evidence of two or three witnesses. If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the Church. If he refuses
to listen even to the Church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a Tax Collector!
“Truly, I say to you: whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in Heaven; and whatever you loosen on Earth shall be
loosened in Heaven. Again, truly I say to you: if two of you agree on Earth about anything you ask, it will be done
for you by My Father in Heaven.
“Where two or three are gathered in My Name, there Am I in the midst of them.”
✶ “...do not despise one of these little ones...” means that IT
Some of our Holy Fathers regarded the ninety-nine as
IS FORBIDDEN BY GOD TO REJECT, HARM OR UNDERVALUE signifying THE HEAVENLY ANGELS WHOM CHRIST LEFT
THE INNOCENT who are Humble and Obedient – BEHIND WHEN HE BECAME INCARNATE.
“Pure of heart.” ✶ “...on the hillside...”signifies THE SLOW BUT SURE SPIRITUAL
✶ “...their Angels always behold the Face of My Father...” ASCENT OF THOSE WHO ARE STILL STRUGGLING AND

According to St John Chrysostom, ALTHOUGH WE ALL HAVE STRIVING
SPECIALLY ASSIGNED GUARDIAN ANGELS, THOSE WHO ✶ “... to search for the one that went astray...” signifies how
WATCH OVER THE INNOCENT HAVE GREATER BOLDNESS AND God OUR HEAVENLY FATHER SENT HIS BELOVED ETERNAL
HONOUR BEFORE GOD DUE TO THEIR INNOCENCE AND SON TO EARTH TO SAVE HIS SHEEP – ALL MANKIND – who
PURITY - their simplicity, sincerity, Humility and had gone astray and fallen into the deep,
Obedience. dangerous pits of corruption

It is not the Divine Nature of God that THE GUARDIAN ✶ “...when He finds (His Lost Sheep) He Rejoices over it
ANGELS SERVE, but rather THE WEAKNESS OF HUMAN more than over the Ninety-nine that never went
NATURE that requires ANGELIC PROTECTION, GUIDANCE astray...” signifies THE GREAT JOY AND INFINITE LOVE OF
AND WISDOM. GOD WHEN WE REPENT AND RETURN TO HIS LOVING

HARMING OF CHILDREN, THE WEAK AND THE VULNERABLE IS A EMBRACE.
MOST GRIEVOUS SIN AGAINST GOD AND MANKIND – ✶ “...not one of these little ones should perish...” signifies
against Heaven and Earth - so the Eternal that EVERY CHILD WHO IS CONCEIVED AND GRANTED LIFE IS
Consequences are extreme and irrevocable! LOVED BY OUR HEAVENLY FATHER.
✶ “...The Son of Man ... came to Save the Lost....” BECAUSE
IT IS THE DIVINE WILL OF OUR HEAVENLY FATHER THAT ALL
OF GOD’S LOVE FOR MANKIND. MANKIND IS SAVED FROM SPIRITUAL CORRUPTION AND

The Incarnation of the Eternal Son of God occurred so DEATH.
that FALLEN MANKIND COULD BE DIRECTLY AND
IT IS HIS DIVINE WILL THAT WE ALL ARE ULTIMATELY RESTORED
PERSONALLY ENLIGHTENED AND REGENERATED BY HIS AND REGENERATED TO OUR CREATED DIVINE LIKENESS so
DIVINE REVELATIONS AND TRUTH. that we can be with Him forever in His Kingdom of

God wants TO RESTORE US TO OUR FORMER BEAUTY AND Love.
PURITY - IN HIS DIVINE LIKENESS AS HE CREATED US.
MURDER, SUICIDE, ABORTION, WARFARE, RECKLESS,
✶ “...If a Man has a hundred Sheep, and one of them has DESTRUCTIVE HABITS, BEHAVIOUR AND ATTITUDE THAT
gone astray...” is THE SHEPHERD AND THE SHEEP HARMS EACH OTHER IS CLEARLY AN ABOMINATION against
ANALOGY. the Love and Great Mercy of our Heavenly Father.

Analogies and Parables were based on MUNDANE ✶ “...If your Brother sins against you...” refers to A THREE-
CIRCUMSTANCES THAT WERE FULLY UNDERSTOOD by the STAGE CORRECTION AND REPENTANCE THAT OUGHT TO
people who valued their livestock and all means RESULT IN MUTUAL FORGIVENESS AND RESTORATION TO
of sustaining life in those difficult times. SPIRITUAL LIFE IN CHRIST.

Christ, Who is OUR GOOD SHEPHERD, VALUES EACH AND EVERY
THE UNITY AND HARMONY OF OUR SPIRITUAL LIFE IN CHRIST –
“REASON-ENDOWED” SHEEP – every one of us – who, personal and communal – DEPENDS ON OUR
altogether, are His Holy Flock – His Holy Church. VOLUNTARY WILLINGNESS TO RECEIVE AND IMPLEMENT
✶ “...the ninety-nine ...” signify THE RIGHTEOUS SOULS WHO CORRECTION.
REMAIN STEADFASTLY FAITHFUL TO OUR LORD GOD – those
Transgressors are to be corrected and guided SO THAT
who are MAKING GOOD SPIRITUAL PROGRESS TOWARDS THEIR SINS DO NOT BECOME EITHER HABITUAL OR
THEIR SPIRITUAL PERFECTION NEGATIVELY INFLUENCE OR AFFECT OTHERS.

Also signifies THOSE WHO HAVE ACQUIRED SPIRITUAL
Mutual correction must always be done WITH GREAT
PERFECTION – DIVINE LIKENESS TO CHRIST OUR LORD. CARE, HUMILITY AND OBEDIENCE.

S Y NAX IS OF TH E H OLY A R CH ANGEL S & H E AVE NLY H OSTS - 8 N OVEM BE R 7


ETERNAL SALVATION IS THE ULTIMATE PURPOSE AND NECESSITY REMAIN FOREVER, preventing them Entry into the
of Spiritual and behavioural correction, so must Heavenly Kingdom of Love, Joy and Peace, THEY
always be ACCEPTED WITH GRATITUDE AND A MIGHT REPENT AND BE RETURNED TO SPIRITUAL LIFE IN
DETERMINATION TO REPENT. CHRIST.
✶ “...If he refuses to listen ... let him be to you as a Gentile ✶ “...anything you ask ... will be done for you by My Father
and a Tax Collector...” signifies those who are in Heaven....” signifies that THE INTERCESSORY PRAYERS
UNGODLY, DISOBEDIENT, WILFUL AND SELF-SERVING – OF THE RIGHTEOUS, OUR HOLY FATHERS AND ALL THE
THOSE WHO HAVE THEIR OWN HIDDEN EGOTISTIC, SELFISH SAINTS ARE INDEED HEARD AND RECEIVE A POSITIVE DIVINE
AGENDA AND ARE UNWILLING TO BECOME HUMBLE AND RESPONSE.
OBEDIENT. ✶ “...Where two or three are gathered in My Name there

THOSE WHO REMAIN SPIRITUALLY STUBBORN AND BLIND HAVE Am I...” signifies THE DIVINE POWER AND EVER PRESENCE
REJECTED THE WILL OF OUR HEAVENLY FATHER and OF OUR LORD GOD – especially with those Faithful
despite all attempts at Reconciliation, are now Disciples who gather in Prayer and Thanksgiving
LEFT TO THEIR OWN SELF-CONDEMNATION AND SPIRITUAL in His Divine Name – for the Glory, Honour and
DEATH. Worship of our Almighty Lord God.
✶ “...whatever you bind on Earth shall be bound in
OUR TRIUNE LORD GOD IS OMNIPRESENT – He is always
Heaven... whatever you loosen on Earth shall be everywhere and EVER PRESENT.
loosened in Heaven... “ signifies THE POWER AND
THE DEPTH AND EXTENT OF OUR FAITH KEEPS US CLOSE TO HIM.
AUTHORITY CHRIST BESTOWED UPON HIS APOSTLES AND ALL
On the contrary, OUR SINS CAUSE OUR SPIRITUAL SEPARATION
THE BISHOPS AND PRIESTS who are ordained FROM GOD because WE CHOOSE TO LEAVE HIS DIVINE
ACCORDING TO THE UNBROKEN LINEAGE OF THE APOSTOLIC PRESENCE to pursue the grievous passions that lure
SUCCESSION. us into wickedness and Spiritual Death.

DIVINE AUTHORITY AND POWER IS GRANTED to our Spiritual
WHILE WE STRUGGLE AND STRIVE FOR SPIRITUAL PERFECTION
Fathers FOR THE SAKE OF THE ETERNAL SALVATION OF ALL BY FULFILLING THE WILL OF OUR HEAVENLY FATHER, OUR
REPENTANT SINNERS. LORD JESUS CHRIST AND GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT IS PRESENT,

According to St John Chrysostom, WHEN SINNERS REALISE Encouraging and Enabling us.
THAT THEY ARE NOT ONLY CAST OUT of the Holy Church
GOD IS LOVE AND LOVE NEVER FAILS US!
of Christ because of their stubborn, unrepentance,
Therefore, we know that WHATEVER GOD HAS PROMISED US
BUT THAT THE BONDS AND SHACKLES OF THEIR SINS WILL OR REVEALED TO US WILL INDEED BE FULFILLED.
P R OKE IME NON – P SALM 103/104 – T ONE 4
Who makes His Angels spirits, and His Ministers, Flames of Fire.
Bless the Lord, O my soul, O Lord my God: Thou art exceedingly Magnified!
T H E E PISTLE OF S T P AUL TO TH E H EBRE WS 2 : 2 – 10
BEWARE OF WILFUL NEGLIGENCE
Brethren, if the Word spoken through Angels proved Steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a
Just Reward, how shall we escape if we neglect so great a Salvation?
Which, at the first, began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed to us by those who heard Him - God also
bearing witness, both with Signs and Wonders, with various Miracles and Gifts of the Holy Spirit, according to His
own Will. For He has not put the world to come of which we speak, in subjection to Angels. It has been testified in a
certain place: ‘What is man that Thou art mindful of him, or the Son of Man that Thou carest for Him? Thou made
Him for a while lower than the Angels. Thou crowned Him with Glory and Honour – putting all things in subjection
under His Feet.’
Now, in putting everything in subjection under Him, He left nothing outside His Control. Now, we do not yet see
everything in subjection to Him. Yet we see Christ Jesus Who was made a little lower than the Angels, for the
suffering of Death, Crowned with Glory and Honour, that He, by the Grace of God, might taste Death for everyone.
For it was fitting that He, for Whom art all things and by Whom art all things, in bringing many sons to Glory, should
make the Pioneer of their Salvation Perfect through sufferings.
✶ “...If the Word spoken through Angels proved ✶ “...how shall we escape if we neglect so great a
steadfast...” suggest a conditional statement or Salvation?...” is A RHETORICAL BUT HIGHLY SIGNIFICANT
question. QUESTION.

This is A SERIOUS ADMONISHMENT AGAINST WILFUL
OUR TRANSGRESSIONS – sins – against God and each
NEGLIGENCE AND SPIRITUAL CARELESSNESS. other ALIENATE OR ISOLATE US FROM GOD AND

We must AVOID DRIFTING AWAY FROM THE DIVINE TRUTH AND EVERYTHING THAT IS GOOD – SPIRITUAL DEATH.
SPIRITUAL LIFE THAT IS ESSENTIAL TO OUR ETERNAL
GOD’S DIVINE WORD/TRUTH IS CONFIRMED AND PROVED by so
SALVATION. many Divine Miracles and by the Spiritual

SPIRITUAL NEGLECT AND CARELESSNESS DRAGS US INTO SIN – Experience of His Apostles and all their successors
INTO SPIRITUAL DESTRUCTION AND DEATH. through.

Although St Paul was cautioning the Hebrew Nation of
There are only two choices
Israel, his words also apply to OUR OWN SPIRITUAL 1. ETERNAL LIFE requires much determination and effort
CONDITION AND WELFARE. but the Eternal Rewards are worth it.

The Hebrews were expected to OBEY THE WORDS OF GOD PROVIDES US WITH EVERYTHING NECESSARY. We only have
CREATED ANGELS – THE HOLY MESSENGERS OF GOD – OR to be willing to undertake the Sacred Journey – ‘the
SUFFER PUNISHMENT. Narrow Path” – with complete Faith in the Love and

NOW IT IS EVEN MUCH MORE VITAL FOR US TO HEED WHAT GOD Great Mercy of our Lord.
INCARNATE – OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST – HAS SAID TO US 2. ETERNAL DEATH might appear to be ‘an easy way out.’
DIRECTLY AND THROUGH HIS HOLY APOSTLES. But that deceptively ‘easy way’ with all its temptations,
✶ “...every transgression and disobedience received a unbridled passions and self-indulgent lifestyle leads
Just Reward...” – EVERY THOUGHT, WORD AND DEED HAS A to the most indescribably horrific consequences of
CONSEQUENCE. UNRELIEVED, PERPETUAL DEVASTATION AND TORMENTS IN

WE CONDEMN OURSELVES whenever we fail to fulfil the OUTER DARKNESS that cause the evil one and his
Will of our Heavenly Father BY COMMITTING ANY SIN demons (who invented such horrors) to tremble and
against Him and each other. shake uncontrollably with fear and dread.

ONLY BY REPENTANCE-CONFESSION ARE WE FORGIVEN AND ✶ “... the Son of Man ... for a while lower than the Angels...
RESTORED TO SPIRITUAL LIFE. crowned ... with Glory and Honour ... all things in

During every Divine Liturgy, the Celebrant Priest subjection under His Feet....’ DESCRIBES OUR LORD
beseeches God on our behalf for “... Pardon and JESUS CHRIST, Who is the Eternal, Only Begotten Son
Remission of our sins and transgressions...” and and Word of God our Heavenly Father WHO BECAME
“... a Good Defence before the Dread Judgement INCARNATE IN ORDER TO SAVE ALL MANKIND.
Seat of Christ...” – thereby affirming that there is
HE ‘EMPTIED’ HIMSELF OF HIS INFINITE, UNCONTAINABLE
indeed a “Just Reward,” or Retribution (Reckoning DIVINE MAJESTY AND POWER IN ORDER TO TAKE ON OUR
or Justice) – A VERY REAL DIVINE JUDGEMENT THAT IS WEAK, CREATED HUMAN NATURE, to live in our midst
IRREVOCABLE AND UTTERLY UNBIASED!! and to teach us His Divine Truth directly and
personally.

8. S Y NAX IS OF THE H OLY A RCH ANGEL S & H E AV E NLY H OSTS - 8 N OVEM BE R


IN HIS INCARNATION, THE ETERNAL SON OF GOD AND OUR
ALMIGHTY CREATOR BECAME “... LOWER ...” THAN HIS
ANGELS – His Glorious Heavenly Hosts who serve
God and act as intercessory Messengers between
Him and mankind.

AS THE CREATOR OF EVERYTHING VISIBLE AND INVISIBLE, OUR
LORD JESUS CHRIST IS INDEED CROWNED WITH GLORY AND
HONOUR BY OUR HEAVENLY FATHER – and WORSHIPPED
AND ADORED by all Creation.
✶ “...spoken by the Lord... confirmed ... by those who
heard Him ... also bearing witness...according to
His own Will...”

THE WILL OF OUR HEAVENLY FATHER is fulfilled through THE
TEACHINGS AND REVELATIONS OF CHRIST and by THE
EMPOWERMENT OF GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT.

WE ASCRIBE GLORY, HONOUR AND WORSHIP TO OUR TRIUNE
LORD GOD even if we only mention one of the Three
Persons of the One Godhead since They always
exist and work together IN PERFECT UNITY AND
HARMONY.

DIVINE TRUTH IS CONFIRMED NOT ONLY BY MIRACLES, ETC, BUT
ALSO BY SPIRITUAL EXPERIENCE.
✶ “... suffering of Death, Crowned with Glory and Honour,
that He, by the Grace of God, might taste Death for
everyone...”

OUR DIVINE SAVIOUR’S SUFFERING AND DEATH HIGHLY EXALTED
HIM. Instead of His Cross and Crucifixion causing
T H E H OLY G OSPEL
At that time our Lord Jesus said to them: “He who hears you, hears Me, he who rejects you, rejects Him Who sent Me.”
When the Seventy returned they joyfully said: “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Thy Name!” He told them: “I
saw Satan fall like lightning from Heaven! Behold: I grant you the Authority to trample upon serpents and
scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means hurt you. Nevertheless, do not
rejoice in this - that the spirits are subject to you - but rather rejoice because your names are written in Heaven!”
In that hour, Jesus rejoiced in the Spirit and said: “I thank Thee, Father, Lord of Heaven and earth, that Thou hast
hidden these things from the wise and prudent and revealed them to infants. Even so, Father, for so it seemed
good in Thy Sight.”
✶ “... he who hears you, hears Me...”

Our Lord Jesus Christ is very clear about this.
1. LISTEN ATTENTIVELY to His Divine Truth
2. HEAR every Word
3. APPLY EVERYTHING HE TEACHES AND
COMMANDS to our thoughts, words and deeds
4. WITH HUMILITY AND OBEDIENCE, fulfil God’s
Divine Will according to Spiritual Guidance and
Instructions of our Holy Fathers of His Holy
Church.

Unless we are SPIRITUALLY DISCIPLINED, HUMBLE AND
OBEDIENT TO THE WILL OF OUR HEAVENLY FATHER
THROUGH THE DIVINE TRUTH OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST,
we cannot regard ourselves as His Faithful
Disciples.
✶ “...he who rejects you rejects Me, and ... Him who sent
Me...”

BY REJECTING OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, HIS HOLY GOSPEL AND
ALMIGHTY GOD’S NEW COVENANT, WE ALSO REJECT OUR
HEAVENLY FATHER.

REJECTION, NEGLECT OR DENIAL OF DIVINE TRUTH WILL
CONDEMN US FOREVER unless we Repent our
disobedience to the Will of God.

DIVINE JUDGEMENT IS MOST SEVERE FOR THOSE WHO REJECT
CHRIST AFTER EXPERIENCING HIS DIVINE GRACE!

On the contrary, THOSE WHO HAVE NEVER KNOWN CHRIST
DUE TO GENUINE IGNORANCE DO NOT CONDEMN
THEMSELVES IN THAT REGARD.
 J O H N 1 5 : 2 2 - 2 4 : “If I had not come and spoken to
them, they would have no sin, but now they have
no excuse for their sin. He who hates me, hates
My Father also. If I had not done among them
the Works that no one else did, they would have
no sin, but now they have seen and also hated
both Me and My Father...”
 REBELLION AGAINST GOD reveals several things:
 WHILE UNION WITH CHRIST BRINGS JOY, TRUTH AND PEACE, IT
ALSO BRINGS PERSECUTION
 THE FALLEN WORLD HATES
1. Love and Truth.
2. Our Lord Jesus Christ
3. All those who try to become Christ-like.
4. Our Triune, Almighty God because it neither
knows nor desires to know our Loving, Heavenly
Father.
S Y NAX IS OF TH E H OLY
shame and reproach, It brought Him Great Glory
and Honour.
Crucifixion was the worst, most degrading punishment for
criminals and traitors invented by the Roman Empire.
According to Old Covenant Laws to be “..hanged from a tree...”
was the most shameful death.

OUR LORD WAS THE OFFERER AND THE OFFERING OF THE MOST
PERFECT, FULFILLING BLOOD SACRIFICE FOR THE
ATONEMENT AND FORGIVENESS OF SINS.

The Crucifixion of Christ and everything He had so
unjustly suffered, fulfilled forever the need for
Blood Sacrifices. Therefore, OUR NEW COVENANT WITH
GOD IS A BLOODLESS COVENANT.

SALVATION IS not owed to mankind but is BESTOWED ON US
BY THE LOVE AND GRACE OF GOD. It is HIS DIVINE GIFT TO
US.

OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST FULLY EXPERIENCED THE PROCESS OF
DEATH – the separation of Body and Soul.

HE ENTERED HADES IN HIS INCARNATE STATE – as Son of
Man.

Before His Harrowing of Hades and Resurrection, ALL
SOULS WERE HELD CAPTIVE BY DEATH IN HADES.

As the Eternal Son of God, HE THEN SMASHED THE GATES OF
HADES, SETTING FREE THOSE WHO ACCEPTED HIS DIVINE
TRUTH AND LED THEM INTO HIS RE-OPENED PARADISE.

The Salvation of our Lord Jesus Christ is for all
mankind – not only for a select few.
ACCO R D ING TO S T LU KE 10: 16 – 21

Rejection and HATRED FOR OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST IS
IRRATIONAL AND UNREASONABLE, for He brings Love
and Mercy. Thus He is HATED AND FEARED WITHOUT
ANY JUSTIFIABLE CAUSE.

Consequently, THE DEGREE OF THEIR REJECTION CONDEMNS
THEM for they are JUDGED BY THEIR GOD-GIVEN
CONSCIENCE, FROM WHICH NOTHING IS HIDDEN!
 R O M A N S 2 : 1 2 – 1 6 “... for as many as have sinned
without Law, will also perish without Law, and,
as many as have sinned in the Law, will be
judged by the Law (for not the hearers of the Law
are Just in the Sight of God) but the doers of the
Law will be Justified. For when Gentiles, who do
not have the Law, by nature do the things in the
Law, these, although not having the Law, are a
law to themselves, who show the Work of the Law
written in their heart, their conscience also
bearing witness, and between themselves their
thoughts accusing or else excusing them) in the
Day when God will Judge the secrets of mankind
by Jesus Christ, according to my Gospel.”
✶ “... even the demons are subject to us in Thy Name!”

THE ASTOUNDED APOSTLES WERE DELIGHTED THAT EVEN
THE DEMONS COULD BE EXORCISED BY THE DIVINE POWER
OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST’S NAME under Whose
Authority they were able to perform such Divine
Miracles.
✶ “... I saw Satan fall like lightning from Heaven...”

Our Lord immediately responded to their
overwhelming enthusiasm by CAUTIONING THEM
AGAINST PERSONAL PRIDE AND USING HIS DIVINE
AUTHORITY AND POWER FOR THE WRONG REASONS OR
INTENTIONS.

THE REBELLIOUS, ARROGANT PRIDE AND EGOISM OF SATAN AND
HIS DELUDED COHORTS WERE INSTANTLY DEALT WITH. THEY
FELL FROM HEAVEN AS QUICKLY AS A BOLT OF LIGHTNING
flashes and now ARE NEITHER OF HEAVEN NOR EARTH.

OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST DESCRIBED THE IMMEDIATE EXPULSION
OF SATAN AND HIS DEMONS FROM HEAVEN which
happened BEFORE THE CREATION OF THE VISIBLE
UNIVERSE AND MANKIND.
 SATAN HAD EXPRESSED HIS REBELLIOUS WILL AND EGOCENTRIC
PRIDE FIVE TIMES when he schemed how he would
rule Heaven!
A R CH ANGEL S & H E AVE NLY H OSTS - 8 N OVEM BE R 9
 I S A I A H 1 4 : 1 2 – 1 5 : ”... how you are fallen, O
Lucifer, who rose up in the morning! He who
sends for all the Nations is crushed to the Earth.
For you said in your mind: ‘I will ascend into
Heaven. I will place my throne above the stars of
heaven. I will sit on a lofty mountain, on the lofty
mountains towards the North. I will ascend
above the clouds. I will be like the Most High!’
But now you shall descend to Hades, to the
foundations of the Earth...”
 R E V E L A T I O N 1 2 : 7 – 1 2 : “... war broke out in
Heaven. Michael and his Angels fought with the
dragon; and the dragon and his angels fought;
but they did not prevail, nor was a place found
for them in Heaven any longer. So the great
dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called
‘the Devil’ and ‘Satan,’ who deceives the whole
world. He was cast out to the Earth – and his
angels were cast out with him. Then I heard a
loud Voice saying in Heaven: “Now Salvation,
and Strength, and the Kingdom of our God, and
the Power of His Christ have come, for the
accuser of our Brethren, who accused them
before our God day and night, has been cast
down. And they overcame him by the Blood of
the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and
they did not love their lives to the death...’”
✶ “... I gave you Authority...” means that we must NEVER
FORGET THAT EVERYTHING GOOD, WONDERFUL AND
BEAUTIFUL IS POSSIBLE ONLY
1. BY THE DIVINE WILL OF OUR HEAVENLY FATHER,
2. THROUGH CHRIST OUR SAVIOUR AND
3. BY THE POWER AND ENERGY OF GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT.

WITHOUT GOD, WE ARE NOTHING!
✶ “... nothing shall by any means hurt you...” is THE DIVINE
ASSURANCE/PROMISE OF OUR LORD GOD under Whose
Authority and Love we are Protected.

During our Holy Baptism WE ARE MARKED WITH THE LIFE-
GIVING SIGN OF THE CROSS AS THE ADOPTED CHILDREN OF
GOD AND CO-HEIRS WITH CHRIST of our Heavenly
Fathers’ Eternal Kingdom of Love.

After being Tonsured – Dedicated to God – WE ARE
SEALED AND SANCTIFIED WITH DIVINE GIFT OF GOD THE
HOLY LIFE-GIVING SPIRIT.

ONLY GOD HAS AUTHORITY OVER LIFE AND DEATH, so the
demons cannot kill us. Their temptations and
wickedness test our Spiritual Strength and Faith in
God.

WHEN WE REALISE HOW WEAK AND NEEDY WE ARE, WE
IMMEDIATELY TURN TO GOD AND SEEK HIS GREAT MERCY
AND LOVING KINDNESS.
✶ “...Do not rejoice in this...” our Divine Saviour FIRMLY AND
CLEARLY CAUTIONS US AGAINST REJOICING IN THE DOWNFALL
OF OTHERS – even that of the demons.

We must NEVER TRIUMPH OVER THE DEFEAT OF OUR ENEMIES,

OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST ASKED OUR HEAVENLY FATHER TO
FORGIVE HIS ENEMIES “ ...for they know not what they
do...” - WE NEVER KNOW ALL THE IMPLICATIONS AND
RESULTS OF OUR THOUGHTS, WORDS AND DEEDS until our
Final Judgement when it will be too late to rectify
our errors.

We must IMITATE OUR DIVINE SAVIOUR IN ALL
CIRCUMSTANCES.

ALWAYS GIVE THE GLORY, HONOUR AND WORSHIP TO GOD WHO
HAS EMPOWERED AND ENABLED US TO TRIUMPH OVER
ADVERSITY.
T H E A NGEL IC H OSTS , MO NASTIC S
Monastic Life has been called ‘the Angelic State’ because
it is the pre-eminent way of imitating and following
the Heavenly Life of God’s Angelic Hosts.
Monastics and Faithful Disciples ceaselessly strive to live
as though they were already Blessed Citizens of God’s
Eternal Kingdom of Love. They consider themselves
no more than temporary visitors on Earth and their
constant desire is to be “... a little less that the
Angels...” (PSALM 8:5)
They want to live an Angelic Life here on Earth, and to
replace the ranks of fallen angels.
Indeed, as St Basil the Great stated in his Epistle to St
Gregory: “... what then is more Blessed than to imitate
the (Spiritual) State of the Angels?”
10. S Y NAX IS OF THE H OLY A RCH ANGEL S
✶ “...Rejoice instead that your names are written in
Heaven...”

ONLY WHEN WE KNOW WE HAVE FULFILLED THE WILL OF OUR
HEAVENLY FATHER TO THE VERY BEST OF OUR ABILITY MAY
WE REJOICE AND EXPRESS OUR THANKSGIVING TO GOD for
His Great Mercy, Love and Grace, which has
made all good things possible.

OUR ALLOTTED GUARDIAN ANGELS WRITE EVERY WORTHY
THOUGHT, WORD AND DEED IN OUR BOOK OF LIFE IN
HEAVEN.
Meanwhile, THE DEMONS RECORD ALL OUR UNREPENTED SINS
AND WICKED THOUGHTS, WORDS AND DEEDS WITH WHICH
THEY ACCUSE US immediately after our Repose,
during the 40 Days After Death.
For this reason, IT IS SPIRITUALLY BENEFICIAL FOR OUR
ETERNAL SALVATION, TO DAILY EXAMINE OURSELVES SO
THAT WE CAN REPENT-CONFESS OUR SINS and correct
our habitual sins.

ONLY THROUGH THE HOLY MYSTERY OF REPENTANCE-
CONFESSION WITH OUR SPIRITUAL FATHER, CAN WE CAN
PROPERLY RID OURSELVES OF SOME PERSONAL SINS.

THE SAINTS AND ANGELS REJOICE WHENEVER A SINNER
GENUINELY REPENTS AND RETURNS TO SPIRITUAL LIFE,
determined not to repeat the grievous sins that
condemn us forever.
✶ “... (our Lord) Jesus rejoiced in the Spirit...”

WHEN OUR HEART AND SOUL IS RECEPTIVE TO HIS DIVINE TRUTH
AND WE ARE WILLING AND EAGER TO FULFIL HIS DIVINE
WILL, OUR TRIUNE LORD GOD REJOICES for God is Love
and by Obeying Him, WE ACT ACCORDING TO THAT
DIVINE LOVE.
✶ “...I thank Thee, Father, ... Thou has hidden these things
from the wise and prudent, and revealed them to
infants...”

OUR LORD JESUS EXPRESSED HIS GRATITUDE TO OUR HEAVENLY
FATHER WHO ALLOWS “...INFANTS...” TO RECEIVE HIS
DIVINE TRUTH – those who are HUMBLE,
UNCOMPLICATED AND PURE IN HEART.

OUR LORD WANTS US TO HAVE THE SAME UNCOMPLICATED
FAITH AS THAT OF SMALL, INNOCENT CHILDREN who are
unburdened and uncorrupted by worldly opinions
and concepts.

Just as small children implicitly trust and adore their
parents, SO TOO MUST WE TRUST AND ADORE OUR LORD,
ACCEPTING HIS DIVINE TRUTH WITHOUT ANY HESITATION –
being eager to do whatever our Heavenly Father
Wills because of our Love for Him and each other.

SPIRITUAL ‘INFANTS’ ARE THE STANDARD OF FAITH WHEREBY
ADULTS RECEIVE THE KINGDOM OF GOD and not the
other way around.

According to St Theophan: “...a little child
1. is NOT ARROGANT. ...
2. DOES NOT DESPISE anyone...
3. is INNOCENT AND GUILELESS...
4. DOES NOT INFLATE HIMSELF in the presence of
important people,
5. NOR WITHDRAWS from those in sorrows.
6. LIVES IN COMPLETE SIMPLICITY.”

Such people have acquired AN UNCOMPLICATED, HUMBLE,
OBEDIENT AND, SINCERE FAITH

They have AN OPEN, RECEPTIVE AND SOUL THAT WELCOMES
THE INDWELLING OF THE HOLY TRINITY.

On the contrary, those who are “... wise and prudent...”
might REGARD THEMSELVES AS BEING SUPERIOR WHEN
COMPARED TO OTHERS and often POSSESS THE OPPOSITE
CHARACTERISTICS TO THOSE OF SPIRITUAL INFANTS.
AND F AITHF UL D ISC IPL ES OF CH R IST
Our Ascetic Father, Elder Iperekhios encourages us: “... let
the Life of a Monastic (and all Disciples of Christ) be in
imitation of the Angels – incinerating sin – because
Monastic Life is the final fruition of those who Repent.
“Let the Life of Monastics be characterised by the death of
their body towards any desire, for the Life of St John
has become an Example for us all...”
Consequently, Monastic Communities pay particular
Honour to the Holy Archangels by Fasting every
Monday – the day dedicated to the Archangels,
within the framework of the weekly Festal Cycle, as
well as with a Vigil on their Feast Day on 8 November.
“Where Thy Grace overshadows, O Archangel, the power
of the devil is driven away...”
& H E AV E NLY H OSTS - 8 N OVEM BE R
 Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria & All Africa
Archdiocese of Good Hope
All Glory, Honour and Worship to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and forever,
and unto the Ages of ages. Amen. Remembering also our Most Holy, Most Pure, Most Blessed and
Glorious Lady, Maria, Theotokos, yet Ever Virgin, together with all the Saints. And let us commit
ourselves and one another and our whole Life to Christ our God. Amen.
9 NOVEMBER 2019

ST NEKTARIOS OF PENTAPOLIS & AEGINA

Also the Feast of St Onesiphoros and St Porphyrios of Ephesos - St Matrona, Abbess of

Constantinople - St Theoktiste of Lesbos – St Onesiphoros the Confessor of the Kiev Near
Caves Monastery – St Alexander of Thessalonika – St Anthony of Apamea, Syria – St John
the Short, Holy Ascetic of St Pimen the Great Monastery, Egypt – St Eustolia & St Sopatra of
Constantinople – St Euthymios & St Neophytos, Co-Founders of Dochiariou Monastery,
Mount Athos – The Holy Wonderworking Icon of Theotokos “Quick to Hear” at Dochiariou
Monastery, Mount Athos

THE SUNDAY AND FESTAL HYMNS ARE PUBLISHED IN BOOKLET FORM EACH MONTH. THESE
A R E P U B L I S H E D A N D F R E E L Y D O W N L O A D A B L E O N www.scribd.com/writers4574. L I N K S A R E
ALSO POSTED ON FACEBOOK “ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN EASTERN CAPE.” (OR CAN BE EMAILED
DIRECTLY, ON REQUEST TO marguerite.paizis@gmail.com )

P R OKE IME NON – P SALM 149 – T ONE (7) V ARY S /GR AVE

The Saints shalt rejoice in Glory.

Sing unto the Lord a New Song.
T H E E PISTLE OF S T P AUL TO TH E EP HE SIANS 5 : 8 – 19
WE MUST WALK IN CHRIST THE DIVINE LIGHT & TRUTH
Brethren: ... As Children of Light, walk, for the Fruit of the Spirit is in all Goodness, Righteousness and Truth, finding out
what is acceptable to our Lord. And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of Darkness, but rather expose
them. Those things that are done by them in secret are shameful even to speak.
All things that are exposed are made manifest by the Light. Whatever makes manifest is Light. Therefore He says:
“Awake, you who sleep! Arise from the Dead and Christ Will give you Light!”
See then that you walk circumspectly - not as fools but as Wise - Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.
Therefore, do not be unwise, but understand what the Will of our Lord is. And do not be drunk with wine, in which
is dissipation. But be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in Psalms and Hymns and Spiritual Odes, sing
and making melody in your heart to the Lord.
✶ “ ... Children of Light....” means us who have become IGNORANT OR NEGLIGENT OF THE MEANING AND PURPOSE
the ADOPTED CHILDREN OF GOD OUR HEAVENLY FATHER - OF THIS TEMPORARY EXISTENCE.
Who is Himself THE UNCREATED DIVINE LIGHT – who
St Paul severely cautions us to AVOID ANYTHING THAT IS
must NOW LIVE IN CHRIST. ABOMINABLE TO GOD, SINFUL AND SPIRITUALLY

DURING THE HOLY MYSTERY OF BAPTISM, WE “...PUT ON CONDEMNING – anything that is wicked, evil and
CHRIST...” LIKE A GARMENT OF RIGHTEOUSNESS AND THUS harmful, which are the “... unfruitful works of
WE BECOME THE ADOPTED CHILDREN OF GOD AND CO- Darkness...”
HEIRS with our Lord Jesus Christ – the Eternal, Only ✶ “...expose ... ... things that are done ... in secret ...
Begotten Son of God – to His Eternal, Heavenly shameful even to speak...” refers to THE NEED FOR
Kingdom of Love. REGULAR REPENTANCE/CONFESSION OF OUR OWN SINS,

By Living in Christ as Children of (Divine) Light we rather than the sins of others – IF, WHEN AND HOW WE
STRIVE TO FULFIL THE WILL OF OUR HEAVENLY FATHER. HAVE BEEN INVOLVED.
✶ “... the Fruit of (God the All Holy, Life-giving) Spirit is in all ✶ “...All things that are exposed are made manifest by the
Goodness, Righteousness and Truth...” - refers to Light...” means that THE DIVINE LIGHT AND TRUTH
EVERYTHING that is ACCORDING TO THE WILL OF OUR REVEALS THE REALITY, TRUTH AND QUALITY OF EVERY
HEAVENLY FATHER THOUGHT, WORD AND DEED.

When we Live IN CHRIST BY FOLLOWING HIS FAITHFUL
We must ALWAYS COMPARE, JUDGE, MEASURE OR WEIGH
PATH, our Lord leads us BACK TO PARADISE AND TO THE EVERYTHING CAREFULLY AGAINST GOD’S DIVINE TRUTH -
REGENERATION OF OUR DIVINE LIKENESS, which is everything that concerns and is acceptable to this
Spiritual Perfection, Theosis or Deification. Spiritually Blind, Darkened, wicked, fallen and
✶ “... doing everything that is acceptable to our Lord...” debauched world.

BY THE DIVINE GRACE OF GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT, WE ARE ABLE
We must always SEE EVERYTHING IN THE DIVINE LIGHT OF
TO KNOW, AND TO UNDERSTAND, AND TO DO, EVERYTHING GOD’S TRUTH, WHICH IS UNWAVERING, INFLEXIBLE AND
that is “...acceptable to our Lord....” UNCHANGEABLE.

THROUGH THE HOLY MYSTERY OF CHRISMATION, which ✶ “..Whatever makes manifest is Light...” means that ALL
follows immediately after our Holy Baptism, WE ARE GOODNESS, REALITY AND TRUTH ARE CLEARLY REVEALED
GRANTED THE SEAL OF THE GIFT OF GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT, AND CONFIRMED BY DIVINE LIGHT AND TRUTH..
WHO ENABLES AND EMPOWERS US TO FULFIL EVERYTHING
EVERYTHING THAT IS DECEPTIVE, DELUSIONAL, “SECRET” OR
THAT IS TRULY WORTHY – everything BEFITTING A “HIDDEN” CANNOT BEAR TO BE EXPOSED TO GOD’S DIVINE
FAITHFUL DISCIPLE OF CHRIST OUR GOD. LIGHT AND TRUTH – so we must IMMEDIATELY REJECT
✶ “...have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of AVOID AND REPENT SUCH THINGS AS BEING SHAMEFUL,
Darkness...” SINFUL OR EVIL!

St Paul reminded the Ephesians – especially those ✶ “...Awake... Arise from the Dead and Christ Will give you
who had converted from paganism – that THEY HAD Light... ” is addressed to most people who are
EXISTED IN SPIRITUAL DARKNESS AND HAD BEEN SLUMBERING AND STAGNATING IN A STATE OF SPIRITUAL
SPIRITUALLY DEAD.. DEATH AND DARKNESS, UNABLE TO MAKE ANY ESSENTIAL

Before knowing anything concerning our Living, SPIRITUAL PROGRESS AT ALL.
Loving and Benevolent Lord God and His Divine
Wake up and begin the Journey !
Truth, MOST OF US WERE IN SPIRITUAL DARKNESS -

S T N EKTAR IOS OF P E NTAP OL IS & AE GINA 9 NO VEM BE R 2019 11.

✶ “...walk circumspectly - not as fools but as Wise -
Our Lord Jesus Christ has granted us every means
Redeeming the time...” possible and shown us by His own Perfect Example

WE ONLY HAVE THIS SHORT, PREPARATORY PERIOD BEFORE how to CONTROL THE WEAKNESS AND SELFISH DEMANDS OF
ETERNITY TO REGAIN OUR DIVINE LIKENESS AND LOVE! OUR FLESH – our words, thoughts and deeds.

GOD PROVIDES US WITH EVERYTHING NECESSARY to MAKE GOOD
HIS DIVINE COMMANDMENTS AND TEACHINGS STRENGTHEN,
SPIRITUAL PROGRESS AND BECOME WORTHY CITIZENS AND REGENERATE AND PERFECT OUR IMMORTAL SOUL so that
HEIRS of His Heavenly Kingdom of Everlasting Love. we may REGAIN THE DIVINE LIKENESS AND IMAGE OF

We need to LEARN HOW TO THINK, SPEAK AND ACT GOD, AS HE CREATED US!
ACCORDING TO THE DIVINE TEACHINGS AND 1. we are both PHYSICAL AND SPIRITUAL, INTELLECTUAL
COMMANDMENTS. BEINGS

WE CANNOT ACCOMPLISH OUR SACRED JOURNEY BY OUR OWN 2. OUR IMMORTAL SOUL MUST be trained during this
PUNY EFFORTS OR LIMITED PERCEPTIONS. short lifespan to DOMINATE AND CONTROL OUR FLESH,

WE MUST NOT WASTE A MOMENT OF THIS VERY SHORT LIFESPAN, 3. We are created to become worthy CITIZENS AND
which is granted to each of us according to the CO-HEIRS OF GOD’S ETERNAL, HEAVENLY KINGDOM OF
Will and Knowledge of our Divine Creator in order LOVE.
TO PREPARE OURSELVES FOR ETERNITY. ✶ “...do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation...”

ONLY GOD KNOW HOW MANY YEARS, MONTHS, WEEKS, DAYS OR refers to ALL FORMS AND DEGREES OF SELF-INDULGENCE.
HOURS EACH OF US HAS in which to Perfect our
ALL THE SELFISH DEMANDS OF OUR FLESH AND WICKED PASSIONS
immortal soul for Eternal Life in His Heavenly ARE SELF-DESTRUCTIVE because they harm us and
Kingdom of Love. alienate us from God and each other.
✶ “...do not be unwise, but understand what the Will of our
ALL SIN ADVERSELY AFFECTS OURSELVES, AND OUR
Lord is... “ RELATIONSHIP WITH OUR LORD GOD AND EACH OTHER.

THERE IS NO EXCUSE NOR REASON TO BE SPIRITUALLY IGNORANT ✶ “...be filled with the Spirit, speaking .. singing and
because our Lord Jesus and God the Holy Spirit making melody in your heart to the Lord... “ are
have made THE FULFILMENT OF OUR HEAVENLY FATHER’S CHARACTERISTICS OF TRUE AND FAITHFUL DISCIPLES OF
WILL possible for us to accomplish! CHRIST.
T H E H OLY G OSPEL ACCO R D ING TO S T J OH N 10: 9 – 16
CHRIST IS THE DOOR & THE GOOD SHEPHERD
At that time, our Lord Jesus Christ said: “...I Am the Door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be Saved, and will go in and
will go out, and will find Pasture. The Thief does not come, except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have
come that they may have Life -and more abundantly.
“I Am the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd gives His Life for the Sheep. The Hireling - who is not the Shepherd,
who does not own the Sheep - sees the Wolf coming, and leaves the Sheep, and flees. And the Wolf catches,
and scatters the Sheep. The Hireling flees, for he is a hireling, and does not care about the Sheep.
“I Am the Good Shepherd, and I know Mine, and Am known by Mine. As the Father knows Me, even so I know the
Father. And My Life I lay down for the Sheep.
“And other Sheep I have, which are not of this Fold - them also I must bring. And they will hear My Voice. And there
will be one Flock - one Shepherd.”
✶ “...I Am the Door...” CHRIST IS THE ONLY MEANS OF ENTRY HE STEALS OUR FREE WILL AND ENSLAVES US, HE KILLS US WITH
INTO GOD’S DIVINE KINGDOM OF LOVE. HIS WICKED TEMPTATIONS AND SINS THAT ALIENATE AND

OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST AND HIS TEACHINGS AND SEPARATE US FROM OUR LOVING, BENEVOLENT AND LIFE-
COMMANDMENTS SHOW US THE PATH TO SALVATION AND GIVING LORD GOD, and he DESTROYS AND CORRUPTS
ETERNAL LIFE. EVERYTHING THAT IS GOOD and Beautifully created by

Having accepted our Lord Jesus as our Divine Almighty God
Saviour, we have to CEASELESSLY STRUGGLE TO BECOME ✶ “... that they may have Life...” GOD CREATED MANKIND TO
LIKE HIM IN OUR THOUGHTS, WORDS AND DEEDS. LIVE BY HIS DIVINE GRACE even while on Earth.

Our Eternal Salvation begins now and is AN ONGOING OUR VOLUNTARY AND INVOLUNTARY SINS BREAK OUR SACRED BOND
SPIRITUAL STRUGGLE AGAINST TEMPTATION AND SIN, until WITH OUR LORD GOD, leaving us susceptible to the
we draw our last breath. destructive forces of evil.

OUR SALVIFIC STRUGGLE AND JOURNEY BEGINS WHEN WE ARE However, OUR LORD JESUS HAS PROVIDED US WITH THE MOST
BAPTISED AND CHRISMATED INTO CHRIST. POWERFUL ANTIDOTE AND HEALING OF HIS DIVINE TRUTH.
✶ “...If anyone enters by Me...” Our Lord Jesus speaks His ✶“... and more abundantly...” indicates OUR LORD’S ETERNAL
Divine Truth very clearly and concisely. HEAVENLY KINGDOM that begins while we are still in

HE DOES NOT SAY “WHEN” BUT “IF,” which shows us that THE this lifespan.
CHOICES WE MAKE ARE ENTIRELY ACCORDING TO OUR OWN ✶ "...I Am the Good Shepherd...” OUR LORD ALWAYS
FREE WILL, for our God of Love never forces His IDENTIFIES HIMSELF CLEARLY so that we properly
Divine Will upon His creatures. understand Who He is.

We must FREELY DESIRE AND SEEK HIS PRESENCE THROUGH
“I Am” is THE NAME WHEREBY GOD IDENTIFIES HIMSELF.
PRAYER AND CORRECT, REVERENT, HONEST AND SINCERE
Our Lord Jesus Christ is OUR GOOD SHEPHERD WHO
WORSHIP WATCHES OVER US, PROTECTING US AGAINST EVIL AND
✶ We “...will be Saved...” by humbly and obediently GUIDING US ALONG HIS PATH OF RIGHTEOUSNESS WITH HIS
APPLYING CHRIST’S TEACHINGS AND COMMANDMENTS TO DIVINE TRUTH.
EVERY ASPECT OF OUR EXISTENCE.
WE ARE HIS HOLY FLOCK OF “REASON-ENDOWED SHEEP” who
WE ARE INCLINED TO COMPLICATE EVERYTHING, thereby causing trust our Holy Shepherd to provide for us and to
confusion and misguidance. take good care of us.
✶ “... and find pasture...” Just as any good shepherd
OUR GOOD SHEPHERD LOVES EVERY ONE OF HIS HOLY FLOCK to
leads his flocks to green fields or pasture where they the extent of OFFERING HIS OWN LIFE FOR THE SAKE OF
are sufficiently fed, so too, does OUR GOOD SHEPHERD OUR SALVATION.
LEAD HIS HOLY FLOCK TO THE BEAUTIFUL SUSTAINING PASTURES

HE HAS FULFILLED ALL THE INSPIRED PROPHECIES of Holy
THAT SPIRITUALLY NOURISH AND MAINTAIN US while we
mature, growing closer to God and regaining our
Scripture concerning Himself.
Divine Likeness.
HE KNOWS AND IS KNOWN (being identified and

BY FREELY SURRENDERING OUR WILL TO GOD’S DIVINE WILL, WE testified to) BY GOD OUR HEAVENLY FATHER AND GOD
ARE IMMENSELY LIBERATED FROM ALL NEGATIVITY AND THE HOLY SPIRIT.
THREAT, knowing with full confidence that God is
HE KNOWS ALL MANKIND PERSONALLY – better than we
indeed in control of everything. know ourselves
✶“... the Thief...” comes “... to steal... to kill... to destroy...”
WHEN WE BECOME ENLIGHTENED WITH DIVINE TRUTH, WE

THE WORST THIEF IS THE EVIL ONE, SATAN - THE INVENTOR OF KNOW OUR LORD GOD – each of us according to
ALL EVIL AND DEATH – everything that is foul, rotten,
our personal limitations and capacity.
wretched and negative.
HIS LIES, DECEPTIONS AND HIDEOUS HERESIES LURE MANKIND
into his wickedness and slavery.
12. S T N E KTAR IOS OF P E NTAP OL IS & AE GINA 9 N OV EM BE R
✶ “... a Hireling ... who is not the Shepherd...” refers to
THOSE WHO USE PEOPLE AND EVEN THE CHURCH FOR THEIR
OWN SELFISH MOTIVES.

Hirelings can also refer to MERCENARY PRIESTS WHO ARE
MERELY ‘DOING A JOB’ but are uncommitted to the
Service of God and His Holy Flock.

Hirelings LACK ANY DEGREE OF AGAPE AND CAUSE MUCH
UNHAPPINESS AND DISCORD.

They will ABANDON THEIR SACRED DUTIES WHENEVER IT SUITS
THEM AND DEPART WHEN THREATENED by exposure,
complaint or correction.

Hirelings are usually SELF-APPOINTED ‘PROPHETS’ OR
‘PRIESTS’ WHO ARE OFFENSIVE, HERETICAL, CONTROVERSIAL
AND BLASPHEMOUS.

They only care about FINANCIALLY PROFITING AS MUCH AS
THEY CAN from the people who are seeking Divine
Truth and Spiritual and physical Healing for their
many ailments and suffering.

THEY SERVE THE EVIL ONE by doing everything he desires.

THEY ARE DRIVEN AND CONTROLLED BY ALL THE GRIEVOUS
PASSIONS THAT DESTROY EVERYTHING GOOD.

THEY USE THE LOVE AND POWER OF OUR TRIUNE GOD TO
ATTRACT PEOPLE AND CLAIM TO PERFORM ALL KINDS OF
‘MIRACLES’ as though these were merely ‘party
tricks’ to be performed at their own will, but THEY
ETERNALLY CONDEMN THEMSELVES AND THOSE WHOM THEY
LEAD INTO PERDITION
✶ “... the Wolf catches, and scatters the Sheep...” refers to
ANYTHING THAT HARMS OR DESTROYS THE HOLY FLOCK OF
CHRIST OUR LORD.
1. THE EVIL ONE, his demons and all his wicked people
2. HERETICS
3. ENEMIES OR OPPONENTS of Christ and His One, True,
Universal, Holy Church
4. APOSTASY – the denial, rejection or neglect of God’s
Divine Truth – all His Teachings and
Commandments whereby we ought to live as
His Faithful Disciples.

The Wolf is ANYTHING THAT WORKS AGAINST GOD’S DIVINE
TRUTH, THAT CAUSES DISHARMONY AND DISUNITY OR
CONTROVERSY THAT SPLITS HIS HOLY CHURCH AND CAUSES
SCHISMS, FACTIONS AND EVEN TERRIBLE WARFARE.
T H E E TE R NAL , I NSP IR ED W ISD OM
O N OUR O RTH OD OX C HRISTIAN FA ITH
Our Faith is not a ‘philosophical system’ about which
learned scholars who are trained in metaphysical
studies can argue and then espouse or reject
according to each one’s opinion.
Our Faith is established in our immortal soul and needs to
be shared with others – all mankind – while being
properly maintained in our consciousness.
The Divine Truth is encapsulated in the Faith of Christ
and is far above our intellectual comprehension
incapable of being grasped by our finite (limited)
human mind.
Our intellect/mind and immortal soul recognises Divine
Truth.
The Reality, and Supernatural Existence of Divine Truth is
confirmed so that (with Spiritual Experience) we can
testify and share It with others who ‘hunger and thirst.’
Our Christian Faith is based exclusively upon God’s
Perfect, Divine Truth and Divine Revelation.
Our Lord God reveals His Divine Glory only to those who
have become Spiritually Perfected through the
Acquisition of His Holy Virtues (the most important being
Agape – Perfect Divine Love) – by the Power and Energy
of God the Holy Spirit. (These are known as ‘the Holy
Hesychasts,’ who have Encountered and beheld the
Uncreated Divine Light of Almighty God.)
Our True Faith provides us with everything necessary to
become Holy and Spiritually Perfect (i.e. to regain our
Divine Likeness.)
Our Orthodox Faith rejects, denies and opposes heretics
and blasphemers, who are influenced and controlled
by their imagination, egotism and the grievous
passions, which separate us from God’s Divine Truth
and Love.
Those who are Perfected in Holy Virtue by the Grace of
God, become elevated above all flesh (separated from

The Wolf scatters the Sheep with its LIES AND DECEITS
THAT CAUSE PEOPLE TO BECOME ENSNARED IN
CONTROVERSIAL, HERETICAL AND BLASPHEMOUS PRACTISES
AND IDEAS, which cause Spiritual Death and Eternal
Condemnation.
THE WOLF HAD “...DEVOURED AND SCATTERED...” GOD’S CHOSEN
PEOPLE – THE NATION OF ISRAEL – when they intermarried
with pagans and reformed their ancient Judaic Faith.
These were “...THE LOST SHEEP...” WHOM CHRIST CAME TO FIND
AND RETURN TO THE SPIRITUAL SAFETY OF HIS HOLY
SHEEPFOLD.
✶ “...other Sheep I have, which are not of this Fold...”
was a reference to THE GENTILES – THE PAGAN NON-JUDAIC
NATIONS – who did not live according to the Old
Covenant but WHO WOULD RECEIVE THE NEW COVENANT AND
LIVE IN CHRIST.

This also applies to ALL WHO WILL EVENTUALLY ACCEPT OUR
LORD JESUS CHRIST AND HIS DIVINE TRUTH BEFORE THE
END OF TIME – BEFORE ETERNITY.
✶ “...there will be one Flock - one Shepherd...” WHEN OUR
LORD JESUS CHRIST REAPPEARS IN ALL HIS MAGNIFICENT,
DIVINE GLORY ON ’THE EIGHTH DAY’ – THE DAY OF FINAL
JUDGEMENT FOR ALL CREATION IN ETERNITY when we
will either receive Eternal Life in His Heavenly
Kingdom or be Condemned forever to ‘Outer
Darkness’ – the total absence of God and all His
Goodness – a permanent, most dreadful state of
Spiritual Death!

At present MANKIND IS LURED INTO APOSTASY BY THE
INNUMERABLE SELF-APPOINTED, EGOCENTRIC HERETICAL
SECTS THAT PICK AND CHOOSE FROM HOLY SCRIPTURE, all
of which claim to be THE Church that alone will
Save humanity.

THERE IS AND ALWAYS WILL BE ONLY ONE, HOLY, UNIVERSAL
AND APOSTOLIC CHURCH OF CHRIST OUR LORD AND DIVINE
SAVIOUR, whereby WE LIVE IN CHRIST EXACTLY
ACCORDING TO EVERYTHING HE HAS TAUGHT AND
COMMANDED US – nothing more, nothing less!

DIVINE TRUTH IS ABSOLUTE, PERFECT AND UNCOMPROMISING.

NOT ONE IOTA NOR TITTLE CAN BE CHANGED for then it
becomes our own imperfect, limited, flawed,
concept of truth – NOT GOD’S DIVINE TRUTH!
OF S T N EKTAR IOS OF P ENTAP OL IS
selfish passions and desires) and the fallen world that
surrounds us. They actually enter another Spiritual
World that is not due to any self-serving imagination
nor fantasy, but by the Effulgence of Divine Grace
(i.e. by Divine Illumination and Enlightenment.)
Without God’s Divine Grace, Divine Truth and Revelation,
not even the most Virtuous soul can Transcend the
demands and desires of our mortal flesh and this
fallen world.
Our Loving Lord God Reveals Himself and His Truth to
those who are genuinely and sincerely Humble and
Obedient, - who Live every moment according to His
Divine Will and Holy Virtues.
On the contrary, those who “...take up the wings of
imagination and fantasy...” in an attempt to reach
great heights by their own efforts, like Ikaros, will
suffer the same tragic end, because they are
controlled by their selfish, arrogant egos.
They do not pray, Repent their sins, worship God nor
fulfil the Will of our Heavenly Father to any degree,
due to their lack of Love, Humility and Obedience.
They cannot and will not lift their mind and soul to God
because they are diverted, misguided and Spiritually
Blinded and Dead due to their addiction to
imagination and fantasy that rejects the Grace of God
and evicts them from the Sacred Realm of Divine
Revelation and Truth.
By surrendering and becoming addicted/enslaved by
fantasies, they become devoid of all Divine Grace
and Love.
When we pray, we uplift our entire being – body and soul
– to our Lord God Whose Indwelling we joyfully
welcome.
We are able to receive His Divine Knowledge,
Enlightenment and Illumination when we have
Repented our sins, and made it possible for our Lord
God to dwell within us.
He then Encourages, Strengthens, Empowers and
Motivates us by revealing His Divine Truth and Love.
We must not only receive His Divine Truth but apply It to
every aspect of our thoughts, words and deeds.
ON SEEKING THE LORD OUR GOD AND
HEAVENLY KINGDOM.
We must seek our Lord every moment of the day.
We must seek Him in our heart and soul – from within, not
outside - for only our heart and soul can receive and
comprehend, by Divine Grace, the Knowledge of
Things that cannot be apprehended by our senses.
Our Lord God dwells within us and speaks to us from
within our heart and soul, revealing the Substance of
all Things Hoped for.
When we find our Lord God, we will stand “... with Fear
and trembling...” like the Cherubim and the
Seraphim, for our heart and soul has become a
Throne of God!
However, in order to find the Indwelling of our Lord God,
we must acquire Humility and Obedience, becoming
like dust before Him, for He abhors the proud,
whereas He Visits those who are Humble of heart, as
He said: “... to whom shall I look, but to those who
are Meek and Humble in heart...”
O N THE D IV INE U NCR EATE D L IGH T
The Divine Light Illumines the Pure heart and the pure
intellect, because these are susceptible to receiving
Light.
Impure hearts and intellects, being unsusceptible to
receiving Illumination, have an aversion to the Light
of Knowledge, the Light of Truth, preferring Spiritual
Darkness...
God Loves those who are Pure of heart. He listens to their
Prayers, grants them their Supplications and
Entreaties that lead to Salvation, Reveals Himself to
them and teaches them the Mysteries of His Divine
Nature.
O N THE H OLY CHU RC H OF CH
The term “Church” – (Ekklesia = Gathering) according to
the strict Orthodox view, has two meanings.
One expresses Her Doctrinal and Faithful Character – Her
inner, peculiarly Spiritual Essence, while the other
expresses Her external character.
Therefore, according to our Orthodox (True Teaching)
Confession, the One, Holy, Universal/Catholic,
Apostolic Church of Christ is defined in a two-fold
manner
1. As a Faithful Orthodox Christian Institution
2. As a Faithful Orthodox Christian
Community/Koinonia
The definition of our Church are an Orthodox Christian
Institution might be formulated thus:
The Orthodox Christian Church is a Divine Institution of
the New Covenant established by our Lord Jesus
Christ through His Incarnate Dispensation, established
upon the Faith of Christ (His Divine Truth and Revelation)
on the Day of Holy Pentecost by the Descent of God the
All Holy, Life-giving Spirit upon His Holy Apostles and
Disciples, whom He Authorised, Enabled and
Empowered as Sanctified ‘Instruments’ of His Divine
Grace for the perpetuation of His Divine Mission of all
mankind’s Redemption and Salvation.
Our Holy, Orthodox Church is entrusted with the totality of
our Divine Saviour’s Revealed Divine Truth.
Through the Holy Mysteries instituted by our Lord Jesus
Christ Divine Grace is bestowed upon His Faithful
Disciples.
We are Regenerated, Enlightened, Illumined and
Restored by His Divine Grace when we approach our
Lord Jesus Christ with Faith, Love, Humility and
Obedience.
His Holy Orthodox Church has very carefully and
precisely preserved intact both the Verbal and Written
Tradition.
These are the Apostolic Teachings of our Lord Jesus
Christ, the Eternal, Only Begotten Son and Word of our
Heavenly Father Whose Will we strive to fulfil by the
Power and Energy of God the Holy Spirit.
Our Holy, Orthodox Church is a Society
(Gathering/Ekklesia) of all mankind who are United
and Sanctified in the Unity of God the Holy Spirit, in
the Sacred Bond of Peace and Love.
The Holy Church of Christ consists of the Church Militant
and the Church Triumphant.
14. S T NE KTAR IOS
The Church Militant are those of us who are still Striving
for Spiritual Perfect while Struggling against the
temptations and sins, being engaged in a ceaseless
Spiritual War against the evil one.
HIS The Church Triumphant are those who have completed
their Journey and reside in Peace and Love in
Heaven – the Saints, Holy Martyrs and the Righteous –
the Clouds of Witnesses and the Choirs of the
Righteous whose Struggles were Perfected in Faith
and Love, with the Holy Virtues - especially the
inseparable Virtues of Humility and Obedience.
The Holy Church of Christ is founded and established on
all the Verbal Teachings and Revelations of Christ,
from which arose the Writings of His Holy Apostles -
and all our Divinely Inspired Holy Fathers.
Divine Truth is Perfect so nothing can be altered, deleted or
compromised to even the minutest degree, for then it
would be imperfect and not the Truth of God but rather
merely mankind’s flawed and limited opinion.
O N V E R BAL AND W R ITTEN H OLY T R AD ITION
Sacred Tradition is the very Church of Christ for without
the Verbal and Written Tradition according to the
Divine Truth of our Lord Jesus Christ, His Holy Church
cannot exist.
OF G OD Those who reject and deny our Sacred Tradition reject
and deny not only His Church and the preaching of
His Holy Apostles, but also our (Eternal) Triune Lord
God.
The Holy Church of Christ was firmly based on Sacred
Tradition long before the New Covenant/Testament
Scriptures were written – the Holy Gospels, the Acts
and the Epistles of the Holy Apostles.
The Church of Christ was founded on the Verbal
Teachings – the Divine Truth – of our Lord Jesus Christ
Who fulfilled the Old Covenant .
After God the Holy Spirit Descended on the Day of
Pentecost to Empower His Holy Apostles and Disciples
R IST
that Sacred Verbal Tradition, consisting of everything
Christ has Revealed and Taught us, was shared with
others.
As the New Covenant spread throughout the known
world, the Holy Apostles and Faithful Disciples
established Christian Communities who continued to
Live in Christ according to the Verbal Tradition.
Our Sacred Written Tradition is part of our New Covenant
Holy Tradition.
Our Verbal Tradition is essential to the correct
interpretation and understanding of Holy Scripture.
It is absolutely necessary to properly comprehend the
Divine Truth of all Holy Scripture.
Furthermore the Apostolic Tradition of our Holy Church
constituted our Orders of Holy Services and the Divine
Liturgy and especially the Holy Mysteries instituted by
Christ.
Our Apostolic Tradition includes not only the Order of
Holy Services but also Prayers and various other
significant Sacred Instructions for Orthodox Worship
and Life in Christ.
In their Conferences, our Holy Synods draw from both the
Verbal and Written Tradition as though from a most
Sacred, Life-giving Fountain.
Thus the Seventh Ecumenical Council stated in their 8th
Decree: “... if anyone violates any part of the Church
Tradition, either written or unwritten, LET HIM BE
ANATHEMA!”
O N D ISC OVE R ING G OD
It is clearly evident that unbelief is an evil offspring of a
wicked heart , for those who are guileless and Pure of
heart discover God everywhere. Discern Him
everywhere and always, unhesitatingly believe in His
Existence.
When the Pure of heart behold His Creation they are
amazed and they exclaim like St David the Royal
Psalmist: “ O Lord! How great art Thy Works! In
Wisdom Thou hast made them all”
We discover God and His Divine Grace in His Holy
Church, in His Holy Mysteries, in Spiritual Life in Christ,
in the heights of Orthodox Theology, Divine Truth,
Teachings, Commandments, the Life of Saints, in
every good deeds, in every Perfect Gift and
throughout His Magnificent Creation.
http://orthochristian.com/48436.html
OF P ENTAPOL IS & AE GINA 9 NO V EM BER
 Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria & All Africa
Archdiocese of Good Hope
All Glory, Honour and Worship to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now
and forever, and unto the Ages of ages. Amen. Remembering also our Most Holy, Most
Pure, Most Blessed and Glorious Lady, Maria, Theotokos, yet Ever Virgin, together with all
the Saints. And let us commit ourselves and one another and our whole Life to Christ our
God. Amen.
TONE 4 10 NOVEMBER 2019

21 S T
SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
8TH SUNDAY OFST LUKE – THE GOOD SAMARITAN

The Feast of St Olympas, St Tertios, St Erastos, St Herodion, St Sosipater & St Quartos of

the 70 Apostles – St Orestes the Physician of Cappadocia – St Arsenios of Cappadocia –
St Milos, Bishop of Babylon, St Evores, Presbyter & St Sevoes, Deacon, of Persia – St
Theokteristos, Abbot of Symbola Monastery, Mount Olympos – St Constantine,
Righteous King of Georgia – St George the Great Martyr of Georgia & the Founding of
the Church in his honour, in Georgia

THE SUNDAY AND FESTAL HYMNS ARE PUBLISHED IN BOOKLET FORM EACH
MONTH. THESE ARE PUBLISHED AND FREELY DOWNLOADABLE ON
www.scribd.com/writers4574. L I N K S A R E A L S O P O S T E D O N F A C E B O O K
“ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN EASTERN CAPE.” (OR CAN BE EMAILED DIRECTLY, ON
REQUEST TO marguerite.paizis@gmail.com )

R ESUR REC TION G OSPEL 10 - J OH N 21 : 1 – 14

P R OKE IME NON – P SALM 67/68 – T ONE 4

God is Wondrous in His Saints.

In the Congregations Bless God!
T H E E PISTLE OF S T P AUL TO TH E G AL ATIANS 2 : 16 – 20
Brethren, knowing that a man is not Justified by the works of the Law, but by the Faith of Jesus Christ, even we have
believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be Justified by the Faith of Christ, and not by the works of the Law; for by the
works of the Law no flesh shall be Justified.
If, while we seek to be Justified by Christ, we ourselves also are found to be sinners, is therefore Christ the Minister of
sin?
God forbid! If I build again the things that I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor. I – through the Law – died to the
Law, that I might Live in God. With Christ I am crucified. Nevertheless, I live! Christ Lives in me! The Life in the
flesh, I Live in the Faith of the Son of God, Who Loves me, and gave Himself for me.
✶ “...man is not Justified by the works of the Law...” ST PAUL
THE NEW COVENANT JUSTIFIES, SANCTIFIES AND SAVES OUR
GIVES THE CONTENT OF THE TRUE GOSPEL BY CONTRASTING IT BODY AND SOUL, WHICH THE OLD COVENANT COULD NOT
WITH THE FALSE DOCTRINES of the Judaizers. DO.

THE SOURCE OF JUSTIFICATION IS FAITH ACCORDING TO OUR
THE NEW COVENANT FAITH ‘CRUCIFIES’ OUR CORRUPT
NEW COVENANT WITH GOD - not the preparatory CONDITION AND SUSTAINS OUR NEW BEING IN CHRIST (i.e.
works of the Old Covenant Law. we abandon our old, fallen, corrupt nature and

Works of the Old Covenant Law were FOR THE take on a Regenerated, New and Sanctified
GUIDANCE, REPENTANCE AND CORRECTION OF OUR nature in Christ at our Baptism and Chrismation.)
FALLEN STATE – our corrupted state (i.e. a state of
Works of the Old Covenant Law began with mankind’s
Spiritual Death). actions, whereas OUR CHRISTIAN FAITH BEGINS WITH

The Old Covenant Laws KEPT THE NATION OF ISRAEL BOTH GOD’S DIVINE ACTIONS.
PHYSICALLY AND SPIRITUALLY HEALTHY.
EVERY WORK OF FAITH IS THE COMBINED ACTION OF GOD AND

THE TEMPORARY, OLD COVENANT DIETARY AND RITUALISTIC US,
LAWS WERE ALL FULFILLED BY OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST
OUR FAITH IS AN ESSENTIAL SYNERGY – a Holy Cooperation
Who brought us God’s New Covenant, which is between us and God – BETWEEN DIVINE WILL AND
Eternal. HUMAN WILL.

THE TEN COMMANDMENTS OF GOD STILL APPLY TO OUR We must be willing to co-operate with our Lord God Who
SACRED RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD AND EACH OTHER. never forces His Divine Will upon us.
✶ “...even we have believed in Jesus Christ ...” St Paul, When we surrender our will with Humility and Obedience
together with all the other Faithful Disciples of to the Divine Will of our Heavenly Father, we will truly
Christ were initially OLD COVENANT JUDEANS WHO begin our Spiritual Journey in His Kingdom of Love.
ACCEPTED OUR LORD JESUS AS THE GREAT MESSIAH
THE SOURCE AND FULFILMENT OF TRUE FAITH AND THESE
PROMISED BY OUR LORD GOD. ACTIONS ARE IN OUR LORD AND SAVIOUR, JESUS CHRIST.

ST PAUL WAS DEVOTED TO SERVING GOD THROUGH THE DIVINE
WE EXPERIENCE AMAZING FAITH AND ACTIONS THROUGH OUR
TRUTH OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST UNION WITH THE HOLY TRINITY – God the Father, God
He had zealously persecuted the first Disciples of Christ, the Son and God the Holy Spirit IN WHOSE NAMES AND
although he never killed anyone himself. BY WHOSE POWER AND AUTHORITY WE ARE BAPTISED AND
After his Conversion - when he Encountered our CHRISMATED.
(Resurrected) Lord Jesus along the road to Damascus
GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT GRANTS US HIS POWER AND ENERGY FOR
-St Paul became the most successful Holy Apostle to THE ONGOING LIFE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS IN CHRIST – the
the Gentiles, having received all His Spiritual wonderful Life of Blessing, Great Mercy and
Knowledge and Wisdom from God Himself. infinite Love.
✶ “...Justified by the Faith of Christ...” OUR NEW COVENANT
THE ANCIENT PATRIARCH ABRAHAM IS OUR HOLY FATHER OF
FAITH according to the Divine Revelations, FAITH AND OF THE BLESSINGS OF GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT.
Teachings and Commandments of our Lord Jesus
The legalistic Judaizers, who have based their
Christ IS THE ONLY MEANS OF OUR ETERNAL Righteousness on the works of the Law, have
JUSTIFICATION, RESTORATION AND SALVATION. received Condemnation – not the Blessings of the
Holy Spirit!

21ST SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST – 8TH OF ST LUKE – THE GOOD SAMARITAN – 10 NOVEMBER 2019 15

The status conferred by Righteousness is HOLY SONSHIP,
St Paul destroyed THE WORKS OF THE LAW in the sense
for WE BECOME ADOPTED CHILDREN OF GOD THROUGH OUR that they PROVED TO BE INEFFECTUAL FOR OUR ETERNAL
UNION WITH GOD INCARNATE. SALVATION.
1. THE SOURCE OF SONSHIP IS GOD – not mankind!
2. HOLY SONSHIP IS A DIVINE PROMISE – not achieved by
The real transgressors are those who try to reinstate
human deeds HOLY SONSHIP IS ACQUIRED ONLY BY the Old Covenant Law.
TRUE FAITH ACCORDING TO THE DIVINE TRUTH OF
WE DIE THROUGH THE LAW – NOT BYPASSING OR DISHONOURING
CHRIST – not by our own puny efforts nor selfish IT, BUT BY RECOGNISING THAT IT IS HOLY - THAT WE
desires. DESERVE ITS CONSEQUENCE, WHICH IS DEATH.
3. THE PURPOSE OF HOLY SONSHIP IS FOR US TO BECOME ✶ “...With Christ I am crucified...” - WE VOLUNTARILY DIE TO
GODLIKE AND TO ENTER HEAVEN. THE LAW THROUGH OUR DEATH WITH CHRIST,

GOD INTRODUCED THE WORKS OF THE LAW IN ORDER TO
being Crucified with Christ through our Holy Baptism,
PROTECT MANKIND against the evil wiles of the devil WE COME ALIVE TO THE DIVINE, ETERNAL LAW OF THE HOLY
and his demons who obsessively hate mankind. SPIRIT, which PERFECTS THE INTENTION OF THE OLD

THE OLD COVENANT LAWS WERE TO PROTECT HIS PEOPLE UNTIL COVENANT LAW.
THE TIME OF DIVINE SONSHIP when our Union with the ✶ “...Christ Lives in me!...” Having Vowed Allegiance to
Eternal, Only Begotten Son of God became our Lord Jesus Christ as our Divine Saviour, and
possible. having been Baptised and Chrismated, WE NOW

FAITH IN CHRIST IS PARALLEL TO THE WORKS OF THE LAW and STRIVE TO LIVE IN CHRIST AS HE LIVES IN US – IN OUR
can be translated as “the Faith of Jesus Christ,” THOUGHTS, WORDS AND DEEDS.
which is THE HOLY GOSPEL.
WE ARE THE HOLY, SANCTIFIED TEMPLES OF GOD WHO DWELLS

As the Source of Works was the Old Covenant Law, so IN US, UNTIL WE SIN.
THE SOURCE OF FAITH IS OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST – HIS
Life in Christ means A CONSTANT, STEADFAST LIFE OF
BELIEFS, HIS TRUST, HIS OBEDIENCE THAT JUSTIFIES US , PRAYER, WORSHIP AND REPENTANCE.
not our Faith as such.
THERE IS NO CONTRADICTION BETWEEN THE OLD COVENANT

CHRIST’S FAITH IS SEEN IN HIS ENTIRE LIFE ON EARTH, not in LAW AND THE NEW COVENANT GOSPEL, FOR THE LAW IS “...
merely a few of His crucial Works. HOLY AND JUST AND GOOD...” (ROMANS 7:12)

WE ARE JUSTIFIED BY CHRIST AND IN CHRIST, for our
However, THE OLD COVENANT LAW IS WEAK AND OBSOLETE
Justification is not simply legal but actual – FOR IT IS FULFILLED IN THE HOLY GOSPEL – in our Lord
EFFECTED BY OUR REAL, PERSONAL UNION WITH CHRIST IN and Saviour, Jesus Christ, Himself! (ROMANS 8 : 3 &
HIS GLORIFIED HUMAN NATURE. HEBREWS 8 : 13)
✶“... if ...we ourselves ... are found to be sinners...” ✶ “...the Son of God, Who Loves me, and gave Himself for
certainly DOES NOT REFLECT UPON OUR LORD JESUS me...” reveals THE TRUE NATURE OF ALMIGHTY GOD
CHRIST WHO IS SINLESS. 1. He is LOVING, COMPASSIONATE AND MERCIFUL

The fact that we are still habitual sinners clearly 2. He VOLUNTARILY OFFERED HIMSELF as
shows that THIS HOLY UNION NEVER TAKES AWAY OUR 3. the ULTIMATE BLOOD SACRIFICE for the Forgiveness
FREE WILL and it also explains how some chose to and Salvation of all mankind forever.
defect to Judaism.
His Selfless, most humble Incarnation was to teach
✶ “...through the Law – died to the Law, that I might Live and to reveal HIS DIVINE TRUTH – ESPECIALLY
in God...” CONCERNING THE INFINITE LOVE OF GOD WHO IS LOVE
ITSELF
T H E H OLY G OSPEL ACCO R D ING TO S T LU KE 10 : 25 – 37
THE GOOD SAMARITAN
At that time, a Lawyer stood up – to test our Lord Jesus – and said: “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit Eternal Life?” He
said to him: “What is written in the Law? What is Thy reading of it?” Answering he said: “’Thou shalt Love the Lord
Thy God with all thy heart, with all thy soul, with all thy strength, and with all thy mind...’ and ‘... thy neighbour
as thyself.” He said to him: “You have answered correctly. Do this and you will Live.” Wanting to Justify himself, he
said to Jesus: “And who is my ‘neighbour’?”
Replying, Jesus said: “A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, who stripped
him of his clothing, wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead.
“By chance, a certain Priest went down that road, and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. Likewise,
a Levite – when he arrived at the place, went and looked, and passed by on the other side.
“A Samaritan, as He journeyed, got to where he was, and when He saw him, He had Compassion. And He went to
him, and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. And He set him on His own animal, took him to an
Inn, and took care of him. The next day, before He departed, He took out two denarii, gave them to the
Innkeeper, and said to him: ‘Take care of him. And when I come again, I will repay thee.’
“Which of these three dost thou think was neighbour to him who fell among the Thieves?” He said: “He Who had
Mercy on him.” Jesus said to him: “Go and do likewise!”
✶ “...a Lawyer stood up – to test our Lord Jesus...”
We need to be PROPERLY TAUGHT AND GUIDED BY THOSE

THE PHARISEES, LAWYERS AND SCRIBES WERE EGOTISTIC AND WHO ARE SPIRITUALLY EXPERIENCED AND ENLIGHTENED –
SELF-RIGHTEOUS - regarding themselves to be according to THE VERBAL TRADITION OF CHRIST’S HOLY
superior to others who were either illiterate or less CHURCH.
educated than them.
ONLY WHEN OUR FAITH IS PROPERLY FOUNDED ON THE VERBAL

THE LAWYER MIGHT HAVE HEARD ALL ABOUT OUR LORD JESUS TEACHINGS of our Lord Jesus Christ and His Holy
CHRIST – THE ‘SON’ OF THE HUMBLE CARPENTER, JOSEPH OF Apostles, can we begin to comprehend His Divine
NAZARETH - and had gone to hear what He was Truth and our WRITTEN TRADITION – Holy Scripture.
preaching about - no doubt expecting to trip Him

Without the WORSHIP AND LIFE OF OUR LORD’S HOLY
up or to prove Him wrong or ignorant, or perhaps
CHURCH, we cannot acquire HIS DIVINE TRUTH nor
even blasphemous.
✶ “...what shall I do to inherit Eternal Life...” is A MOST VITAL the essential HOLY VIRTUES THAT LEAD US TO SPIRITUAL
QUESTION FOR ALL MANKIND – FOR EVERY ONE OF US!
PERFECTION.

It encapsulates THE ENTIRE REASON, MEANING AND PURPOSE ✶ “...“’Thou shalt Love the Lord Thy God with all thy
OF THIS SHORT, PREPARATORY LIFESPAN. heart, with all thy soul, with all thy strength, and
✶ “... what is written in the Law?...” are THE TEN DIVINE with all thy mind...’ is THE DECLARATION OF OUR FAITH
COMMANDMENTS, WHICH GOD GAVE TO ST MOSES ON MOUNT in our Lord God WITH ALL OUR BEING – BODY AND SOUL -
SINAI. WHEN WE MAKE OF THE SIGN OF THE CROSS AND BOW DOWN

These Divine Commandments are APPLICABLE TO ALL BEFORE GOD.
MANKIND FOREVER – until Eternity. “I Worship Thee, O Lord, with all my mind (forehead),

THEY GUIDE US ALONG HIS RIGHTEOUS PATH AND TO TEACH US with all my heart (chest), with all my strength (right
HOW TO MAINTAIN A GOOD RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD AND shoulder) and with all my soul (left shoulder.)”
EACH OTHER.

THE EXTENT OF OUR LOVE OF GOD IS REVEALED BY OUR WORTHY
✶ “...What is Thy reading of It?...” is another important
THOUGHTS, WORDS AND DEEDS.
question because HOW WE INTERPRET, UNDERSTAND AND
APPLY THE DIVINE LAWS TO OURSELVES, IS OFTEN

We cannot profess to Love God YET DISOBEY HIS
MISGUIDED, SELF-SERVING AND ERRONEOUS.
COMMANDMENTS AND TEACHINGS TO SUIT OURSELVES.

16 21ST SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST – 8TH OF ST LUKE – THE GOOD SAMARITAN – 10 NOVEMBER 2019

Nor can we profess to Love God YET HATE, DESPISE OR
DISCRIMINATE AGAINST EACH OTHER.

Love of God is striving to FULFIL THE WILL OF OUR
HEAVENLY FATHER IN ALL CIRCUMSTANCES.

Love of God is revealed by OUR PERSONAL STRUGGLES
AGAINST ALL TEMPTATIONS AND SIN.

Our lifelong Struggle needs CONSTANT REPENTANCE-
CONFESSION TO CORRECT OUR ERRORS AND CLEANSE US
from our sins so that we might remain in a state of
SPIRITUAL LIFE rather than the Spiritual Death
caused by unrepented, voluntary and involuntary
sins.
✶ "... (Love)... your neighbour as yourself...” is a direct
quotation from
 LEVITICUS 19:18 “... you shall not take vengeance, nor
bear any grudge... but Love your neighbour as
yourself...”

THIS IS THE FIRST AND ONLY TIME THE COMMANDMENT OF
LOVE APPEARS IN THE OLD TESTAMENT SCRIPTURES.

It is A SUMMARY OF WHAT IS REQUIRED OF US ACCORDING THE
DIVINE LAW OF MOSES – MOSAIC LAW

The legalistic Old Covenant Laws taught God’s People
to be DISCIPLINED AND OBEDIENT TO HIS DIVINE WILL.

The Old Covenant was for THE PHYSICAL AND SPIRITUAL
PREPARATION OF GOD’S PEOPLE – THE NATION OF ISRAEL –
for the Advent of the Great Messiah and His Eternal
Kingdom of Love – the Divine Promised Land.

THE ‘MOSIAC’ LAWS PROTECTED GOD’S PEOPLE AGAINST
ILLNESS, DANGER AND DISEASE, as well as KEEPING THE
NATION FAITHFUL TO OUR TRUE, LIVING GOD, before
they entered the Promised Land.

OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST FULFILLED THE OLD COVENANT AND
BROUGHT GOD’S NEW COVENANT OF LOVE, which
prepares His Faithful People – the New Israel – for
our Promised Land – His Eternal Kingdom of Love.

Our Divine Saviour summarised His Ten
Commandments by teaching us to “Love God...
and your Neighbour...” – NOT ONLY AS MUCH AS WE
LOVE OURSELVES BUT AS MUCH – AS INFINITELY – AS GOD
LOVES US!
✶ “...Do this and you will Live...” – not only must we KNOW
AND UNDERSTAND GOD’S TEN COMMANDMENTS, but we
must STRIVE TO FULFIL EVERY ONE OF THEM to the best of
our ability.

BY FULFILLING GOD’S TEN COMMANDMENTS that concerns
our Relationships with our Lord and with each
other, WE WILL ACQUIRE SPIRITUAL PERFECTION THAT
GRANTS US ETERNAL LIFE.

Our future – ETERNAL LIFE OR ETERNAL DEATH – DEPENDS
ENTIRELY UPON HOW WELL WE FULFIL THESE DIVINE
COMMANDMENTS OF LOVE!
Our Lord God has provided everything necessary for our
Spiritual Perfection. Our Path is straightforward and
uncomplicated. God makes everything possible for us to
accomplish and to make good Spiritual Progress.
We must fulfil His Divine Will in all circumstances by
faithfully and steadfastly following our Lord with Love,
Humility and Obedience.
✶ “... who is my neighbour?...” needs to be clearly
understood, so our Lord’s Parable of “the Good
Samaritan” teaches us several significant aspects.

All mankind is our neighbour.

We are all sinful and need to constantly Repent.

We are often far worse sinners than others!

Our own sins are often reflected in how we judge and
criticise others!
✶ “... from Jerusalem to Jericho...”

Jerusalem is the “City of Peace,” symbolising our Holy
Communion with God and Spiritual Life.

Jericho was infamous for all kinds of wicked,
depraved behaviour and lifestyles that alienate
us from God, symbolising our fall from Blessedness
and Divine Grace into voluntary wickedness and
Spiritual Death – isolated from God and His
Goodness.
✶ “...fell among thieves... stripped ... wounded ... leaving
him half dead....” epitomises THE CONSEQUENCES OF
SIN THAT DISTANCES US FROM GOD.

A SINFUL, SELF-INDULGENT EXISTENCE LEAVES US SPIRITUALLY
NAKED AND UNPROTECTED – exposed and vulnerable
to all the temptations, grievous passions, sins,
21ST SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST – 8TH OF ST LUKE – THE GOOD SAMARITAN – 10 NOVEMBER 2019
snares and deceptions of our enemies, having
been stripped of self-respect and dignity.

Having been ROBBED OF ANYTHING OF VALUE, WE ARE LEFT
ABANDONED, BEATEN, HURT, TORMENTED and “half
dead” – in A TERRIBLE STATE OF SPIRITUAL DEATH DUE TO
THE ENSLAVING, DEMORALIZING SINS that have
overwhelmed and defeated us.
“ ... a certain Priest... a Levite...” refers to THOSE OF HIGHLY
RESPECTABLE SOCIAL AND RELIGIOUS STATUS.

Priests served God and His People at the Great Temple
in Jerusalem. As Spiritual Fathers their teachings,
guidance and good examples were implemented
by the Faithful.

Levites assisted the Priests with their Sacred Tasks and
were equally admired for their zealous Faith and
Service to God.

TITLES AND SOCIAL STATUS ARE MEANINGLESS IN THE SIGHT OF
GOD for He alone knows the Spiritual State of every
heart and soul.
According to St Cyril of Alexandria: “... the dignity of the
Holy Priesthood means nothing at all unless
(Bishops and Priests) also excel in deeds...”

Neither the Judaic Priest nor Levite tried to help or
comfort the distressed, dying man, which clearly
indicated THE FAILURE OF THE OLD COVENANT LAW TO
HEAL THE CONSEQUENCES OF SIN.

WHENEVER WE REJECT, IGNORE OR REFUSE TO FULFIL AN ACT
MERCY, LOVE OR COMPASSION THAT GOD PUTS BEFORE US
TO TEST US - and to expose our Spiritual Condition
to ourselves - WE MUST IMMEDIATELY REPENT AND
ENSURE THAT WE FULFIL OUR SACRED DUTIES ‘NEXT TIME.’

If we continuously behave in such a mean, selfish
manner, WE WILL SUFFER BITTER, IRREFUTABLE AND
IRREVERSIBLE ETERNAL CONDEMNATION AFTER OUR FINAL
JUDGEMENT!
✶ “... A Samaritan.... had Compassion...” - ONE OF THE MOST
DESPISED, WICKED APOSTATISERS AND HERETICS WHO WERE
TO BE AVOIDED AT ALL COSTS according to the harsh
judgements of the Judeans PROVED TO HAVE
UNCONDITIONAL LOVE, COMPASSION, MERCY AND
KINDNESS for another person.

Our Saviour used the example of the Good Samaritan
to illustrate how “AN ENEMY” AND PERCEIVED “WICKED
SINNER” HAD MORE LOVE THAN THEIR OWN PEOPLE – THAN
THEIR OWN SPIRITUAL LEADERS.

This also teaches us that GOD’S DIVINE SALVATION IS FOR
ALL MANKIND – NOT MERELY A SELECT FEW.
The Samaritans were former Israelites who had intermarried
with pagans, resulting in their apostasy (renouncement or
drifting away) of the Old Covenant Faith. They were the
‘Lost Sheep of the House of Israel’ whom Christ came to
Redeem, Restore and grant Eternal Life.
✶ "...He went to him...” - This Good Samaritan also
signifies OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST WHO CAME TO SAVE,
CLEANSE AND HEAL US from the Spiritual Death and
Wounds caused by sin and Death.

GOD INCARNATE CAME TO US. Our Heavenly Father sent
His Eternal, Beloved Son TO RESTORE US TO OUR
FORMER CREATED STATE IN HIS LIKENESS AND IMAGE.
God created us due to His infinite Love. After the Fall of our
ancient Ancestors, He has provided us with every means
possible to Save us.
Beginning with the Holy Mystery of Baptism, we become
Restored, Regenerated, Enlightened and Enabled with a
“New Nature,” which compels us to regain our created
Divine Likeness – to acquire Sanctified, Spiritual
Perfection, Theosis, or Deification – a lifelong Struggle
of Repentance and Life in Christ.
✶ “... bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine...”
symbolises the Spiritual Cleansing, Healing, Nurturing
and Sustenance of the Holy Mysteries, such as
Baptism, Chrismation, Eucharist and Holy Unction
1. THE GARMENT OF HOLY BAPTISM – WE PUT ON CHRIST
Who Delivers us from the wounds of sin and
continue to LIVE IN CHRIST by fulfilling His Divine
Truth in all circumstances.
2. THE OIL OF HOLY CHRISMATION, grants us NEW LIFE IN
THE HOLY SPIRIT, Who enables us to achieve
everything that is impossible for us alone.
17
 3. THE HOLY MYSTERY OF EUCHARIST/COMMUNION, grants
us FORGIVENESS OF SINS and leads us towards
ETERNAL LIFE.
4. THE HOLY MYSTERY OF UNCTION CLEANSES OUR SPIRITUAL
WOUNDS AND HEALS US OF BOTH PHYSICAL AND
SPIRITUAL AILMENTS.
✶ “...He set him on His own animal...” - OUR DIVINE SAVIOUR
BEARS OUR SINS LIKE TERRIBLE WOUNDS ON HIS OWN BODY.
✶ “... took him to an Inn...” - THE HOLY CHURCH OF CHRIST
wherein we receive SPIRITUAL HEALING AND CARE, as
well as all the DIVINE BLESSINGS AND PROVIDENCE that
our Loving Triune God grants us so freely and
Lovingly.
✶ “...and took care of him...” - Our Heavenly Father,
through His Eternal Son and God the All Holy Life-
giving Spirit provide us with ALL THE ESSENTIAL
NECESSITIES FOR ETERNAL LIFE IN HIS KINGDOM OF LOVE.

We are SPIRITUAL NURTURED, SUSTAINED AND PROTECTED BY
THE DIVINE GRACE AND INFINITE LOVE AND PROVIDENCE
OF OUR LORD GOD.

The deeper and more firmly established our Faith is,
the less worry and stress we will suffer.
✶ “...before He departed, He took out two denarii...”
signifies HOW WELL OUR LORD PROVIDED FOR OUR
SPIRITUAL WELFARE UNTIL HIS REAPPEARANCE on the
Eighth Day.
1. HE SENT GOD THE ALL HOLY SPIRIT Who Proceeds from
our Heavenly Father, TO EMPOWER AND ENABLE
HIS APOSTLES AND FAITHFUL DISCIPLES TO FULFIL
GOD’S DIVINE MISSION ON EARTH.
2. HIS APOSTLES AND FAITHFUL DISCIPLES were thus able
to SPREAD THE DIVINE TRUTH – the New Covenant
Holy Gospel - throughout the world.
3. CHRIST’S VERBAL AND WRITTEN TRADITION carefully
preserves and maintains His Divine Truth and
teaches us everything necessary for our Eternal
O N THE G OOD
"Love your neighbour...” was an Old Covenant Mosaic
Law, which was the subject of much discussion - often
confused and restricted - concerning whom should be
considered as one’s neighbour.
Certain Teachers of the Law even maintained that it was
‘wrong’ to assist a Gentile woman in childbirth,
because she would give birth to yet another Gentile.
To “...Love your neighbour as you love yourself...” means
to Love others as much as we Love our own life.
As Elder Sophrony Sakharov explained, the Love of our
neighbour actually means that the whole of humanity
should live as though we all shared the same life, the
same nature, even though we are many different
persons – i.e. we must live with Love for all other
people – for this alone is how we will reach our final
Destination successfully – as God intended!
The self-righteous Pharisees did not consider the illiterate
population to be their neighbours and the Essenes
were an elite group who declared war on the ‘sons of
darkness.’
St John Chrysostom explained that “...the man...” is Adam,
“...Jerusalem...” is sagacity (Wisdom) and the state of
Heaven, while “...Jericho...” is the fallen world.
He regarded “... the Priest...” as Moses and Aaron, “...the
Levite...” as the Prophets and “...the wounds...” as
mankind’s sins.
The persona of the Good Samaritan is our Lord Jesus
Christ, Who has infinite Compassion for all mankind.
The “...oil and wine...” means that due to His Divine and
human Natures, He Delivers mankind from the
consequences of sin by His Great Mercy and Divine
Salvation.
The “...wine and oil...” also refers to the Union of God the
Holy Spirit with the Life-giving Blood of Christ, which
grants us Forgiveness of sin and Eternal Life.
The bandaging of the wounds signifies the binding of the
evil one and the Liberation of Repentant sinners from
his power and enslavement.
The “...two dinars...” symbolize the Old and New
Testaments/Covenants, while the exhortation to “...the
Inn-keeper...” to take care of the healing man, means
that all mankind – including the Gentiles - are to find
Love, Compassion, Kindness and Trust within His Holy
Church.
“...The Inn-keeper...”refers to His Holy Apostles, and the
“...two dinars...” signified the Apostolic Succession of
18 21ST SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST – 8TH OF ST LUKE – THE GOOD SAMARITAN – 10 NOVEMBER 2019
Salvation as worthy Citizens and Co-Heirs of His
Heavenly Kingdom of Love.

Two denarii would have MORE THAN COVERED ALL
INCURRED EXPENSES.

OUR LORD JESUS PAID THE PRICELESS RANSOM FOR THE
FREEDOM OF MANKIND BY MEANS OF HIS ULTIMATE BLOOD
SACRIFICE – His Passion

OUR DEBT TO GOD CAN NEVER BE REPAID! So we must strive
really determinedly to fulfil His Divine Will in all
circumstances.
✶ “...when I come again, I will repay thee...” signifies THE
EIGHT DAY ON WHICH THE FINAL JUDGEMENT AND
SETTLING OF SPIRITUAL ACCOUNTS WILL OCCUR.

This also signified THE HONESTY AND INTEGRITY OF THE
GOOD SAMARITAN Who Promised to repay any
outstanding Debts.

Christ’s eleven Appearances in His Resurrected State –
before His Ascension - have already proved and
confirmed that EVERYTHING HE HAS TOLD US IS INDEED,
WITHOUT A DOUBT AND MOST DEFINITELY TRUE!!
✶ “...“Which of these ... was neighbour to him ...“He Who
had Mercy on him.”

Our Lord commands us to be MERCIFUL TO EACH OTHER
IN EVERY WAY POSSIBLE, FOR THIS WILL CERTAINLY AFFECT
OUR FINAL JUDGEMENT before His Awesome Throne!
✶ “... do likewise...” tells us very clearly and concisely that
WHATEVER WE DO TO OR FOR OTHERS, WILL BE GRANTED TO
US IN RETURN

IF WE HOPE TO RECEIVE DIVINE MERCY, WE, TOO, MUST BE
MERCIFUL, for it is the significant Act of Love/Agape,
which grants us Eternal Life in God’s Heavenly
Kingdom.
Unless we fulfil the Divine Love of God’s Commandments and
Teachings, we cannot expect to be granted a Good,
Blissful and Loving Eternal Life!
We only have NOW to repent our sins and strive for Spiritual
Perfection. Do not waste one precious moment.
S AM ARITAN
our Ordained, Orthodox Bishops and Priests, as well as
our Divinely Inspired Teachers and Spiritual Fathers
throughout the ages who Enlighten, Guide and Teach
us His Divine Truth.
The “... Inn...” is the Holy Church of Christ – the Sacred
‘Hospital’ for our body and soul, where our Spiritual
Wounds are Cleansed and Healed by the Life-giving
Holy Mysteries, administered by our Bishops and
Priests.
The Holy Church of Christ welcomes all mankind -
irrespective of any particular characteristics,
welcoming all sinners, for none of us is without sin
and we are all Spiritually Striving and Struggling in a
ceaseless Spiritual War against the evil one.
The Holy Church of Christ embraces everyone, bringing
us relief through Her Loving Compassion,
Strengthening us with Her Holy Mysteries, and Healing
us by Her Divine Grace that Cures the sick, the ailing
and the afflicted, and ‘completing’ those who are
unfulfilled.
Our Lord Jesus Christ commands us to Love one another
unconditionally - to always be Kind, Merciful and
Compassionate by putting the needs of others before
our own selfish desires. When we put ourselves in
their circumstances we will make their suffering our
own and make every effort to help them, without
expectation of gratitude nor reward, for this is what
Christ taught us by His own Good Example.
Sadly, we all lack True Agape, which only very few have
acquired! Many are hypocrites, exhibiting their
Pharisaical ‘love’ that is self-serving and done with
minimum effort and as quickly and cheaply as
possible - only for others to see, admire and praise!
If we do not behold the Face of Christ in each other and
Love unconditionally, we renounce our Eternal
Salvation and Condemn ourselves forever!
Our New Covenant with God is a Covenant of mutual Love.
If we do not acquire unconditional Love for one another as our
Lord Commands us and has taught us how to do so, we do
not - cannot - become Worthy Citizens and Co-Heirs of
His Heavenly Kingdom of Love!
.“...Rejoice with those who Rejoice; mourn with those
who mourn...” [ROMANS 12:15].
https://pemptousia.com/2018/11/the-self-sacrifice-of-
love-for-our-neighbour/
 Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria & All Africa
Archdiocese of Good Hope
All Glory, Honour and Worship to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and forever,
and unto the Ages of ages. Amen. Remembering also our Most Holy, Most Pure, Most Blessed and
Glorious Lady, Maria, Theotokos, yet Ever Virgin, together with all the Saints. And let us commit
ourselves and one another and our whole Life to Christ our God. Amen.
13 NOVEMBER 2019

ST JOHN CHRYSOSTOM OF CONSTANTINOPLE

Also the Feast of St Antoninos, St Nicephoros, St Germanos & St Manetha of Caesarea, Palestine –
St Damascene & St Damianos, Monk-Martyr of Lavra, Mount Athos

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P R OKE IME NON - P SALM 48 – T ONE 1

My mouth shall speak of Wisdom: and the meditation of heart shall be of Understanding.
Hear this, all you people!
T H E E PISTLE OF S T P AUL TO TH E H EBRE WS 7 : 26 – 8 : 2
OUR PERFECT, ETERNAL HIGH PRIEST
Brethren: ... such a High Priest was fitting for us, Who is Holy, Harmless, Undefiled, separate from sinners, and has
become Higher than the Heavens – Who does not need daily – as those High Priests – to offer up sacrifices, first for
His own sins and then for those of the people. This He did once for all when He offered up Himself.
The Law appoints as High Priests men who have weaknesses, but the Word of the Oath, which came after the Law,
appoints the Son Who has been Perfected forever. This is the main point of the things we are saying.
We have such a High Priest, Who is seated at the right Hand of the Throne of the Majesty in the Heavens – a Minister of
the Sanctuary and of the True Tabernacle, which the Lord erected, and not mankind.
✶ This passage is read on the Feast Days of our Holy ✶ “...the Word of the Oath ... came after the Law, appoints
Hierarchs. the Son Who has been Perfected forever...” refers to
✶ “... a High Priest ... Who is Holy, Harmless, Undefiled, THE DIVINE PROMISE OF GOD TO HIS PEOPLE CONCERNING
separate from sinners... Higher than the THE GREAT MESSIAH Who would Deliver them from
Heavens...” describes our Lord Jesus Christ, Who is the wicked machinations of the evil one.
THE INCARNATE, ETERNAL, ONLY BEGOTTEN SON AND
Our Divine Saviour - although having taken on our
WORD OF GOD – the Second Person of the One Divine human nature - is SINLESS, BECAUSE HE IS ETERNALLY,
Godhead. SPIRITUALLY PERFECT.

Although He has two Natures – Divine and human –
HE CANNOT COMMIT SIN, BECAUSE IT TOTALLY OPPOSES HIS
HE DOES NOT HAVE OUR CONCUPISCENCE NOR ANY OF OUR PERFECT, DIVINE NATURE.
SINFUL INCLINATIONS. Sin and Death are inventions of the evil one – utterly contrary
✶ ”... does not need daily ... sacrifices... for His own sins to God’s Goodness and Love, and His Perfect Creation
and... for ... the people...” ✶ “... we have such a High Priest...” – THE INCARNATE,
BEING SINLESS AND SPIRITUALLY PERFECT, OUR ONLY, NEW ETERNAL, ONLY BEGOTTEN SON AND WORD of our
COVENANT DIVINE HIGH PRIEST HAS FULFILLED EVERY Heavenly Father.
ASPECT OF THE OLD COVENANT, so He has no need for
OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST - THE DIVINE FOUNDER OF GOD’S NEW
regular Blood Offerings like the Judean High COVENANT PRIESTHOOD - IS SUPERIOR TO ST MOSES, the
Priests and the people. ancient Patriarch and Founder of the Old
✶ “...This He did once for all when He offered up Covenant Priesthood.
Himself....” refers to HIS TERRIBLE, UNJUSTIFIED
Therefore THE RULES OF THE NEW COVENANT’S PRIESTLY
SCOURGING AND CRUCIFIXION. ORDER ARE ALSO SUPERIOR AND PERFECT, COMPARED TO

Our Lord Jesus VOLUNTARILY PERMITTED MANKIND TO THOSE OF THE OLD COVENANT.
UNJUSTLY PERSECUTE, TORTURE, HUMILIATE, DISHONOUR ✶ “... seated at the right Hand...” proclaims THE ETERNAL
AND FINALLY EXECUTE HIM BY CRUCIFIXION. DIVINITY OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST.
His arrest, trials, scourgings and Crucifixion broke every law
Being “...seated...” confirms that OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST
known to mankind. IS ETERNALLY ENTHRONED TOGETHER WITH OUR HEAVENLY

HE WAS BOTH THE OFFERER AND THE OFFERING. FATHER, for He is OUR ETERNAL, DIVINE KING, PROPHET
Our Lord Jesus – the Divine Lamb of God – was THE AND TEACHER.
ULTIMATE, MOST PERFECT BLOOD SACRIFICE FOR THE SINS OF
THEY SHARE THE SAME ETERNAL, DIVINE ATTRIBUTES THAT ARE
ALL MANKIND THAT LASTS FOREVER! UNKNOWN AND MYSTERIOUS - beyond all human

HIS CRUCIFIXION COMPLETED AND FULFILLED THE OLD comprehension and perception - except
COVENANT. concerning whatever God Wills to reveal to us.

THE OLD COVENANT THAT REQUIRED REGULAR BLOOD
Our Lord Jesus Christ is ETERNALLY AT THE RIGHT HAND
SACRIFICES AND VARIOUS RITUALS CONCERNING THE SIDE OF OUR HEAVENLY FATHER – THE MOST ESTEEMED
PHYSICAL WELFARE OF HIS PEOPLE, HAS BEEN REPLACED BY POSITION OF THE GREATEST HONOUR.
GOD’S NEW COVENANT OF LOVE AND GREAT MERCY.
“...The Throne of the Majesty...” refers to THE DIVINE

ONLY THE TEN DIVINE COMMANDMENTS STILL APPLY and MAJESTY AND POWER OF OUR TRIUNE LORD GOD –
need to be fully understood and fulfilled for the ALMIGHTY GOD.
sake of our Relationships, Spiritual Progress and ✶ “...a Minister of the Sanctuary and of the True
Welfare. Tabernacle...”
✶ “... the Law appoints... men who have weaknesses...”
The Holy Priesthood is so intertwined with a Covenant
refers to OUR SELFISH, WILFUL SINS AND ERRORS THAT that IF THE PRIESTHOOD IS CHANGED IN ANY WAY AT ALL,
SEPARATE US FROM GOD – that cause us to fall into a SO IS THE HOLY COVENANT.
state of SPIRITUAL DEATH.
ABSOLUTE PERFECTION CANNOT BE ALTERED by any means

The High Priests and the people, being HABITUAL for then it would no longer be Perfect!!
SINNERS, HAD TO CONSTANTLY SEEK DIVINE FORGIVENESS Thus “ ...NOT ONE IOTA OR TITTLE...” OF DIVINE TRUTH CAN BE
FOR THEIR SINS. ALTERED OR MISINTERPRETED FOR THEN IT IS NO LONGER THE

ST JOHN CHRYSOSTOM OF CONSTANTINOPLE 13 NOVEMBER 2018 19

 PERFECT, ABSOLUTE DIVINE TRUTH OF ALMIGHTY GOD but a
mere shadow or poor imitation that is misguiding and
Spiritually Dangerous.

THE MYSTERIOUS HOLY PRIESTHOOD OF MELCHIZEDEK IS
FULFILLED IN CHRIST JESUS.

As Melchizedek was WITHOUT EARTHLY GENEALOGY, so is
Christ by virtue of His Virgin Conception and Birth.

He is GOD INCARNATE, IMMORTAL AND SINLESS. Therefore
HIS HOLY PRIESTHOOD IS ABLE TO TRANSFORM HUMANITY.

THE POWER THAT IS BESTOWED UPON CANDIDATES AT THEIR
ORDINATION IS IMMENSELY STRONG AND EFFECTIVE.

THE POWER OF CHRIST’S HOLY PRIESTHOOD IS PERFECT
BECAUSE IT DRAWS US CLOSER TO ALMIGHTY GOD AND
T H E H OLY G OSPEL
CHRIST IS THE
At that time, our Lord said: “I Am the Door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be Saved, and will go in and will go out,
and will find Pasture. The Thief does not come, except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy.
“I have come that they may have Life -and more abundantly. I Am the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd gives
His Life for the Sheep. The Hireling - who is not the Shepherd, who does not own the Sheep - sees the Wolf
coming, and leaves the Sheep, and flees. And the Wolf catches, and scatters the Sheep. The Hireling flees, for
he is a hireling, and does not care about the Sheep. I Am the Good Shepherd, and I know Mine, and Am known
by Mine. As the Father knows Me, even so I know the Father. And My Life I lay down for the Sheep. And other
Sheep I have, which are not of this Fold - them also I must bring. And they will hear My Voice. And there will be
one Flock - one Shepherd.”
✶ “...I Am the Door...” CHRIST IS THE ONLY MEANS OF ENTRY INTO
GOD’S DIVINE KINGDOM OF LOVE.

OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST AND HIS TEACHINGS AND
COMMANDMENTS SHOW US THE PATH TO SALVATION AND
ETERNAL LIFE.

Having accepted our Lord Jesus as our Divine
Saviour, we have to CEASELESSLY STRUGGLE TO BECOME
LIKE HIM IN OUR THOUGHTS, WORDS AND DEEDS.

Our Eternal Salvation begins now and is AN ONGOING
SPIRITUAL STRUGGLE AGAINST TEMPTATION AND SIN, until
we draw our last breath.

OUR SALVIFIC STRUGGLE AND JOURNEY BEGINS WHEN WE ARE
BAPTISED AND CHRISMATED INTO CHRIST.
✶ “...If anyone enters by Me...” Our Lord Jesus speaks His
Divine Truth very clearly and concisely.

HE DOES NOT SAY “WHEN” BUT “IF,” which shows us that THE
CHOICES WE MAKE ARE ENTIRELY ACCORDING TO OUR OWN
FREE WILL, for our God of Love never forces His
Divine Will upon His creatures.

We must FREELY DESIRE AND SEEK HIS PRESENCE THROUGH
PRAYER AND CORRECT, REVERENT, HONEST AND SINCERE
WORSHIP
✶ We “...will be Saved...” by APPLYING CHRIST’S TEACHINGS
AND COMMANDMENTS TO EVERY ASPECT OF OUR EXISTENCE
with Humility and Obedience.

WE COMPLICATE EVERYTHING, thereby causing confusion
and misguidance.
✶ “... and find pasture...” Just as any good shepherd
leads his flocks to green fields or pasture where
they are sufficiently fed, so too, does OUR GOOD
SHEPHERD LEAD HIS HOLY FLOCK TO THE BEAUTIFUL
SUSTAINING PASTURES THAT SPIRITUALLY NOURISH AND
MAINTAIN US while we mature, growing closer to
God and regaining our Divine Likeness.

BY FREELY SURRENDERING OUR WILL TO GOD’S DIVINE WILL, WE
ARE IMMENSELY LIBERATED FROM ALL NEGATIVITY AND
THREAT, knowing with full confidence that God is
indeed in control of everything.
✶“... the Thief...” comes “... to steal... to kill... to destroy...”

THE WORST THIEF IS THE EVIL ONE, SATAN - THE INVENTOR OF
ALL EVIL AND DEATH – everything that is foul, rotten,
wretched and negative.

HIS LIES, DECEPTIONS AND HIDEOUS HERESIES LURE MANKIND
into his wickedness and slavery.

HE STEALS OUR FREE WILL AND ENSLAVES US, HE KILLS US WITH
HIS WICKED TEMPTATIONS AND SINS THAT ALIENATE AND
SEPARATE US FROM OUR LOVING, BENEVOLENT AND LIFE-
GIVING LORD GOD, and he DESTROYS AND CORRUPTS
EVERYTHING THAT IS GOOD and Beautifully created by
Almighty God
✶ “... that they may have Life...” GOD CREATED MANKIND TO
LIVE BY HIS DIVINE GRACE even while on Earth.

OUR VOLUNTARY AND INVOLUNTARY SINS BREAK OUR SACRED
BOND WITH OUR LORD GOD, leaving us susceptible to
the destructive forces of evil.

However, OUR LORD JESUS HAS PROVIDED US WITH THE MOST
POWERFUL ANTIDOTE AND HEALING OF HIS DIVINE TRUTH.
20. ST JOHN CHRYSOSTOM OF CONSTANTINOPLE
GUIDES US TOWARDS OUR SPIRITUAL PERFECTION –
regaining our lost Likeness to Christ.

GOD THE FATHER HIMSELF ORDAINS GOD THE SON AS OUR
ONLY TRUE HIGH PRIEST.

Since CHRIST IS IMMORTAL, the Holy Priesthood of
Melchizedek requires ONLY ONE, ETERNAL HIGH
PRIEST.

The requirement of PERFECT HOLINESS is met in our Lord
Jesus Christ for He is truly THE ONLY SINLESS ONE.

Furthermore, OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST IS so much more
than a mere human being – He is GOD-MAN – The
Eternal, Only Begotten Son of God the Father Who
became Man by assuming our human Nature.
ACCO R D ING TO S T J OH N 10: 9 – 16
DOOR & THE GOOD SHEPHERD
✶“... and more abundantly...” indicates OUR LORD’S ETERNAL
HEAVENLY KINGDOM that begins while we are still in
this lifespan.

We are abundantly Blessed and fulfilled by God when
we STRIVE AND STRUGGLE IN CHRIST.

THE CLOSER OUR RELATIONSHIP IS TO OUR LORD THE MORE
ABUNDANT OUR DAILY BLESSINGS BECOME.

ABUNDANT DIVINE GRACE IS BESTOWED ON US when we
Strive to fulfil the Divine Will of our Heavenly
Father.
✶ "...I Am the Good Shepherd...” OUR LORD ALWAYS
IDENTIFIES HIMSELF CLEARLY so that we properly
understand Who He is.

“I Am” is THE NAME WHEREBY GOD IDENTIFIES HIMSELF.

Our Lord Jesus Christ is OUR GOOD SHEPHERD WHO
WATCHES OVER US, PROTECTING US AGAINST EVIL AND
GUIDING US ALONG HIS PATH OF RIGHTEOUSNESS WITH HIS
DIVINE TRUTH.

WE ARE HIS HOLY FLOCK OF “REASON-ENDOWED SHEEP” who
trust our Holy Shepherd to provide for us and to
take good care of us.

OUR GOOD SHEPHERD LOVES EVERY ONE OF HIS HOLY FLOCK to
the extent of OFFERING HIS OWN LIFE FOR THE SAKE OF
OUR SALVATION.

HE HAS FULFILLED ALL THE INSPIRED PROPHECIES of Holy
Scripture concerning Himself.

H E KNOWS AND IS KNOWN (being identified and
testified to) BY GOD OUR HEAVENLY FATHER AND GOD
THE HOLY SPIRIT.

HE KNOWS ALL MANKIND PERSONALLY – better than we
know ourselves

WHEN WE BECOME ENLIGHTENED WITH DIVINE TRUTH, WE
KNOW OUR LORD GOD – each of us according to
our personal limitations and capacity.
✶ “... a Hireling ... who is not the Shepherd...” refers to
THOSE WHO USE PEOPLE AND EVEN THE CHURCH FOR THEIR
OWN SELFISH MOTIVES.

Hirelings can also refer to MERCENARY PRIESTS WHO ARE
MERELY ‘DOING A JOB’ but are uncommitted to the
Service of God and His Holy Flock.

Hirelings LACK ANY DEGREE OF AGAPE AND CAUSE MUCH
UNHAPPINESS AND DISCORD.

They will ABANDON THEIR SACRED DUTIES WHENEVER IT SUITS
THEM AND DEPART WHEN THREATENED by exposure,
complaint or correction.

Hirelings are usually SELF-APPOINTED ‘PROPHETS’ OR
‘PRIESTS’ WHO ARE OFFENSIVE, HERETICAL, CONTROVERSIAL
AND BLASPHEMOUS.

They only care about FINANCIALLY PROFITING AS MUCH AS
THEY CAN from the people who are seeking Divine
Truth and Spiritual and physical Healing for their
many ailments and suffering.

THEY SERVE THE EVIL ONE by doing everything he desires.

THEY ARE DRIVEN AND CONTROLLED BY ALL THE GRIEVOUS
PASSIONS THAT DESTROY EVERYTHING GOOD.
13 NOVEMBER 2018

THEY USE THE LOVE AND POWER OF OUR TRIUNE GOD TO
ATTRACT PEOPLE AND CLAIM TO PERFORM ALL KINDS OF
‘MIRACLES’ as though these were merely ‘party
tricks’ to be performed at their own will, but THEY
ETERNALLY CONDEMN THEMSELVES AND THOSE WHOM THEY
LEAD INTO PERDITION
✶ “... the Wolf catches, and scatters the Sheep...” refers to
ANYONE OR ANYTHING THAT HARMS OR DESTROYS THE HOLY
FLOCK OF CHRIST OUR LORD:
5. THE EVIL ONE, his demons and all his wicked people
6. HERETICS
7. ENEMIES OR OPPONENTS of Christ and His One, True,
Universal, Holy Church
8. APOSTASY – the denial, rejection or neglect of God’s
Divine Truth – all His Teachings and
Commandments whereby we ought to live as His
Faithful Disciples.

The “...Wolf..” is ANYONE OR ANYTHING THAT WORKS AGAINST
GOD’S DIVINE TRUTH, THAT CAUSES DISHARMONY AND
DISUNITY OR CONTROVERSY THAT SPLITS HIS HOLY CHURCH
AND CAUSES SCHISMS, FACTIONS AND EVEN TERRIBLE
WARFARE.

The Wolf scatters the Sheep with LIES AND DECEITS THAT
CAUSE PEOPLE TO BECOME ENSNARED IN CONTROVERSIAL,
HERETICAL AND BLASPHEMOUS PRACTISES AND IDEAS,
which cause Spiritual Death and Eternal
Condemnation.

THE WOLF HAD “...DEVOURED AND SCATTERED...” GOD’S
CHOSEN PEOPLE – THE NATION OF ISRAEL – when they
intermarried with pagans and reformed or
renounced their ancient Judaic Faith.

These were “...THE LOST SHEEP...” WHOM CHRIST CAME TO
FIND AND RETURN TO THE SPIRITUAL SAFETY OF HIS HOLY
SHEEPFOLD.
S T P E TE R OF D AM ASCU S
We should not despair when we are not as we ought to
be. Of course, it is bad when we sin but we must not
slight God in our ignorance, by considering Him to be
powerless!
Only He Who made this wonderful world for us is able to
Save our soul.
If we think that His Great Mercy just makes our sins all the
worse, we must immediately and sincerely Repent
and Confess our sins so that we can be Restored to His
Loving Embrace like the Prodigal Son and the
Repentant Harlot. (LUKE 15:20 & LUKE 7: 47-48)
If we fail to Repent and continue our habitual sins - doing
what we do not really want to do – then we need to
acquire the Humility and Contrition of the Repentant
Publican, which might Save our soul. (LUKE 18:13)
When we sin and make no effort to Repent, nor feel the
slightest regret, we place ourselves at the lowest level
of Creation, and must not dare to criticise nor blame
others!
Those who wonder at God’s Loving-kindness and feel
Gratitude towards our Divine Benefactor may have
many other good characteristics.
Although we subject ourselves to the evil one whenever
we sin, we are able to renounce and dismiss our
enemy.
Due to our Love and Holy Fear of God, we can prevent
the evil one from luring us into despair and
hopelessness that causes self-destruction, depression
and misery.
We are able to maintain our Spiritual Life and close
Relationship to God and each other, provided we are
grateful, thankful, patient, and ever fearful of failing
the Will of our Heavenly Father - and by avoiding any
criticism and judgement of others, thereby preventing
our own Eternal Judgement and Condemnation.
(MATTHEW 7:1)
St John Chrysostom pointed out that the fear of Gehenna
(Eternal Spiritual Death or Hell) is almost more
Beneficial to us than the Promise of God’s Heavenly
Kingdom because the terrors of “Outer Darkness” or
“the Abyss” – which even the demons intensely fear –
has compelled more people to Repent their sins and
strive even harder for Spiritual Perfection.
Very few souls enter His Heavenly Kingdom due to His
Divine Promise - and then only due to God’s Loving-
Kindness and Divine Grace.
ST JOHN CHRYSOSTOM OF CONSTANTINOPLE
✶ “...other Sheep I have, which are not of this Fold...”
was a reference to THE GENTILES – THE PAGAN NON-
JUDAIC NATIONS – who did not live according to the
Old Covenant but WHO WOULD RECEIVE THE NEW
COVENANT AND LIVE IN CHRIST.

This also applies to ALL WHO WILL EVENTUALLY ACCEPT OUR
LORD JESUS CHRIST AND HIS DIVINE TRUTH BEFORE THE
END OF TIME – BEFORE ETERNITY.
✶ “...there will be one Flock - one Shepherd...” WHEN OUR
LORD JESUS CHRIST REAPPEARS IN ALL HIS MAGNIFICENT,
DIVINE GLORY ON ’THE EIGHTH DAY’ – THE DAY OF FINAL
JUDGEMENT FOR ALL CREATION IN ETERNITY when we
will either receive Eternal Life in His Heavenly
Kingdom or be Condemned forever to ‘Outer
Darkness’ – the total absence of God and all His
Goodness – a permanent, most dreadful state of
Spiritual Death!

At present MANKIND IS LURED INTO APOSTASY BY THE
INNUMERABLE SELF-APPOINTED, EGOCENTRIC HERETICAL
SECTS THAT PICK AND CHOOSE FROM HOLY SCRIPTURE, all
of which claim to be THE Church that alone will
Save humanity.

THERE IS AND ALWAYS WILL BE ONLY ONE, HOLY, UNIVERSAL
AND APOSTOLIC CHURCH OF CHRIST OUR LORD AND DIVINE
SAVIOUR, whereby WE LIVE IN CHRIST EXACTLY
ACCORDING TO EVERYTHING HE HAS TAUGHT AND
COMMANDED US – nothing more, nothing less!

DIVINE TRUTH IS ABSOLUTE, PERFECT AND UNCOMPROMISING.

NOT ONE IOTA NOR TITTLE CAN BE CHANGED for then it
becomes our own imperfect, limited, flawed,
concept of truth – NOT GOD’S DIVINE TRUTH!
– O N R EJEC TION OF DES P AIR
We can be Saved - either because we are utterly
repelled by Hell and fear the Eternal Consequences of
wickedness deeply enough to Repent our sins and
strive even more to acquire the essential Holy Virtues,
or because we Love our Lord God with all our being
and fully embrace His Divine Promise of Heaven by
Living Faithfully and Steadfastly in Christ.
Even those of us who are tormented by many grievous
passions, spiritually and bodily, will receive Crowns of
Victory, if we persevere and endure the continuous
Spiritual Warfare with complete Faith and Patience
and never weaken nor surrender our free-will to
indifference, to despair, to neglect nor to slothfulness.
If we are granted release and relief from the grievous
passions, we must continue our Spiritual Vigilance by
Confessing and Repenting our sins immediately, by
expressing our heartfelt gratitude and by Loving God
and each other in all circumstances.
St Maximos the Confessor cautions us against criticising
or judging our fellow sinners for by doing so, it is as if
we have achieved Spiritual Freedom through our own
efforts and not by Divine Grace and Great Mercy!
We must always consider others as being far better than
ourselves because when we clearly see our own
Spiritual Condition that requires perpetual correction
and Repentance, we will not dare to seek flaws in
others!
St John the Damascene taught us that those who are still
enslaved by the grievous passions and have no
Experience of the Light of Knowledge are in great
Spiritual Danger if they set themselves up as Spiritual
Guides to others.
Furthermore, those who have received by the Grace of
God Release from the grievous passions, as well as
Spiritual Knowledge, court the same Spiritual Danger
unless they use these Divine Gifts and Blessings for the
Spiritual Benefit of other souls.
Nothing is better for us who are sick and ailing than to
retreat into peace and quiet. And there is nothing
better than Humility and Obedience for us who are
subject to the grievous passions and lack Spiritual
Knowledge.
It is far better and Spiritually Beneficial for us to identify
and accept our weaknesses and ignorance so that we
can resolve them, because it is far worse to be
unaware of them.
13 NOVEMBER 2018 21
No grievous passion is more hateful than pride, nor more
absurd than avarice, which is the root of all evil.
It is absurd to have laboured hard to acquire money
made from metal extracted from the earth and then,
unproductively, hide it somewhere or bury it in the
earth again, instead of putting it to good use for the
Benefit of many.
Our Lord Jesus Christ severely exhorted us “... Do not lay
up treasures on Earth...” because “...where your
treasure is, there, too, is your heart.” (MATTHEW 6: 19 &
21).
We are easily drawn by our selfish desires and sinful
habits to whatever tempts us and we become
focussed and obsessed with or enslaved by material
possessions and worldly addictions that are fleeting,
corruptive and Spiritually Unprofitable.
Therefore, we must rather focus our attention – body and
soul – on everything that is truly Good and Spiritually
Beneficial – the Eternal, Heavenly Things that sustain
and nourish our immortal soul and keep us in a state
of healthy Spiritual Life.
St Basil the Great warns us that when we indulge or
tolerate our bad habits, they become a force of
nature, drawing us into Spiritual Death.
When we are ill or ailing, we ought to pay great attention
to the witness of our conscience so that we can free
our immortal soul from the threat of Condemnation
before we reach the end of our lifespan when
Repentance and Contrition are too late, causing us to
lament and mourn forever!
Those of us who are unable to suffer death in the body
for Christ, as He did for us, should at least willingly
undergo death in the mind.
We become Martyrs of Conscience if we refuse to submit
ourselves to the demons and the grievous passions
that ceaseless persecute and buffet us in the
T H E D IV INELY I NSP IRED W ISD OM OF OU R
1. Knowledge is Awareness of ourselves. Not knowing
ourselves is more unbearable than the utmost
madness and insanity, because madness would
be beyond our control, while unawareness of
ourselves is due to our own will!
2. Our immortal soul is superior to our mortal body
(flesh) so it is more fitting to sigh and lament over
the state of our soul when we become lost. When
we are unaware of the appalling state of our soul,
we should certainly sigh and lament in Spiritual
Wretchedness. Therefore, we should be even
more concerned and saddened for those who
seek promiscuous sexual relations and wicked
lifestyles rather than for those who are suffering
sickness and afflictions, which will eventually
pass.
3. The praxis of correct Dogmas are of no use
whatsoever if we are negligent and careless of our
conduct, attitude and way of life!
4. Nothing disastrous happens to others through the
passion of envy, which barely saddens or injures
them, but which does do great harm to those who
are envious, resentful and jealous.
5. Asceticism that is undertaken in accordance with
Divine Law and Truth makes us understanding,
sensible, modest, able to restrain anger, rein in
our selfish desires, perform Acts of Charity/Love, be
kind, merciful and gentle, and to practise all the
Holy Virtues.
6. Condemnation, which is usually discharged
maliciously against others, casts the soul into utter
turmoil and plunges us into the depths of despair
and hopelessness.
7. Hypocrites want to be regarded as though they were
Saints. They want everyone to reverence and
praise them for their illusions of Piety. Although by
their outward demeanour they appear to serve
God in all things, their heart and soul is
overwhelmed and enslaved by their jealously,
guile and every kind of wickedness.
8. When we want to root out the grievous passions that
have wormed deep into our heart, having become
firmly established there over time, we require far
more than one or two days of Confession,
Repentance and Spiritual Advice to correct - to
22. ST JOHN CHRYSOSTOM OF CONSTANTINOPLE
unending Spiritual Warfare we battle against until our
final breath.
We must never let our Spiritual Guard down for our
enemies never rest and are always poised to attack.
We must just as persistently Repent our sins immediately
and strive for Spiritual Perfection with complete Faith
and Courage like all Holy Martyrs and our Blessed
Holy Fathers who have shown us the Way by their own
excellent example.
The Holy Martyrs were Spiritually Perfected when they
died in the body, while our Holy Fathers were
Perfected by dying in the mind.
By exerting ourselves even to the smallest degree, we will
begin to defeat our obsessive enemies and very
slowly make good Spiritual Progress towards our own
Perfection, but our Struggle must continue unabated -
with all our determination, strength and courage.
On the contrary, if we are slothful and negligent, or if we
choose to ignore or deny the necessity of our
ceaseless Spiritual Struggles and War against the evil
one and his machinations, we will become defeated,
enslaved and imprisoned, in a miserable state of
Spiritual Death that only Repentance and the Holy
Mysteries can Remedy.
If we Repose in a state of Spiritual Death, we have
condemned ourselves to Eternal Death and Spiritual
Exile that is irrevocable!
None of us must ever surrender to our enemies!
Let us walk together – strongly United and Empowered -
in the Divine Light and Truth of our Lord Jesus Christ
Who has provided us with all the essential Spiritual
Armour with which to protect ourselves and defeat our
enemies.
HTTPS://PEMPTOUSIA.COM/2019/10/REJECTION-OF-DESPAIR/
H OLY FA THE R – S T JO H N C HRYSOSTOM
Cleanse and Heal – ourselves. It takes a very long
period of concerted Spiritual Struggles and
immense Striving to gain any Spiritual Profit and
Benefit, rather than mere pleasantries and an
outward show of empty, meaningless gestures.
9. Despite the fact that Chastity, Virginity, Fasting, Vigils
and sleeping on the ground demand great effort,
there is nothing so powerful and so capable of
extinguishing the flames of our sins as
Charity/Love – for it is far superior to all our
Spiritual Feats and Endeavours, placing those who
Live by unconditional, Perfect Love, close to our
Eternal, Heavenly King Himself.
10. It became utterly clear through unlearned men that
the Holy, Life-giving Cross is persuasive. In fact, It
persuaded the entire world. Their discourse was
not of unimportant matters but of God and True
Faith, of the Gospel Way of Life and our future
Judgement. Yet It Transformed ordinary, illiterate
men into great Philosophers! Behold how the
‘Foolishness’ of God is infinitely wiser than
mankind, and how His Weakness is far stronger
than anything we know!
11. Our personal Transformation does not depend on our
Lord God Who has sown His Seeds of Divine Truth,
but on those of us who really do want to mend our
ways and acquire Spiritual Perfection.
12. Never express wicked thoughts with words and deeds!
Ignore them and pray for Divine Mercy and they
will soon disappear. Being human, we all too
often have abominable, inappropriate or
disgusting thoughts, but we can reject them or
prevent them from being spoken or acted upon.
Unless we immediately shut them up tightly, and
with Prayers stifle them until they dissipate, they
will become even more ferocious. As soon as they
arise, we must block them and quickly rid
ourselves of them but if we externalise them, they
will control our words and deeds, becoming far
worse and more powerful and destructive,
causing us to fall from the habit of disgusting
words into the stench-filled pit of evil, absurd and
reckless actions.
13 NOVEMBER 2018
 Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria & All Africa
Archdiocese of Good Hope
All Glory, Honour and Worship to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and forever,
and unto the Ages of ages. Amen. Remembering also our Most Holy, Most Pure, Most Blessed and
Glorious Lady, Maria, Theotokos, yet Ever Virgin, together with all the Saints. And let us commit
ourselves and one another and our whole Life to Christ our God. Amen.
16 NOVEMBER 2019
ST MATTHEW LEVI ALPHAEUS
OF OUR LORD’S 12 HOLY APOSTLES -THE EVANGELIST
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– St Hypatios of Gangra
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PROKEIMENON – PSALM 31/32 -T ONE (6) P L AGAL 2

Be glad in the Lord and Rejoice, O Righteous!

Blessed art those whose transgressions are forgiven, and whose sins art covered...
T HE E P ISTL E OF S T P AUL TO TH E R OM ANS 10: 11 – 11:2
Brethren, ... Scripture states “... whoever believes in Him will not be put to shame...” for there is no distinction between
Jew and Greek, since the same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him because “ ... whoever calls on the
Name of our Lord shall be Saved.”
How then shall they call on Him in Whom they have not believed? And how shalt they believe in Him of Whom they
have not heard? And how shalt they hear without a Preacher? And how shalt they preach unless they are sent?
As it is written: “... How beautiful art the feet of those who preach the Gospel of Peace – who bring Glad Tidings of
Good Things!”
But they have not all obeyed the Gospel, for as Isaiah stated: “... Lord, who has believed our report?” So then Faith
comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God. But I say, have they not heard? Yes, indeed, for “... their sound
has gone out to all the Earth, and their words to the ends of the world!”
Yet I say, did Israel not know? First Moses said: “... I will provoke Thee to jealousy by those who are not a Nation, I will
move Thee to anger by a foolish Nation...” And Isaiah, very boldly stated: “... I was found by those who did not
seek Me; I was made manifest to those who did not ask for Me...” but to Israel (the Lord) said: “... all day long I
have stretched out My Hands to a disobedient and contrary People...”
I then say, has God cast away His People? Certainly not! For I, also, am an Israelite, of the Seed of Abraham, of the
Tribe of Benjamin.
God has not cast away His People whom He foreknew...
✶ “... ‘... whoever believes in Him...” is a quotation from the ✶ “...How shalt they call on Him Whom they have not
Old Testament Book of Isaiah. believed... of Whom they have not heard...” -
 ISAIAH 28:16 “... thus saith the Lord: “Behold, I lay for the rhetorical questions that is highly significant.
Foundations of Zion a costly Stone, a Chosen and
In order TO BELIEVE AND HAVE FAITH IN GOD, we need to
Precious Cornerstone for its Foundations, and 1. DEVELOP A CLOSE RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD
whoever believes in Him will not be put to 2. by LEARNING EVERYTHING ABOUT HIM according
shame...” to the Divinely Inspired Teachings of God’s

OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST – the Eternal, Only Begotten and Holy Prophets and the Divine Truth of our
Beloved Son and Word of our Heavenly Father – IS Lord Jesus Christ
THE “COSTLY” DIVINE CORNERSTONE WHO UNITES THE ✶ “... Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of
FAITHFUL JUDEANS/HEBREWS AND THE GENTILE (NON- God...” refers to our VERBAL SACRED TRADITION.
JEWISH) CONVERTS IN HIS ONE, UNIVERSAL, HOLY CHURCH.
WE HAVE TO BE VERBALLY ENLIGHTENED AND TAUGHT

Our Lord is THE DIVINE FOUNDATION UPON WHICH GOD’S EVERYTHING BY THOSE WHO HAVE SPIRITUAL EXPERIENCE
NEW COVENANT FAITH IS FIRMLY ESTABLISHED FOREVER. and who can correctly teach God’s Divine Truth

To those who rejected that Precious and Life in Christ.
Cornerstone/Foundation Stone – those who
CHRIST’S TEACHINGS ARE CONVEYED TO US BY HIS ORDAINED
rejected Christ as our Divine Saviour – He became AND INSPIRED BISHOPS, PRIESTS, DEACONS AND TEACHERS.
THEIR ‘STUMBLING BLOCK’ that PREVENTED THEIR SPIRITUAL
WITHOUT FIRST RECEIVING THE VERBAL TRADITION, WE CANNOT
PROGRESS TOWARDS ETERNAL LIFE. POSSIBLY CORRECTLY UNDERSTAND AND APPLY THE HOLY
✶ “... there is no distinction...” in the Holy Church of Christ SCRIPTURES TO OUR THOUGHTS, WORDS AND DEEDS!
because IN THE SIGHT OF GOD, ALL MANKIND IS EQUAL. ✶ “...how shalt they preach unless they are sent...” to this

WE ARE ALL SINNERS WHO STRUGGLE against temptations day, OUR HEAVENLY FATHER SENDS US HIS ORDAINED PRIESTS
and sin, while CEASELESSLY STRIVING FOR SPIRITUAL AND DIVINELY INSPIRED TEACHERS who are fully
PERFECTION by developing and sustaining a close, Enlightened with His Divine Truth, TO TEACH AND
intimate Relationship with God as well as with SPIRITUALLY GUIDE OTHERS.
each other. GOD’S DIVINE TRUTH AND BLESSINGS ARE ALWAYS TO BE SHARED
✶ “... whoever Calls on the Name of our Lord...” is a with others because HIS ETERNAL SALVATION IS FOR ALL
quotation from the Old Testament Book of Joel. MANKIND, not only a select few.
 JOEL 2 : 26 -27 – “... Praise the Name of the Lord your ✶ “... they have not all obeyed the Gospel...” of Christ
God for what He has so Wondrously done for you. because of THEIR SPIRITUAL BLINDNESS that AFFECTED
And My People will not be put to shame forever... THEM AND THOSE WHOM THEY LED INTO SPIRITUAL
you shalt know that I Am in the midst of Israel, that DARKNESS AND SPIRITUAL DEATH.
I Am the Lord your God, and there is no other but
The Holy Gospel of Christ and the New Covenant is the
Me. And at no time will My People be put to shame continuation of the Old Covenant – THE SECOND PART
forever...” OF MANKIND’S HOLY COVENANT/TESTAMENT WITH GOD.

THIS IS THE DIVINE TRUTH, WHICH OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST HAS
THE OLD COVENANT PREPARED GOD’S PEOPLE for the Advent
TAUGHT US HOW TO FULFIL AND UNDERSTAND as His of His New Covenant and our Divine Saviour by
Faithful Disciples and by His own Perfect Example. TEACHING THEM SELF-DISCIPLINE, HUMILITY AND

THERE IS NO EXCUSE AT ALL FOR REJECTING THE HOLY GOSPEL OBEDIENCE TO GOD.
OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST.
CHRIST FULFILLED EVERYTHING required by the Old
Covenant so that His People could continue with

S T M ATTHE W LEV I AL PH AEU S OF TH E 12 AP OSTLE S OF CH R IST – 16 N OVE MBER 2018 23.

 THE NEW COVENANT OF LOVE THAT LEADS US TO HIS DARKNESS – Eternal Exile from God and all His
ETERNAL KINGDOM. Goodness – that has been prepared for the evil
✶ “... did Israel not know?” DESPITE ALL GOD’S RIGHTEOUS one and all the fallen angels and unrepentant,
PATRIARCHS AND HOLY PROPHETS who Enlightened, taught disbelieving and disobedient human beings.
and Spiritually Guided His People towards the Eternal
WITHOUT OUR LORD GOD, WE CANNOT BE SAVED!
Promised Land.
Our Salvation consists of A SPIRITUAL PROGRESSION:

OUR LORD GOD HAS FULFILLED ALL HIS DIVINE PROMISES, 1. WE ARE SAVED by the Holy Mysteries of Baptism and
granting His People every extraordinary Chrismation.
opportunity to be Faithful and Obedient to His 2. WE ARE BEING SAVED by our Spiritual Struggles and
Divine Will. Strivings by Living in Christ - applying His

Despite everything God provided for them, SO MANY Divine Truth to our thoughts, words and deeds
CHOSE TO REJECT GOD AND HIS DIVINE TRUTH. 3. WE HOPE TO BE SAVED at the end our allotted
✶ “....I have stretched out My Hands to a disobedient and lifespan, having been Spiritual Perfected by
contrary People...” reminds us about OUR HEAVENLY our Spiritual Endeavours.
FATHER’S DIVINE PROVIDENCE AND INFINITE LOVE. ✶ “... the seed of Abraham...” refers to those who are

SPIRITUAL BLINDNESS AND STUBBORNNESS KEEPS US AWAY FROM BIOLOGICAL CHILDREN OF THE NATION OF ISRAEL – children
GOD, His Love and all His Blessings that make our OF THE TWELVE TRIBES OF ISRAEL.
Spiritual Struggles so worthwhile. Those who are not born of the Nation of Israel, have

LACK OF FAITH IN GOD ALSO PREVENTS US FROM RECEIVING HIS become THE ADOPTED CHILDREN OF GOD and therefore
DIVINE GRACE that Strengthens and Enables us with also REGARD ABRAHAM AS OUR ANCIENT FOREFATHER THROUGH
the Spiritual Benefits of Salvation. OUR FAITH IN OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST.

In His understandable frustration, OUR LORD JESUS The Faithful Disciples of Christ and His Holy Church are
REFERRED TO THE FAITHLESS AS BEING “... A PERVERSE THE “NEW ISRAEL.”
GENERATION...” who failed to grasp His Divine Truth. ✶ “...God has not cast away His People...” as unbelievers
✶ “...has God cast away His People? Certainly not!...” or unrepentant sinners claim.
refers to THE UNBELIEF IN OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST WHO IS
GOD NEVER CASTS US AWAY – rather WE CAST OURSELVES AWAY
INDEED GOD INCARNATE – God Who is with us always! FROM GOD DUE TO OUR WILFUL SINS.

If God should cast us away, WE WOULD BE DOOMED TO
ETERNAL CONDEMNATION, THE ABYSS AND THE OUTER
T H E H OLY G OSPEL ACCO R D ING TO S T M ATTHE W 9 : 9 – 13
THE CALLING OF ST MATTHEW LEVI ALPHAEUS, TAX COLLECTOR
At that time, as our Lord Jesus passed by, He saw a man named ‘Matthew’ sitting at the customs house, and he said to
him: “Follow Me.” And he arose, and followed Him.
And it came to pass, He sat eating in the house, and behold: many Publicans and sinners went and sat down with
Jesus and His Disciples. And when the Pharisees beheld them, they said to His Disciples: “Why does your Master eat
with Publicans and sinners?” Jesus, hearing, said to them: “Those who are whole do not need a Physician, but
those who are sick do. Go, learn what it means: ‘...I desire Mercy, and not Sacrifice...’ for I have not come to Call
the Righteous, but sinners to Repentance!”
✶ “... ‘Matthew’ ...” became ST MATTHEW OF THE TWELVE HOLY
MANY OF THEM REPENTED THEIR SINS AND WERE RECONCILED
APOSTLES of our Lord Jesus Christ. WITH GOD.

St Matthew Alphaeus was also named ‘Levi.’
THE SELF-RIGHTEOUS, UNMERCIFUL PHARISEES WERE INTENSELY

Many people – even to this day – are identified by OFFENDED because they were STRICTLY LEGALISTIC AND
more than one name. SPIRITUALLY BLIND AND HARD-HEARTED.

He was the brother of St James Alphaeus the Apostle.
THESE SINFUL CHARACTERISTICS PREVENT US FROM RECEIVING

Alphaeus is named as the father of St Matthew and St GOD’S DIVINE TRUTH so that we can Perfect our
James. (Mark 2:14) thoughts, words and deeds accordingly.
✶ “... seated at the customs house...” means that St ✶ “...Those who are whole do not need a Physician...”
Matthew was EMPLOYED BY THE ROMAN AUTHORITIES TO refers to those who are PHYSICALLY WELL AND SPIRITUALLY
COLLECT TAXES from the people. PERFECT.

The Roman Empire dominated the Holy Land and
We might be in good physical health but WE ARE ALL
most of the known world at that time. SPIRITUALLY WEAK AND AFFLICTED by our habitual and

As usual, THEY HAD ASSIGNED SPECIFIC AREAS TO JUDEAN TAX wilful sins.
COLLECTORS who were free to collect extra revenues
Our Lord Jesus Christ is OUR MOST WISE AND HEALING
for their own profit, which most of them did to the PHYSICIAN.
detriment of the impoverished citizens.
ONLY OUR DIVINE SAVIOUR CAN HEAL US from all our

The Tax Collectors’ COLLABORATION with the occupying afflictions – ACCORDING TO THE WILL OF OUR HEAVENLY
Roman forces, their FRAUDULENT SCHEMES AND their FATHER.
UTTER CORRUPTION CAUSED them to be ostracised by
Those who consider themselves to be in good spiritual
their fellow countrymen. or physical health have NO NEED FOR HIS HEALING

They were HATED, FEARED, AND DISRESPECTED AS SOCIAL AND NURTURING BECAUSE THEY ARE SPIRITUALLY BLIND OR
ENEMIES by the Hebrews who regarded them as IGNORANT.
“UNCLEAN” AND THUS TO BE AVOIDED AT ALL COSTS.
OUR LORD NEVER FORCES HIMSELF OR HIS DIVINE BLESSINGS
✶ “...he arose, and followed Him...” implies that ST ONTO ANYONE, which is the reason for sometimes
MATTHEW ALREADY KNEW OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST. asking us if we really want to be Healed.

HE EAGERLY AND FAITHFULLY FOLLOWED HIM from that ✶ “...learn what it means...” - Our Lord command us to
moment onwards until his Martyrdom in Africa. FULLY AND PROPERLY UNDERSTAND HIS DIVINE TRUTH.

HE WROTE HIS HOLY GOSPEL CIRCA 50 - 70 while residing in
WE CANNOT COMPREHEND (and thus make good use of)
Antioch where the Church was strongly HOLY SCRIPTURE – OUR WRITTEN TRADITION – UNLESS WE
established with both Hebrew and Gentile HAVE RECEIVED AND FULLY COMPREHENDED OUR VERBAL
Disciples. TRADITION.

When our Lord Calls us, WE CAN CHOOSE WHETHER OR NOT
The Holy Prophets, our Lord Jesus Christ, His Holy
TO FOLLOW HIM. Apostles and their successors – our Bishops and

Our Lord offers us all His Goodness but WE EITHER Priests – as well as all our Holy Fathers and
ACCEPT OR REJECT. Divinely Inspired Teachers – have Enlightened us

OUR LORD NEVER FORCES, LURES, ENTICES NOR ENSLAVES us with THE ESSENTIAL VERBAL TEACHINGS that ARE
with anything sinful or harmful. NECESSARY before we can begin TO UNDERSTAND THE
✶ “... He sat eating in the house...” – OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST WRITTEN TRADITION OF THE OLD COVENANT AND NEW
NOT ONLY ENTERED THE HOME of someone regarded as COVENANT HOLY SCRIPTURES, AND THE INSPIRED WRITINGS
“unclean” BUT ALSO ACCEPTED ST MATTHEW LEVI’S OF ALL OUR HOLY FATHERS.
HOSPITALITY THEREBY ‘VIOLATING’ THE OLD COVENANT
TO PRESERVE AND MAINTAIN OUR ORTHODOX FAITH, WE MUST
LAWS. FIRST RECEIVE CORRECT VERBAL TEACHING.

The refusal to do so, exposes STUBBORN PRIDE AND EGOISM
✶ “...many Publicans and sinners...” shows that THESE THAT IS DETRIMENTAL TO ENLIGHTENED, WELL-DISCIPLINED
‘PARIAHS’ (OUTCASTS) OF THE JUDEAN COMMUNITY AND WELL-GUIDED SPIRITUAL PROGRESS that requires
WANTED TO HEAR THE DIVINE TRUTH THAT OUR LORD JESUS VOLUNTARY AND SINCERE HUMILITY AND OBEDIENCE.
GRANTS US.

24. S T M A T T H E W L E V I A L P H A E U S OF THE 12 AP OSTLE S OF C HR IST – 16 NO V EM BER 2018


OUR VERBAL AND WRITTEN TRADITION MUST BE FULLY APPLIED
TO OUR THOUGHTS, WORDS AND DEEDS, (otherwise they
are meaningless.)
 Hosea 6 : 6 “ ... I desire Mercy, not sacrifice, and the
Knowledge of God, more than whole burnt
offerings...”

OUR LORD GOD does not reject Old or New Covenant
Worship but He CRITICISED THE MANNER WHEREBY THE
JUDEANS PERCEIVED IT.

Instead of being a means of ENTERING INTO A CLOSE,
INTIMATE RELATIONSHIP WITH OUR LORD GOD, WHILE
FOSTERING GOOD COMMUNITY TIEs, the manner of
worship gradually became a goal in itself.

This also applies to our Orthodox Brethren who regard
the Divine Liturgy as being “boring and
meaningless” to themselves! (God forbid!)

This is not a rejection of OUR PERSONAL SELF-SACRIFICE AND
DISCIPLINE THAT IS ESSENTIAL FOR THE FULFILLING OF THE
NEW COVENANT OF LOVE, but rather teaches us that
LOVE, KINDNESS AND MERCY ARE THE HIGHEST PRIORITY.

THOSE WHO STRICTLY ADHERE TO THE ‘PROPRIETY’ OF FAITHFUL
PRACTISE BUT WHOSE HEART IS REBELLIOUS, WILL BE
JUDGED HARSHLY, while those who might not follow
‘the Rules’ properly but who Love God and our
fellow mankind, will be accepted by Him.

Our Lord Jesus Christ has taught us in so many
different ways that OUR FINAL JUDGEMENT WILL
CONCERN EVERY ACT OF CHARITY/LOVE AND MERCY
TOWARDS OTHERS.

WHATEVER WE DO TO OR FOR OTHERS, WILL BE RETURNED TO US
‘...A HUNDREDFOLD...’ whether good or evil!!
T H E S IGN OF
In his first Epistle to the Corinthians, St Paul mentions that
‘...the Judeans seek a Sign...’ - they wanted a
Supernatural Sign, such as Resurrection of the dead,
or Healing of the demonically possessed, which would
make them believe in the Preaching concerning the
Cross. (1 CORINTHIANS 1:22)
So they sought this Supernatural Sign, ignoring and
ignorant of all the Signs and Wonders that God had
shown them in the past, every time they found
themselves in danger.
Of course, the Sign they were looking for could only have
been the Cross, which, on the one hand is
foreshadowed throughout the whole Old Testament
and, on the other, was ever-present, preserving the
People of God from devastation and extermination.
There are a great many adumbrations
(implications/gestures) of the Sign of the Precious Cross
in the Old Testament, but we shall contemplate only
six particular examples.
 EXODUS 14 : 1–31 - The main Sign of the Elevation of the
Cross in the history of the Jewish people was
executed by Moses with his staff when he parted
the waters of the Red Sea, at God’s Command, so
that the Israelites could cross over on foot and
escape the pursuit of the Egyptians.
The people were saved when the water resumed its
previous natural state.
Because of this, on the Feast of the Elevation of the
Precious Cross, a Festal Hymn states: ‘When Moses
executed a Cross with his staff, the Red Sea
immediately parted for Israel on foot...’ (IRMOS, ODE 1,
MATINS CANON).
 EXODUS 17:1-16 When the Israelites arrived at Rafidim
(Horeb), Moses made the Sign of the Cross twice.
The first was when he struck the rock to bring out water
for the thirsty people to drink; and the second when
he raised his arms and staff towards Heaven to pray
for Divine Assistance that would encourage the
Israelites who had to battle against the Amalekites
The Rock that Mysteriously issued forth water to quench the
thirst of God’s People and all their livestock, typified our
Lord Jesus Who gives us Living Water.
According to St Gregory Palamas, the Sign of the Cross
gave succour to (aided) the Israelite warriors and
sustained their efforts which made them victorious.
Bishop Theodoret of Cyrus stated that, apart from the Sign
of the Cross, the image of our crucified Lord Jesus
Christ was also prefigured.
S T M ATTHE W LEV I AL PH AEU S

WE WILL NOT RECEIVE DIVINE MERCY UNLESS WE OURSELVES
ARE MERCIFUL TO OUR FELLOW SINNERS, many of whom
are Struggling as much, if not more, than us.
✶ “...I have not come to Call the Righteous, but sinners to
Repentance!...” – THE DIVINE MISSION OF GOD’S
SALVATION FOR ALL MANKIND.

THE RIGHTEOUS are already in the Spiritual Safety of the
Divine ‘Sheepfold’ because they
1. HEAR AND OBEY THE DIVINE TRUTH TO THE BEST OF THEIR
ABILITY.
2. THINK, SPEAK AND ACT WITH UNCONDITIONAL LOVE FOR
GOD AND EACH OTHER
3. FULFIL THE WILL OF OUR HEAVENLY FATHEr.
4. ACQUIRED HUMILITY AND OBEDIENCE upon which all
the other Holy Virtues are based and acquired.

ALL OTHERS ARE SINNERS WHO ARE SPIRITUALLY AILING AND
LOST.

WE MUST CONSTANTLY REPENT our sins before we can
make any Spiritual Progress.

THIS PREPARATORY LIFESPAN IS A TIME OF CEASELESS SPIRITUAL
WARFARE requiring ceaseless Repentance of sins
that adversely affect us and our Relationships with
God and each other.

Our Lord Jesus is OUR DIVINE SAVIOUR, PHYSICIAN AND
TEACHER. WHO
1. SAVES US by making us His Adopted Children and
Co-Heirs of His Heavenly Kingdom of Love.
2. HEALS US by Curing our physical and Spiritual
Afflictions that cause misery, unhappiness and
failure.
3. TEACHES US by revealing His Divine Truth that
Liberates us from Spiritual Darkness and
ignorance.
THE CR OSS IN TH E O LD T ESTAM ENT
The arms of Moses were stretched out and supported
throughout the day by Aaron and Hur, prefiguring the
Crucifixion of our Lord Jesus Whose Arms were
stretched out upon His Cross in Triumph over the enemy.
(St John Chrysostom & St Gregory the Theologian)
 NUMBERS 21: 4-9 Moses made this Sacred Sign another
time, when he led the people of Israel into Edom.
They became dispirited and lost their Faith in God, which
caused deadly poisonous snakes to bite them,
leading to many deaths.
When they had Repented, God ordered Moses to have a
bronze snake made, which was elevated upon a pole,
so that those who looked upon it were immediately
Cured.
According to St Gregory Palamas, Moses raised the
serpent horizontally on the vertical pole, thus forming
the arms of a Cross.
Our Lord Jesus Christ foretold His impending Death on the
Cross, which He likened to the Elevation of the bronze
snake in the wilderness, saying: “...Just as Moses
raised up the serpent in the desert, so, too, must the
Son of Man be elevated.” (JOHN 3:14)
 DANIEL 6 : 23 The Sign of the Cross also Saved the
Prophet Daniel and the three Holy Youths,
Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, who lived in
Babylon during the Exile.
 DANIEL 3: 19 – 50 When the three Holy Youths were
thrown into a fiery furnace, they were Saved,
thanks to God’s Miraculous Intervention just as
Daniel himself was Saved when he was cast into
the lions’ den.
St Andrew of Crete explained that, initially the three Holy
Youths - and then, later, the Prophet Daniel - were
Saved by raising their arms to Heaven in the form of a
Cross, stated in the Festal Hymns of Sunday of the
Veneration of the Precious Cross: “... when he had
been cast into the lions’ den, the great Prophet
Daniel extended his arms in the form of a Cross and
was Saved, unharmed, from being devoured...” (ODE
8, FESTAL CANON, MATINS).
In the Old Testament, it is not just the Holy Cross of Christ
that is adumbrated but also other Events, such as His
Nativity, Passion and Resurrection.
The Cross is the means whereby our Lord Jesus Christ was
Glorified and overcame the wicked enemy,
Triumphed over Death and, through His Resurrection
brought mankind into a New State of Life, Liberated
from the bonds of death and corruption.
OF TH E 12 AP OSTLE S OF CH R IST – 16 N OVE MBER 2018 25.
 D EUTERONOMY 21:23 Before Christ’s crucifixion, death
by hanging (or crucifixion) was regarded as an
abomination according to Judaic Law, which
regarded those who were executed by being
hanged from a tree were considered to be
Eternally Cursed.
Through the Salvific Crucifixion of our Lord, the Cross
became the most powerful Symbol of Victory over
Death - the symbol of Glory and Majesty.
The Cross lost its aura of vilification, degradation,
abomination and humiliation and became the
expression of Sanctity, Blessing, Honour, Glory and
Magnificence.
This radical change, this Divine Miracle, this
Transformation come about because “...Christ has
Redeemed us from the Curse of the Law, having
become a Curse for us...” when He, Who is sinless
and perfectly innocent, took the place of us, who were
guilty.
 JOHN 1: 14; ROMANS 5:8 With the Incarnation of the Son
and Word of God – “...the Word became flesh...”
and His Crucifixion, whereby “... He died for us...’
fulfilled everything according to the Old Covenant
and presented us with God’s New Covenant.
 GALATIANS 3:13 “...Finding Himself in human Form, He
humbled Himself and submitted to Death, even
Death on a cross...”
T H E E TE R NAL
S T N ICH OL AS V EL IMIR OVIC H
We can prepare for being Charitable by Fasting, but we
are only really Charitable when we forgive offences
against us. Fasting recedes forgiveness, but
forgiveness itself is not enough to Save us.
S T CY R IL OF AL EX AND RIA
Faith is he Gate and Path to Life. It is an steep road that
leads us from corruption to Incorruption.
S T P OR PHY R IOS OF K AVSOKALY V IA
The way children behave is directly linked to the attitude
of their parents. If children are hurt by the way their
parents behave towards each other, they become
disheartened and lose the will to make any good
progress themselves. They are built all wrong, and
the structure of their soul is at risk of collapse at any
moment.
S T J OH N OF K R ONSTAD T
Parents and Teachers must be care not to allow children
to become capricious (impulsive, unreasonable and
volatile) because when they mature, they will
complain that they were harmed while young by
encouraging them to become wilful. Capriciousness
is the germ of corruption and the erosion of the heart,
the moth ha eats away Love, the seed of the evil one
and a mockery of our Lord God.
D IM ITR IOS P ANAGOP OULOS , P
A man once gave some very good advice to a friend of
his, saying: “You have done a lot for your children,
your relatives and your friends. Now it is time to do
something for your soul!”
S T THE OPH AN THE R E CLU SE
We must allow ourselves whatever is constructive for us,
not those things that cause us Spiritual Harm, upset
and turmoil, for what reasonable person would
knowingly drink from a poisoned chalice?
E LDE R CL E OP H AS I LIAS
In all things, we have to watch what we say, and how we
say it. We should always concentrate on how to
please God and never want anything more than we
want to be with Him. We should not be hasty in
judging the words and deeds of other, and we should
never interfere in affairs that do not concern us!
E LDE R TH AD DEU S V ITOVNIC
When we are out of sorts, the whole atmosphere around
us becomes ‘soured’ and we begin to be rude and
disrespectful to each other. Irrespective of what
others say or do to us, we should always be Meek and
forget any insult aimed at us.
26 S T M ATTH EW LEV I AL
 PHILIPPIANS 2:8 & GALATIANS 3:13 “... Redeeming us from the
Curse of the Law by becoming a Curse for our
sake...”
Christ perfectly obeyed the Law and accepted its Curse for
being “...hanged upon a tree...” By Living in Christ we are
Redeemed from that Curse and now participate in His
Perfect Faith, Humility and Obedience.
Christ’s Cross and Resurrection opened the Way to
Paradise and did away with the Flaming Sword that
barred the Path to the Tree of Life. (GENESIS 3: 24).
If we look carefully at the Hymnography of the Feast of
the Veneration of the Cross, we will understand the
Praise lavished upon our Lord’s Precious, Life-giving
Cross, which is indeed, “...the Guard of the Gate of
Paradise; the Victory of Kings; the Boast of Priests;
the support of the Faithful, the Guardian of the
Commonwealth; the Glory and Boast of the Church;
the Much-Vaunted Boast of Christians; the particular
Message of the Apostles; the Crown of the Martyrs;
the Precious Adornment of the Prophets...” (FESTAL
VESPERS - SUNDAY OF THE VENERATION OF THE HOLY CROSS)
T HEODORE R OKAS , T HEOLOGIAN
(ADAPTED & EDITED BY MP)
https://pemptousia.com/2019/10/the-sign-of-the-cross-in-
the-old-testament-2/
, D IV INE I NSP IRED WISDOM OF OUR HOLY FATHE R S
ST NICHOLAS VELIMIROVIC
The spirit that is not benighted by sin looks up to Heaven,
not down into the grave. The spirit who has been
slain by sin looked down at the grave an does not
behold Heaven. Sin and Virtue govern our Spiritual
Vision, and, depending on their aims, each reveals
the world to which they belong.
E LDE R S OP HR ONY OF E SSEX
Each of us should have the Love that a good mother has
for all her children. Even if they rebel, she still Loves
all of them unconditionally.
S T M AKAR IOS OF EGY PT
If we wish to easily bear every sorrow and temptation, we
must keep our eyes trained always on Death for the
sake of our Lord Jesus Christ.
We have to take up our Cross and Follow Him, ready and
willing to die, because those who desire to die for
Christ will have no difficulty at all with painful and
sorrowful things.
Those who wish to become Co-Heirs with our Lord Jesus
Christ must zealously desire His Sufferings. So we
have to push ourselves to acquire the Holy Virtues,
even if we do not really want to.
We must Love when we lack Love. We must become
Meek when meekness is lacking in us. We must have
a caring and merciful heart and we must pray even
RE ACH ER when we do not have Spiritual Prayer.
When God sees our Struggle to acquire these Virtues, He
comes to our aid and fills us with all the Fruits of the
Holy Spirit.
We must never blame others nor judge them, and neither
should we be proud.
Everything seems easier when we are United to our Lord
and He, Who is the Instigator and Cause of the
Fulfilment of all Goodness, come to dwell within us, for
as He Himself told us: “...without Me you can do
nothing!”
S T N ICH OL AS V EL IMIR OVIC H
When we trust others, we are weak, but when we trust
God, we are strong. We must cleave unto God and all
His Divine Strength will be with us. We must Confess
all our weaknesses before Him and He will send His
All Powerful Grace to assist and enable us.
S T N EKTAR IOS OF P E NTAP OL IS
Prayer is the Aid of our Life. Speaking to God, forgetting
earthly matters, and Ascending to Heaven. It is the
strongest Medicine and Protection against the
grievous passions. Prayer grants us Life, Health and
Hope. Prayer is our powerful Weapon, our reliable
Security, a Priceless Spiritual Treasure, a sheltering
Harbour and a Safe Haven.
PH AEU S OF THE 12 A P OSTLE S OF C HR IST – 16 NO VE MBER 2018
 Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria & All Africa
Archdiocese of Good Hope
All Glory, Honour and Worship to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy
Spirit, now and forever, and unto the Ages of ages. Amen. Remembering also our
Most Holy, Most Pure, Most Blessed and Glorious Lady, Maria, Theotokos, yet Ever
Virgin, together with all the Saints. And let us commit ourselves and one another
and our whole Life to Christ our God. Amen.
TONE (5) PLAGAL 1 17 NOVEMBER 2019
22 SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
N D

9TH SUNDAY OF ST LUKE – RICH FOOL & HIS

STOREHOUSES
The Feast of St Gregory of Neocaesarea – St Gennadios of Vatopedi – St
Mikon of Radonezh – St Lazaros the Iconographer – St Michael Gobron &
13 Soldiers of Georgia – St Zacharias the leather-worker & St John – St
Longinos (the Centurion) – St Maximos, Patriarch of Constantinople
THE SUNDAY AND FESTAL HYMNS ARE PUBLISHED IN BOOKLET FORM EACH MONTH. THESE ARE PUBLISHED AND FREELY
D O W N L O A D A B L E O N www.scribd.com/writers4574. L I N K S A R E A L S O P O S T E D O N F A C E B O O K “ O R T H O D O X C H R I S T I A N
E A S T E R N C A P E . ” ( O R C A N B E E M A I L E D D I R E C T L Y , O N R E Q U E S T T O marguerite.paizis@gmail.com )

R ESUR REC TION G OSPEL 11 - J OH N 21 : 14 - 25

P R OKE IME NON – P SALM 11 – T ONE (5) P L AGAL 1

Thou shalt guard us, O Lord; Thou shalt preserve us.
Save me, O Lord, for the Righteous have ceased.
T H E E PISTLE OF S T P AUL TO TH E G AL ATIANS 6 : 11 – 18
Brethren: see with what large letters I have written to you with my own hand!
As many as desire to make a good showing in the flesh, would compel you to be circumcised - only that they may not
suffer persecution for the Cross of Christ. Not even those who are circumcised keep the Law, but they desire to have
you circumcised so that they may boast in your flesh.
May I never boast except in the Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by Whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to
the world. In Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything but a New Creation. And as
many as walk according to this Rule, Peace and Mercy be upon them, and upon the Israel of God.
From now on, let no one trouble me. I bear the Marks of the Lord Jesus in my body.
The Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, Brethren.
Amen
✶ “...I have written to you with my own hand...” instead of ✶ “...Not even those who are circumcised keep the
St Paul’s Epistle being written by one of his trusted Law...”refers to those whose lineage was purely
Disciples. Judean/Hebrew.

Scribes are still used to write and read letters on
ST PAUL WAS ADAMANTLY OPPOSED TO THE OLD COVENANT
behalf of those who were illiterate. They were CIRCUMCISION because he fully understood Divine
professional copyists of all kinds of manuscripts Truth, which Christ had bestowed upon him:
and epistles and also performed various
THE BLOODLESS NEW COVENANT DOES NOT DEMAND
secretarial and administrative duties – writing CIRCUMCISION NOR WOULD IT MAKE ‘BETTER’ FAITHFUL
down dictation, keeping of business, judicial and DISCIPLES OF CHRIST.
historical records for Kings, Noblemen, temples, ✶ “...so that they may boast in your flesh...” refers to THOSE
towns and cities. WHO BOAST ABOUT HOW MANY CONVERTS THERE ARE.
✶ “...many ... desire to make a good showing in the
ALL CONVERTS WHO ARE TAUGHT, GUIDED AND SPIRITUALLY
flesh...” refers to those who MAKE EMPTY, SUSTAINED WILL JOYFULLY CONTINUE THEIR JOURNEY
HYPOCRITICAL GESTURES IN ORDER TO SHOW OFF OR TO because they have been properly Enlightened
IMPRESS OTHERS. and Encouraged.

Our physical efforts ought to REFLECT OUR INNER BEING as
CONVERTS WHO ARE LEFT TO FIGURE EVERYTHING OUT FOR
ACTS OR EXPRESSIONS OF LOVE/CHARITY. THEMSELVES WILL SOON LOSE THEIR SPIRITUAL ENTHUSIASM

HYPOCRITES ONLY PRETEND TO DO GOOD – often making and probably abandon the Faith, and return to
grand gestures for all to see and admire, while their former life.
THEIR HEART IS AS HARD AND COLD AS STONE! ✶ “...May I never boast except in the Cross of our Lord
✶ “...compel you to be Circumcised - only that they may Jesus Christ...” – i.e. concerning both THE VERBAL AND
not suffer persecution for the Cross of Christ...” WRITTEN TRADITION THAT WE HAVE RECEIVED FROM OUR

THE JUDEAN LEGALIZERS CHOSE TO OFFEND GOD in order TO LORD JESUS CHRIST.
PLEASE THEIR FELLOW SINNERS AND SATISFY THEIR PRIDE.
Whatever success we might achieve, is due only to the

GOD DOES NOT FORCE US TO DO ANYTHING, yet we try to Grace of our Lord, so ALL HONOUR, GLORY AND
force others to comply to our own self-serving WORSHIP IS ASCRIBED TO OUR TRIUNE LORD GOD.
desires.
We boast in the Precious, Life-giving Cross

THE NEW COVENANT IS A BLOODLESS COVENANT OF LOVE. 1. BY PREACHING, TEACHING AND LIVING our Lord’s Divine

OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST FULFILLED THE OLD COVENANT Truth in all circumstances.
ENTIRELY, so NO MALE CHILD NOR GROWN MAN NEEDS TO 2. BY DISPLAYING THE CROSS in our homes, chapels and
BE CIRCUMCISED IN ORDER TO BE FAITHFUL TO GOD. churches.

According to our Lord’s New Covenant, OUR TONSURING 3. BY WEARING OUR BAPTISMAL CROSS AGAINST OUR HEART.
AFTER BAPTISM IS THE “NEW CIRCUMCISION,” whereby 4. BY VENERATING IT AS a symbol of VICTORY, DIVINE TRUTH
small pieces of our hair is cut cross-wise, AND RESURRECTION INTO ETERNAL LIFE.
signifying THE OFFERING OF OURSELVES TO GOD – BODY 5. BY MAKING THE SIGN OF THE CROSS, which is A BLESSING, A
AND SOUL. PROTECTION AND A DECLARATION OF FAITH whereby we

The Judean Legalizers insisted on Circumcision of state: “I worship Thee, O Lord, with all my mind,
Gentile males so as TO AVOID DISCRIMINATION AND with all my heart, with all my strength and with
PERSECUTION AS CHRIST’S FAITHFUL DISCIPLES. all my soul!”

This topic caused an intense debate between St Peter ✶ “... by Whom the world has been crucified and I to the
and St Paul. world...” - OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST HAS REDEEMED ALL
MANKIND FROM THE CURSE OF ANCESTRAL SIN.

22ND SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST – 9TH OF ST LUKE – THE RICH FOOL & HIS BARNS 17 NOVEMBER 2019 27

WE ARE SPIRITUALLY REGENERATED AND REBORN during the
Holy Mystery of Baptism and Chrismation.

Our “old man/nature” – our previous corrupted and
sinful nature - is CLEANSED AND RENEWED when WE
BECOME THE ADOPTED CHILDREN OF OUR HEAVENLY
FATHER AND CO-HEIRS WITH CHRIST TO HIS ETERNAL
KINGDOM OF LOVE.

BY THE GRACE OF GOD, we are granted, a NEW LIFE IN
CHRIST JESUS, which must be SUSTAINED BY HIS DIVINE
TRUTH AND PROPER WORSHIP IN HIS HOLY CHURCH.

We crucify ourselves to the fallen world by being
constantly WATCHFUL OF OUR SPIRITUAL WELFARE AND
CONTINUOUS REPENTANCE FOR OUR SINS.

Although we are Saved from our Ancestral sin, WE ARE
INCLINED TO COMMIT SIN, so our Spiritual Struggles
against temptation and grievous sins – Spiritual
Warfare – must be fought every moment of each
day.

OUR LORD PROVIDES EVERY MEANS POSSIBLE FOR US TO MAKE
GOOD SPIRITUAL PROGRESS despite all the obstacles
along the Path.
✶ “...In Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor
uncircumcision avails anything but a New
Creation...”

Having fulfilled the Old Covenant, OUR LORD JESUS HAS
GRANTED US GOD’S NEW COVENANT, WHICH IS A NEW
CREATION since HE HAS CLEANSED, REGENERATED,
ENLIGHTENED AND ILLUMINED US - ENABLING US to
correctly receive His Divine Truth and become
worthy Citizens of His Eternal Kingdom

With the exception of His Ten Commandments, THE
OLD COVENANT JUDAIC LAWS CONCERNING PHYSICAL
HEALTH, WHICH ARE IMPERFECT, MATERIALISTIC AND
UNABLE TO SPIRITUALLY SUSTAIN US, ARE NO LONGER
APPLICABLE.

We are now in THE MESSIANIC AGE – THE LAST DAYS – we
have every opportunity to BECOME SPIRITUALLY
T H E H OLY G OSPEL ACCO
THE RICH FOOL & HIS BARNS
At that time, our Lord Jesus spoke this Parable: “The ground of a certain Rich Man yielded plentifully. And he
thought to himself: ‘What shall I do, since I have no room to store my crops?’ He said: ‘I will do this: I will pull
down my barns and build greater, and there I will store all my crops and my goods. ’And I will say to my soul:
“Soul: you have many goods laid up for many years. Take your ease. Eat, drink and be merry.”’
“God said to him: ‘Fool! This night your soul will be required of you. Whose then will those things be, which you
have provided?’
“So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich towards God!”
✶ “... this Parable...” is A VITAL SACRED LESSON TO EACH AND
EVERY ONE OF US because we are surrounded by a bad
state of selfishness and egocentric materialism.
✶ “...The ground of a certain Rich Man yielded
plentifully...” BY THE PROVIDENTIAL GRACE OF OUR LORD
GOD.

“... a certain Rich Man...” DOES NOT MEAN THAT ALL WHO
ARE WEALTHY NEED BE LIKE THIS PERSON who possessed
far more than he actually needed to sustain his
life and welfare, yet KEPT IT ALL FOR HIMSELF.

WE ALL POSSESS FAR MORE THAN WHAT IS NECESSARY for
sustaining our life and welfare, WHICH OUR LORD
WANTS US TO SHARE WITH OTHERS.

We must continually express our GRATITUDE TO GOD FOR
HIS INFINITE BLESSINGS OF ABUNDANCE.

We must ALSO THANK HIM FOR ALL THOSE WHOSE PHYSICAL
LABOURS HAVE PUT FOOD ON OUR TABLES AND PRAY FOR
THEM.
✶ “... he thought to himself...” implies HIS LACK OF FAMILY OR
FRIENDS with whom to discuss such matters.

HE WAS TOO INVOLVED WITH HIS WORLDLY GOODS TO DEVELOP
A CLOSE RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD AND OTHER HUMAN
BEINGS.

It also reveals HIS EGOCENTRIC CHARACTER THAT WAS SELF-
SERVING, GREEDY AND MISERLY.
✶ “... what shall I do...”

INSTEAD OF OFFERING HEARTFELT THANKSGIVING PRAYERS TO
GOD for such a good harvest, HE WAS ONLY
CONCERNED WITH HOW TO STORE IT – TO KEEP IT ALL FOR
HIMSELF!

HIS ENTIRE LIFE WAS OBSESSED WITH WEALTH AND POSSESSIONS,
very much like so many of us in this greedy, self-
absorbed world.

THE RESOLUTION TO HIS PROBLEM ought to have compelled
him to DISTRIBUTE A PORTION OF THE HARVEST AMONGST
HIS LABOURERS who had sown, nurtured and
harvested that abundant crop.
28 2 2 SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST – 9TH
N D
OF
PERFECT to the best of our ability and BY THE GRACE
OF GOD.

We are all running out of time so WE MUST NOT WASTE
ANY OPPORTUNITY FOR SPIRITUAL GROWTH AND
PERFECTION.

THE NEW COVENANT IS A DIVINE COVENANT OF LOVE – AGAPE
– PURE, HOLY LOVE that is far superior to any emotion
or concept because it is SELF-SACRIFICIAL LOVE FOR
GOD AND EACH OTHER.

THE NEW CREATION IS LIFE IN CHRIST – the application of
His Teachings and Commandments to every
aspect of daily life.
✶ “... walk according to this Rule...” means that by
FOLLOWING THE PATH OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, we will
BECOME AS SPIRITUALLY PERFECT AS WE CAN and will
enjoy all the Heavenly Blessings of Eternal Life.
✶ “...Peace and Mercy be upon them, and upon the Israel
of God...” - DIVINE BLESSINGS AND GRACE are
bestowed ON GOD’S FAITHFUL PEOPLE.

The Israel of God means both THOSE WHO LIVED
ACCORDING TO THE OLD COVENANT, AND THOSE WHO LIVE
IN CHRIST ACCORDING TO HIS NEW COVENANT.

The New Covenant is between God and His Chosen
People of HIS NEW ISRAEL – THE ONE, HOLY, UNIVERSAL,
ORTHODOX CHURCH OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST.

The New Israel is for all mankind, not only a select
few.
“... bear in my body the Marks of the Lord Jesus...” which
shows St Paul’s self-sacrificing Life in Christ.

His physical scars were proof of HIS LIFELONG
MARTYRDOM FOR THE SAKE OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST
AND HIS DIVINE TRUTH.

ST PAUL WAS BLATANTLY TRUTHFUL, RELIABLE AND
COURAGEOUS, having PERSEVERED THROUGH UNJUSTIFIED
PERSECUTION FROM BOTH JUDEANS AND GENTILES.

HE NEVER GAVE UP NOR ALLOWED ANYTHING TO STOP THE HOLY
GOSPEL OF CHRIST being spread throughout the
world.
R D ING TO S T LU KE 12 : 16 – 21
✶ “ ... I will pull down my barns and build greater
(barns)...”

He wanted to have THE LARGEST POSSIBLE STOREHOUSES.

HIS POSSESSIONS WOULD BE USELESS - while THE ABUNDANT
CROPS WOULD ROT AWAY, WITHOUT SUSTAINING ANY LIFE AT
ALL.

MATERIAL POSSESSIONS ARE only useful in this life, having
been GRANTED TO US BY DIVINE PROVIDENCE.

THEY HAVE NO SPIRITUAL BENEFIT FOR OUR SALVATION AND
ETERNAL LIFE, UNLESS WE USE THEM CORRECTLY – sharing
our Blessed Abundance with those who are less
fortunate than us – doing so FOR THE LOVE AND GLORY
OF ALMIGHTY GOD.

St John Chrysostom believed that THE ONLY “BARNS” WE
NEED, we already have, which ARE “... THE STOMACHS
OF THE POOR.”

St Basil the Great taught us that
1. THE BREAD that is stored in our pantries BELONGS TO
THE HUNGRY;
2. THE UNUSED COAT (and clothing) BELONGS TO THOSE
WHO ARE NAKED AND COLD;
3. THE SHOES lying mouldy and unworn BELONG TO
THOSE WHO ARE BAREFOOT
4. THE MONEY that we so greedily collect and hoard,
BELONGS TO THE POOR AND DESTITUTE
✶ “... Soul, you have many goods laid up for many
years...” – NONE OF WHICH WILL BENEFIT OUR IMMORTAL
SOUL!

St Ambrose cautioned us: “... THE THINGS THAT WE CANNOT
TAKE WITH US ARE NOT OURS. ONLY VIRTUE WILL BE OUR
COMPANION WHEN WE REPOSE...”

In ancient times, when Joseph stored up grain in
Egypt, it was strictly FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE WHOLE
NATION DURING LEAN TIMES OR FAMINE.

Whatever we think we possess, in Truth, IS LENT TO US
BY ALMIGHTY GOD WHO PROVIDES US WITH EVERYTHING WE
REALLY NEED.
ST LUKE – THE RICH FOOL & BARNS 17 NOVEMBER 2019
HIS

HE USUALLY GRANTS US AN ABUNDANCE, which is a Divine
Test TO SEE WHAT WE DO WITH IT!

In the Holy Mystery of Matrimony, one of the Prayers
for the Newly Betrothed Couple BESEECHES GOD TO
GRANT THEM AN ABUNDANCE SO THAT THEY ARE ABLE TO
SHARE AND DISTRIBUTE IT amongst those less Blessed
than them.

Our Divine Saviour has made it absolutely clear that
for WHATEVER WE DO FOR OTHERS AS ACTS OF
(UNCONDITIONAL) LOVE/CHARITY GOD WILL BLESS US A
HUNDRED TIMES MORE, which is proved over and over
again

OUR FINAL JUDGEMENT IS BASED ON OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH
GOD AND WITH OUR FELLOW SINNERS – our neighbours.
Whatever we do to or for others is certainly returned to
us “a hundredfold” – both good and evil!!
✶ “... take your ease – eat, drink and be merry...” reveals a
“FLESHY” SOUL THAT IS ATTACHED AND HELD CAPTIVE BY
THE DESIRES AND PASSIONS OF THE FLESH.

In order to receive Eternal Life, OUR IMMORTAL SOUL
NEEDS TO CONTROL AND DOMINATE OUR MORTAL FLESH.

OUR SPIRITUAL STRUGGLES ARE CEASELESS – until we draw
our very last breath!

WE ONLY HAVE THIS VERY SHORT LIFESPAN TO PERFECT OUR
IMMORTAL SOUL.

By CONSTANTLY REPENTING - correct our errors - we
STRIVE TO ACQUIRE DIVINE LOVE AND ALL THE HOLY
VIRTUES that Perfect us according to the Will of our
Heavenly Father.
✶ “... God said to him: ‘Fool!

ONLY GOD can address the certain Rich Man as
“Fool!”because He KNOWS THE MAN’S SPIRITUAL
CONDITION.

It is a derogatory term that WE ARE DISCOURAGED FROM
USING IN CHRIST’S HOLY CHURCH OF LOVE/AGAPE.

It is A JUDGEMENT THAT ONLY GOD CAN MAKE.

WE ARE CAUTIONED AGAINST AND FORBIDDEN TO CRITICISE AND
JUDGE OTHERS because any condemnation against
others will become our own Eternal
Condemnation.
✶ “...This night your soul will be required of you...” shows
us that ONLY GOD OUR HEAVENLY FATHER KNOWS THE
EXACT LENGTH OF TIME EACH OF US IS ALLOTTED.

THE ‘ANGELS OF DEATH’ WOULD CARRY THE RICH MAN’S SOUL
INTO HADES to await our Divine Saviour and His
Final Judgement.

Since the Harrowing of Hades and the Victorious
Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, RIGHTEOUS
SOULS ARE NO LONGER HELD CAPTIVE IN HADES BY DEATH –
but unrepentant sinners suffer terrifying foretastes
of Eternal Death (Hell) in Hades.
According to God’s New Covenant of Love, two Guardian
Angels accompany our immortal soul into Eternity.
During 40 days (our time) they act as our Spiritual Advocates
who defend us against the accusations of the demons who
reveal all our sins, trying to claim us.
22 N D
S U ND AY AF TE R P ENTEC OST – 9
✞ In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the
Holy Spirit...
Dearly Beloved: Today’s Sacred Lesson concerns a
foolish man who was so rich he no longer had
enough room to store all his worldly possessions.
His sole interest in life was to acquire more and more.
Instead of appreciating all the beauty of God’s Creation
and His Abundant Blessings, he was obsessed with a
life-long passion for an abundance of material goods
that no one would partake of nor benefit from.
The Rich Fool was under the illusion that, by hoarding
his bountiful wealth, he was storing up happiness and
security for himself.
This obsession with material possessions, greed and self-
indulgence are actually serious afflictions.
These grievous passions erode our soul, because, instead
of working to sustain a healthy, well-balanced life,
they live and work to make material profits, while
their Relationship with God and with others is badly
neglected, ignored and abandoned.
The Rich Fool was not merely very wealthy. He was
completely controlled and obsessed by trying to
become even richer, without any consideration for
those who worked for him and those who were in
need.
22ND SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST – 9TH OF ST LUKE – THE RICH FOOL &
The sins we have Repented by means of the Holy Mystery of
Repentance-Confession, are no longer written in our Book
of Life, but there are so many other sins we have not
Repented. Therefore, we must live a Repentant Life
✶ “... whose will those things be....?” is a reminder that WE
CAN TAKE NOTHING BUT LOVE WITH US INTO ETERNITY.

THIS DIVINE REMINDER IS THE KEY TO UNDERSTANDING THE
SIGNIFICANCE OF SPIRITUAL LIFE IN CHRIST rather than
a worldly lifestyle of self-indulgence.

WE WILL BE SEVERELY JUDGED AND CONDEMNED ACCORDING
TO WHAT GOD GAVE US AND WHAT WE DID WITH IT.

THE NEW COVENANT OF LOVE REQUIRES US TO LOVE EACH
OTHER UNCONDITIONALLY – TO LOVE ALL MANKIND – as
our Lord Jesus Christ taught us and commanded
us to do.

Our Holy Fathers constantly urge us to “Remember
death...” – not as a morbid, depressing practise
but to KEEP IN MIND THE PURPOSE OF THIS LIFESPAN AND
WHAT LITTLE TIME WE HAVE to reach Spiritual
Perfection (to the best of our ability and by the Grace
of God.)

Instead of hoarding useless material wealth and
possessions, we ought to STRIVE TO ACQUIRE DIVINE
LOVE AND ALL THE OTHER VITAL HOLY VIRTUES THAT KEEP
US IN A STATE OF SPIRITUAL LIFE.

UNREPENTED SIN KEEPS US IN A STATE OF SPIRITUAL DEATH!
✶ “...he who lays up treasure for himself... is not rich
towards God!” - Very few put God before our
selfish, greedy, worldly desires.

THOSE WHOSE PRIORITY IS THE ACQUISITION OF MATERIAL
WEALTH AND SOCIAL STATUS rather than a close
Relationship with God, already “... HAVE THEIR
REWARD,...” as Christ pointed out.

This means that BEING OBSESSED WITH TEMPORARY,
CORRUPTIBLE MATERIAL AND WORLDLY INDULGENCES,
WITHOUT ANY REGARD FOR GOD AND OUR FELLOW
MANKIND, WE WILL RECEIVE NO ETERNAL LIFE for
striving to acquire Spiritual Perfection.

WE CAN ONLY SERVE ONE MASTER
1. MAMMON (worldly wealth and status, etc)
2. OUR TRIUNE, LOVING LORD GOD, Who grants us
everything as well as Eternal Treasure that is
beyond priceless.

Being “rich towards God” means WE PUT GOD AND OUR
RELATIONSHIP WITH HIM AND WITH ALL OTHERS BEFORE
ANYTHING ELSE, DOING WHATEVER WE CAN TO FULFIL HIS
COMMANDMENT OF LOVE.

Laying up treasure for ourselves means that WE ARE
GREEDY, AVARICIOUS AND EGOCENTRIC – UTTERLY SELFISH
AND UNWILLING TO DISTRIBUTE ANY OF IT TO THOSE IN
NEED.
T H
S U ND AY OF S T LU KE – TH E R ICH F OOL AND H IS BAR NS
He is the personification of those whose sole interest is the
accumulation of money and material possessions.
The question is: to what extent does this way of thinking
satisfy the mind of people today?
Our Lord Jesus Christ repeatedly spoke of material wealth
and the Eternal Consequences.
However, He did not condemn the possession of wealth
but the way in which it is used.
According to the logic of the Gospel, it is a considerable
trial to be rich.
If our wealth is a source of Comfort and Mercy for our
neighbour, then we are indeed Rich in Christ.
But when our material wealth is exclusively to serve our
own selfish desires and greed - so that we can “...eat,
drink, and be merry...” to our heart’s content, then, as
our Lord Jesus has taught us, we already have our
“reward” but not the ultimate, priceless Reward of
Eternal Life in His Heavenly Kingdom.
Greed and avarice are terrible grievous passions.
In Monasticism, one of the three life-long Vows is not to
possess anything - renouncing all earthly possessions
and affairs so as to be able to acquire Eternal,
Heavenly Treasure.
Outside Monasticism, this is put into practise by
developing a healthy Relationship with God and
each other by avoiding attachment to material goods
HIS BARNS 17 NOVEMBER 2019 29
 and money, and sharing our God-given Abundance . So, although, it is a Great Event - which, as true
with the needy and destitute. Christians, we ought to Experience Mystically and
Our Aim should not be the accumulation of excessive simply - our warped attitude causes us to celebrate
financial and material wealth, but only having extravagantly like the Rich Fool, who intended to
enough to cover our essential daily needs and to “...eat, drink and be merry...” – while ignoring or
share with the poor and needy. neglecting our Sacred Duties to God and to our fellow
We certainly can live respectably with only a few, simple mankind.
things – the bare necessities to sustain and protect us. As Faithful Disciples of Christ we must Struggle against all
Manic consumerism of modern culture makes everything self-indulgent temptations that are strongest at this
even more complicated. time of the year, which is the reason for the Nativity
Without simplifying our lifestyle, it is difficult, if not Fast that began on 15 November.
impossible, to understand Divine Truth and how to Instead of self-indulgence, we must strive for self-
apply It to all aspects of our own circumstances. discipline and self-sacrifice, by Fasting – physically
The outlook of the Rich Fool never changed, because and spiritually – by repenting our sins and by making
riches and affluence become his all consuming every effort to attend all the Holy Services leading up
obsession and focus. to the Nativity of our Lord.
We witness that same greedy self-indulgence as we We need to acquire the Holy Virtues of Love and
approach the Feast of our Lord’s Nativity. Simplicity so that we can actually Experience the True
Let us not become obsessed with consumerism – too Riches of our Loving and Benevolent Lord God.
much food, too many gifts, too many sparkling Amen
decorations and all the other excessive subsidiary
aspects that corrupt and bankrupt us, while distorting “A F IERCE C ONDEMN ATION OF G REE D ”
and even neglecting the True, Joyful Great Feast of P ROT OPRESBYTER N IKOLAOS P ATSALOS
God Incarnate – the Nativity and Appearance of our (A DAPTED AND EDITE D BY MP )
Divine Saviour Who brings us Divine Love and Eternal https://pemptousia.com/2017/11/9th-sunday-of-luke-a-fierce-
Salvation. condemnation-of-greed/
T H E E TE R NAL , I NSP IR ED W ISD OM OF OU R H OLY FA THE R S - O N F ASTING & ITS BE NEF ITS
Let us Fast in the body, Brethren, and Fast in the spirit. Let us loosen every bond of iniquity. Let us undo the knots of
contracts imposed by violence. Let us breach every unjust agreement. Let us give bread to the hungry and bring
the homeless poor into our house, so that we may receive from Christ our God His Great Mercy.
T RIODION V ESPERS OF THE F I RST W EEK – S TIHE RA
D E UTER ONOMY 32 : 15 However, through such gluttony, we lose all the Spiritual
“... so Jacob ate and was filled... he grew fat, he became Benefits we gain during the Fast.
thick and broad. Then he forsook the Lord God Who S T S Y K L I T I K I
had created him, and departed from God His We must never pretend to be ill to avoid Fasting because
Saviour...” often enough those who have not Fasted will fall prey
ABBA IOANNIS KOLOVOS to all those afflictions, which they claim to suffer.
If a King wants to conquer a city of his enemies, he first If we have started the Fast well, we must persevere. We
cuts off water and food so that the enemy, debilitated must neither stop nor falter when the Enemy
by hunger and thirst will submit to him. It is the same interrupts us because he is quickly eliminated when
with the grievous passions of our flesh. If we Live by we are Patient and Steadfast.
Fasting and hunger, the enemies of our soul are Those who are setting sail, first wait for a favourable wind,
weakened and conquered. but when the sails are in place, they may encounter
ST JOHN CHRYSOSTOM a strong headwind. Good, experienced Sailors do
To Fast is to change every part of our life, because the not throw the cargo overboard because they have
sacrifice of our Fast is not in the abstinence, but in been taken aback. They simply ride out the storm
the banishment of our sins. So those who limit the and then continue they voyage.
Fast to abstention from food, actually abhor and We, too, when confronted by a strong ‘headwind’ should
ridicule the Fast. set the Life-giving Holy Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ
If we are Fasting, we must fulfill our Sacred Works, by instead of sail and so complete our Voyage without
showing Mercy to those who are poor, needy and fear, making good Spiritual Progress.
destitute. When we see an ‘enemy,’ we must become S T G R E G O R Y P A L A M A S
Reconciled with them. When we see a friend who Fasting and restraint calm our rebellious flesh and
has become successful, we must not envy them ... quench the madness of rage and desire. They bring
Not only should our mouth Fast, but also our eyes, legs a fresh, cloudless Breeze to our mind, Cleansing us of
and arms, and all other parts of our body as well. the toxic fumes that arise from the excess of food and
Our hands must Fast and be kept Clean by not stealing the reek thus caused.
nor being grasping and greedy or harming others. Through Fasting and restraint, our outer being (the flesh)
Our legs must Fast by avoiding all paths that lead us into diminishes, and, according to St Paul, the more we
temptation and sin. waste away, the more our inner being is Renewed.
Our eyes must Fast by not looking at anything that can (2 CORINTHIANS 4:16)
tempt us and lure us into committing sin. Although “... a fat belly does not beget a refined mind...”
If we are not eating meat, we must not feast on Fasting and self-denial certainly Refines our mind.
debauchery with our eyes either. ABBA IOANNIS KOLOVOS
Our ears must Fast by not listening to nor speaking Who is as strong as a lion, but, for the sake of the
gossip and wicked defamation of others. stomach, falls into a trap and all that strength is
Our mouth must Fast from shameful and abusive words, brought low? When the Holy Fathers of Skete ate
because what do we gain when we avoid eating bread and salt, they were determined “... not to be
‘flesh foods’ yet we gnaw on and devour our fellow beholden to bread and salt...” and in this manner
sinners? For when we condemn others and they were strong enough to do our Lord’s Work.
blaspheme, it is as if we have bitten into their flesh. There are three things we cannot do without: food,
As St Paul severely cautioned us: “... if you bite and clothing and sleep but we can cut down on them.
devour one another, take care that you are not So when we Fast and eat with restraint, we must not
consumed by each other!” (GALATIANS 5:15) leave anything for the next day, for, as our Lord
When we are about to enter a period of Fasting, many of taught us, we are poor but He makes us rich. Thus if
us respond as though our stomach was about to we go hungry by choice, we can feed those who are
undergo a long siege, so we fill it to overflowing with starving without choice.
food and drink. Our Fast will then be like a Dove that brings our soul the
When we end the Fast, most of us act as though we have Good News of Salvation from the Flood...
concluded a long period of starvation and terrible If we do not want to give of our own, we must not take
incarceration from which we have escaped by anything that belongs to others – i.e. we must never
scampering to the tables laden with food. rob the poor.

30 2 2 SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST – 9TH ST LUKE – THE RICH FOOL & BARNS 17 NOVEMBER 2019
N D
OF HIS
 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.
21 NOVEMBER 2019

ENTRY INTO THE TEMPLE OF THE EVER BLESSED VIRGIN

THE SUNDAY AND FESTAL HYMNS ARE PUBLISHED IN BOOKLET FORM EACH MONTH. THESE ARE
P U B L I S H E D A N D F R E E L Y D O W N L O A D A B L E O N www.scribd.com/writers4574. L I N K S A R E A L S O
POSTED ON FACEBOOK “ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN EASTERN CAPE.” (OR CAN BE EMAILED DIRECTLY,
ON REQUEST TO marguerite.paizis@gmail.com )

F E STAL M ATINS G OSPEL ACC ORD ING TO S T LU KE 1: 39-49 & 56

TH E VISITATION
At that time, Mary arose and went into the hill country with haste, to a city of Judah, and entered the house of
Zacharias and greeted Elizabeth. And it happened when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, that the babe leapt
in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. And she spoke out with a loud voice, saying: “Blessed art
Thou among women, and Blessed is the Fruit of Thy Womb! And why is this granted to me, that the Mother of my
Lord should come to me? For indeed, as soon as the voice of Thy Greeting sounded in my ears, the babe leapt
with Joy in my womb. And Blessed is She Who believed, for there will be a Fulfilment of those Things that were
told Her from the Lord!”
And Mary said: “My soul Magnifies the Lord, and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Saviour! For He has regarded the
lowly state of His Maidservant. For behold! Henceforth all generations will call me ‘Blessed.’ For He Who is
Mighty has done great things for me, and Holy is His Name...”
... And Mary remained with her about three months, and returned to her house.
✶ ON ALL GREAT FEASTS OF OUR LADY, the Ever Blessed and All
HIS JOYFULNESS FULFILLED THE INSPIRED PROPHECY OF ST
Holy Theotokos these passages are always READ AND JEREMIAH
CONTEMPLATED.  JEREMIAH 1:5 “... Before I formed Thee in the womb, I
✶ “...Mary arose and went into the hill country with haste, knew Thee, and before Thou were born, I
to a city of Judah...” WHERE THE TEMPLE PRIESTS AND Sanctified Thee. I established Thee as a Prophet
THEIR FAMILIES RESIDED. to the Nations...”

Soon after the Annunciation and the Conception of
GOD’S FOREKNOWLEDGE AND HIS CALLING ARE WOVEN
God Incarnate, our Ever Blessed Lady went FROM TOGETHER.
NAZARETH TO HEBRON. (See notes of 15 August 2019) ✶ “... Blessed art Thou among women...” These words
Hebron was one of the cities assigned to the Levitical Priests express THE PROFOUND VENERATION OF THE ALL PURE,
(and their families) who served various Sacred Duties at HOLY AND EVER BLESSED MOTHER OF GOD from both the
the Great Temple in Jerusalem. Heavenly Angelic Hosts and mankind.
It is situated about 19 miles or 30 kilometres to the South of
ST GABRIEL, THE HOLY ARCHANGEL OF GOD AND BEARER OF
Jerusalem. It was the second largest city after Gaza, on GOOD TIDINGS to mankind HAD GREETED OUR LADY
the west bank, and is venerated for its association with THEOTOKOS WITH THIS PROCLAMATION, which is
Abraham, being thus regarded as the second Holiest city similarly proclaimed by St Elizabeth.
after Jerusalem. ✶ “... and Blessed is the Fruit of Thy Womb!” is THE DIVINELY
“... Zachariah and ...Elizabeth...” INSPIRED DECLARATION OF FAITH.

ST ZACHARIAH WAS OF THE PRIESTLY TRIBE OF LEVITES AND By the Power and Inspiration of God the Holy Spirit, ST
SERVED AS A HIGH PRIEST in the Temple of Jerusalem,
ELIZABETH ACKNOWLEDGED AND BLESSED THE DIVINE
and his wife, ST ELIZABETH WAS A SISTER OF ST ANNA, CHRIST-CHILD Who is indeed our long-awaited
Mother of our Lady, Theotokos. Messiah/Saviour.

Similar to the Venerable Parents of Panagia - St
GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT GRANTS US GREAT KNOWLEDGE AND
Ioachim and St Anna – the Marriage of ST UNDERSTANDING that is far beyond our natural
ZACHARIAH AND ST ELIZABETH HAD BEEN CHILDLESS UNTIL, abilities.
ACCORDING TO THE WILL OF GOD, A BELOVED CHILD WAS

G OD CREATED BOTH HIS HEAVENLY ANGELS AND HIS BELOVED
MANKIND AS INTELLECTUAL BEINGS, to whom,
GRANTED TO THEM.

The young Virgin Mary went to her maternal aunt, St according to His Divine Will, HE GRANTS
EXTRAORDINARY KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING.
Elizabeth, for guidance and advice.
✶ “...when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary... the
It is GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT Who by His Divine Grace
ENABLES US TO ACQUIRE ABILITIES THAT ARE NECESSARY FOR
babe leapt in her womb...”
OUR EARTHLY SOJOURN AND, ESPECIALLY, FOR OUR

ST ELIZABETH AND ST JOHN BOTH REACTED WITH INTENSE JOY
AT THE VERY PRESENCE OF OUR LORD Who had been
SPIRITUAL PROGRESS - the development and
Conceived in Panagia’s Virginal Womb. strengthening of our immortal soul.

ST ELIZABETH HAD CONCEIVED ST JOHN THE BAPTIST AND ✶ “...the Mother of my Lord...” St Elizabeth confessed the
FORERUNNER TO CHRIST APPROXIMATELY 6 MONTHS BEFORE Truth that THE ALL PURE VIRGIN MARY IS INDEED THE
THE INCARNATION of our Lord Jesus Christ in His All
MOTHER OF OUR LORD GOD.
Pure Mother’s Womb.
The most excellent and worthy Title “THEOTOKOS”

St John leapt for Joy means that She IS TRULY THE IMMACULATE BEARER OF
1. IN THE PRESENCE OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST – even GOD INCARNATE – our Lord and Saviour, Jesus
though they were both still growing in their Christ.
respective Mothers’ wombs.
HER CONFESSION AND OTHERS SIMILAR TO IT, whereby we
2. WHEN HE HEARD THE LOVELY VOICE OF THE ONE WHO IS address Her, as Faithful Disciples of Christ and
Orthodox Christians, THEREBY CONFIRM AND DECLARE
FULL OF (DIVINE) GRACE -“Keharitomeni.”
THAT THE DIVINE INFANT of Her All Pure, Sanctified
✶ St Elizabeth “... was filled with the Holy Spirit...” Who is Womb IS BOTH HUMAN AND DIVINE, for He is the
ALWAYS PRESENT AND WORKING IN PERFECT UNITY with our
Eternal, Only Begotten Son and Word of our
Heavenly Father and our Lord Jesus Christ.
Heavenly Father and also “the Son of Man(kind)”

WHEN THE INCARNATION OF THE GOD-MAN OCCURRED at the
At the Festal Vespers of the Annunciation, we joyfully
Annunciation, DIVINE PROPHECY RESUMED IN ISRAEL. proclaim “... It is the Word of God Who dwells in

ST JOHN, THE LAST AND GREATEST HOLY PROPHET OF GOD, Her!...”
ANNOUNCED THE PRESENCE OF OUR DIVINE SAVIOUR by
Rejoicing in his Mother’s womb.

E NTR Y INTO THE T E MPLE OF THE EV ER BL E SSED V IR GIN M ARY – 21 N OVEM BE R 2019 31

It is of special significance that WHILE HIS PHYSICAL BODY
WAS ONLY BEGINNING TO FULLY FORM AS GOD INCARNATE
in the Womb of His Ever Blessed Mother, OUR DIVINE
SAVIOUR WAS ETERNALLY THE SON OF GOD our Heavenly
Father.

THIS DIVINE TRUTH UTTERLY REFUTES AND REJECTS THE FALLEN,
CORRUPTED WORLD VIEW THAT ABORTION IS ACCEPTABLE –
that terrible, cruel and brutal murder of innocent
children – BECAUSE THEY DO NOT REGARD THAT INFANT
BEING AS AN IDENTIFIABLE PERSON – “only a foetus!” -
but in Truth, already A HUMAN BEING WITH A HEART
AND IMMORTAL SOUL, THAT SUFFERS FROM ANY PAIN,
DISCOMFORT OR TRAUMA INFLICTED UPON HIM OR HER IN
THE WOMB!
✶ “... My soul Magnifies the Lord...” is an ancient Inspired
Hymn of St Hannah. (1 KINGS 2:1 -10)

It is now referred to as “the Magnificat” or
“Megalinarion” for it was sung from the overjoyed
heart of our Lady, Theotokos.

The Megalinarion is chanted during Matins and
teaches us:
1. Faithful Christians of every generation HONOUR AND
VENERATE THE EVER BLESSED, ALL PURE AND HOLY VIRGIN
MARY, THEOTOKOS, just as She had prophesied.
2. IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO BELIEVE THE DIVINELY INSPIRED HOLY
SCRIPTURE WITHOUT VENERATING AND HONOURING OUR LADY
– the Mother of God Incarnate!
3. SHE ASCRIBES THE DIVINE MIRACLE OF THE INCARNATION TO
ALMIGHTY GOD Who is THE EXCLUSIVE SOURCE OF DIVINE
GRACE.
4. Everything about our Lady Theotokos shows Her
natural, deep LOVE, HUMILITY, OBEDIENCE AND WISDOM.
5. Through the Incarnation of the Eternal Son of God, OUR
TRIUNE LORD GOD IS OUR ETERNAL SOVEREIGN RULER FOR HE
REIGNS OVER ALL HIS CREATION.
✶ “...my spirit has rejoiced in God my Saviour ...” – Her All
Pure soul Rejoiced, because
1. SHE WAS CHOSEN BY GOD to carry His Son in Her Virginal
Womb
2. THE DIVINE INFANT SHE CARRIED WAS THE LONG-AWAITED
MESSIAH for Whom the Old Covenant Prophets and
Scriptures had prepared God’s People for
centuries.
3. THE DIVINE SAVIOUR WOULD SAVE GOD’S FAITHFUL – and all
mankind - FROM THE CURSE OF ANCESTRAL SIN.
F E STAL P R OKE IM E NON
✶ “...For He has regarded the lowly state of His
Maidservant...”- expresses Her utter amazement as
well as HER PROFOUND HUMILITY AND OBEDIENCE TO
GOD.
“...all generations will call me ‘Blessed.’ For He Who is
Mighty has done great things for me...”

This is A STATEMENT OF DIVINE TRUTH.

This expresses THE RAMIFICATIONS OF BEING THE ACTUAL
MOTHER OF GOD (INCARNATE) – THE EVER BLESSED
MOTHER OF THE DIVINE MESSIAH Who had been
awaited for centuries.

Her genuine Humility would never have even hoped
to receive THIS GREATEST OF ALL DIVINE HONOURS AND
GRACE.

THE OLD COVENANT JUDEANS – especially those who
studied the Holy Scriptures – KNEW THAT “A VIRGIN”
WOULD GIVE BIRTH TO THE GREAT MESSIAH.

SHE HAD STUDIED THE HOLY SCRIPTURES throughout Her
childhood at the Temple, so was well aware of
that prophesy BUT CERTAINLY HAD NEVER EXPECTED TO
BE THE VIRGIN MOTHER OF OUR DIVINE SAVIOUR.

NOT ONLY IS OUR LADY THEOTOKOS “EVER BLESSED,” BUT SHE IS
ALSO “EVER VIRGIN,” having taken a Sacred Vow of
Chastity that would never be broken.
✶ “... Holy is His Name...” - THE NAME OF OUR LORD GOD – of
the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit – IS
INDEED MOST SACRED AND SHOULD BE SPOKEN WITH UTMOST
RESPECT, LOVE AND AWE.

BY INVOKING ANY OF THE NAMES WHEREBY WE ADDRESS OUR
TRIUNE LORD GOD, WE BESEECH HIS GREAT MERCY AND
LOVE.

HIS NAME IS A PRAYER in itself.

Thus, USING OUR LORD’S NAME IN VAIN – as an ‘expletive’
or mockingly - IS ANATHEMA and to be avoided at
all costs!
✶ “... Mary remained with her about three months...” refers
to THE FIRST TRIMESTER of Her Sacred Pregnancy.

THE YOUNG, INNOCENT VIRGIN NEEDED THE GUIDANCE AND
ADVICE OF HER ELDERLY AUNT AS SHE HAD NO MOTHER to
help Her understand the changes occurring in Her
Ever Virginal Body.

By the time the Ever Blessed Virgin returned to Her
home, ST ELIZABETH WAS ABOUT TO DELIVER HER OWN
SON, ST JOHN THE BAPTIST AND FORERUNNER TO CHRIST.
– O D E OF T HE OTOKOS (LU KE 1) TO NE 3

My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour!

For He regarded the low estate of His Handmaiden!

T H E E PISTLE OF S T P AUL TO TH E H EBRE WS 9: 1 - 7

Brethren: the First Covenant had Ordinances of Divine Service, and a worldly Sanctuary. A Tabernacle was prepared:
the first part, in which was the Lampstand, the Table, and the Showbread, which is called ‘the Sanctuary.’ Behind
the Second Veil, was the part of the Tabernacle, which is called ‘Holy of Holie,’ which had the Golden Censer and
the Ark of the Covenant, overlaid on all sides with gold, in which was the Golden Pot that had the Manna, Aaron’s
Rod that budded, and the Tablets of the Covenant. Above it were the Cherubim of Glory overshadowing the Mercy
Seat. Of these we can no longer speak these days. When these Things had been thus prepared, the Priests always
went into the first part of the Tabernacle, performing the Services. Into the second part only the High Priest went -
once a year, not without blood, which he offered for himself and for the people’s sins.
✶ This passage is read during the Great Feasts of our
As our Most Holy Protector, WE BESEECH HER GUIDANCE,
Lady Theotokos and Advent (before the Feast of WISDOM AND HOLY VIRTUES.
the Nativity of Christ) in order to DESCRIBE THE GREAT
WE STRIVE TO IMITATE OUR LADY, THEOTOKOS’ SINCERE
HOLY MYSTERY OF THE INCARNATION OF THE ETERNAL SON HUMILITY AND OBEDIENCE to God by listening
OF GOD. carefully to the Divine Truth and Struggling to
✶ “...Ordinances of Divine Service and the Earthly apply it to our own thoughts, words and deeds.
Sanctuary...” of the “First” or Old Covenant, ✶ “...Behind the Second Veil, ...the ‘Holy of Holies’...” – this is
PREFIGURED THE ETERNAL, HEAVENLY ALTAR. A MOST IMPORTANT DETAIL.

The earthly Temple in Jerusalem and the Old
THE SECOND VEIL SEPARATED THE HOLY PLACE – the Holy
Covenant Holy Services were ESTABLISHED Sanctuary – FROM THE MOST HOLY PLACE – the Holy of
ACCORDING TO GOD’S WILL. Holies or the Holiest of All.
✶ “...A Tabernacle was prepared...” according to Divine
THE MYSTERIOUS ‘ARK OF THE COVENANT’ with its “Mercy
Will, just as the Ever Blessed Virgin Mary’s Womb Seat’ was kept in the Holy of Holies.
was prepared as the Holy Tabernacle (Temple) of
THE MOST SACRED HOLY RELICS OF THE OLD COVENANT were
Christ – THE SANCTIFIED DWELLING-PLACE OF OUR DIVINE preserved in the Ark of the Covenant.
SAVIOUR. 1. THE GOLDEN POT OF MANNA,
✶ “...the first part ... is called ‘the Sanctuary...’ this is THE 2. AARON’S ROD,
OUTER VISIBLE PART OF THE HOLY TEMPLE, which the 3. THE DIVINE LAW CARVED ON STONE TABLETS
Faithful could enter and present their offerings,
THE SECOND, INNER VEIL FORMS THE LOCUS OF THE
pray and worship. LITURGICAL PRACTICE OF THE OLD COVENANT.

It was A SACRED PLACE OF SANCTUARY FOR THE FAITHFUL.
It demonstrated THE IMPERFECTIONS OF THE OLD COVENANT

OUR LADY, THEOTOKOS, IS OUR SANCTUARY because WE CAN WORSHIP.
APPROACH HER AND BESEECH HER TO INTERCEDE WITH GOD 1. THE FAITHFUL COULD NOT DRAW CLOSE TO GOD
ON OUR BEHALF for the Salvation of our soul and 2. ONLY THE HIGH PRIEST COULD ENTER the Holy of Holies
Deliverance from temptations and the evil one. 3. but ONLY ONE DAY A YEAR.

32 E NTRY INTO THE T EM PLE OF THE E VE R BL E SSE D V IR GIN M ARY 21 NO VEM BE R 2019
 4. BLOOD SACRIFICE WAS REQUIRED for the Atonement of
the High Priest’s sins as well as those of the
Faithful.
5. THAT BLOOD SACRIFICE CONSISTED ENTIRELY WITH
MATERIALS FROM THIS TEMPORARY AGE, which
cannot begin a participation in the Age to
come.
6. The Atonement Offering dealt mainly with the
outer being for it was SUPERFICIAL AND COULD NOT
PURIFY MANKIND’S HEART, MIND OR SOUL – LET ALONE
RESTORE OUR FALLEN HUMAN NATURE

At His Death on the Cross, OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST
RESOLVED OUR ALIENATION AND ESTRANGEMENT FROM
GOD. (MATTHEW 27:51)

The New (Bloodless) Covenant is FOR ALL MANKIND AND
GRANTS US ETERNAL SALVATION.
✶ “...the Cherubim of Glory...” upon which OUR LORD GOD IS
ETERNALLY ENTHRONED.

Cherubim are MANY-EYED AND MANY-WINGED ANGELS OF
GOD.

They are SECOND IN RANK TO THE SERAPHIM and are
ALWAYS INEFFABLY RADIANT WITH THE LIGHT OF THE
KNOWLEDGE OF GOD.

“Cherubim” means THOSE OF GREAT UNDERSTANDING –
POSSESSING AN EFFUSION OF WISDOM.

DEPICTIONS OF CHERUBIM
1. DECORATED THE ANCIENT TEMPLE’S MOST HOLY
SANCTUARY – THE HOLY OF HOLIES.
2. were ON EITHER SIDE OF THE MERCY SEAT upon which
God is seated, whence He addresses His
Faithful.
3. ON THE FIRST AND SECOND VEILS of the Tabernacle.
4. are embroidered on, or woven into the material of
LITURGICAL VEILS, AERS, VESTMENTS to this day.

DURING THE ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN DIVINE LITURGY THE HYMN
OF THE CHERUBIM IS CHANTED.
✶ “...overshadowing the Mercy Seat...” UPON WHICH
ALMIGHTY GOD IS ENTHRONED in the midst of His Holy
Nation of Israel.

THE ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN HOLY ALTAR IS ALSO FLANKED BY
DEPICTIONS OF CHERUBIM.

THESE REPRESENTATIONS, along with the images of the
Holy Cherubim on the Inner Veil and the beauty
and detailed workmanship of everything that was
made for the Holy Tabernacle, SERVED AS THE FIRST
HOLY ICONS OF THE OLD COVENANT. (EXODUS 26:31)

This and various other passages PUT TO REST THE FEAR
THAT THE SECOND DIVINE COMMANDMENT OF GOD
PROHIBITS ALL IMAGERY. (EXODUS 20: 4 – 6)
T H E H OLY G OSPEL ACCO R D ING
ON E THIN
At that time, He entered a certain village. A woman named ‘Martha’ welcomed Him into her house. And she had a
sister called ‘Mary,’ who sat at Jesus’ Feet, listening to His Word. Martha was distracted with much serving. She
approached and said: “Lord, dost Thou not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help
me!”
Jesus answered and said to her: “Martha! Martha! You are worried and troubled about many things. One thing is
needed. Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.”
... As He spoke these things, a certain woman from the crowd raised her voice and said to Him: “Blessed is the Womb
that bore Thee, and the Breasts that nursed Thee!”
He replied: “More than that: Blessed are those who hear the Word of God and keep It!”
✶ “... a certain village...” was BETHANY, which was situated
VERY CLOSE TO JERUSALEM, AT THE FOOT OF THE MOUNT OF
OLIVES.

It was THE SITE OF AN ALMSHOUSE FOR THE POOR AND THE
SICK.

The pious siblings - ST MARY, ST MARTHA AND ST LAZAROS –
LIVED IN BETHANY AND OFTEN HOSTED OUR LORD AND HIS
DISCIPLES.

ST SIMON THE LEPER ALSO RESIDED IN BETHANY and one
day, while our Lord Jesus had dined with him, a
repentant woman had anointed Christ with costly
Myrrh, which was objected to by Judas Iscariot.
✶ St Mary of Bethany “... sat at Jesus’ Feet and heard His
Word. But Martha was distracted...”

The different attitudes of the two devoted sisters are
contrasted.

We can either TAKE TIME TO LISTEN CAREFULLY AND PAY
CLOSE ATTENTION TO GOD’S WORDS OF DIVINE TRUTH, or
become so distracted by worldly cares and
obligations that we learn nothing Beneficial to our
Eternal Salvation.

ST MARTHA OF BETHANY FELT OBLIGED TO TAKE CARE OF THEIR
GUESTS before taking time to listen to Christ WHEREAS
E NTR Y INTO THE T E MPLE OF THE EV ER

GOD THE FATHER AND GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT CANNOT BE
REPRESENTED OR DEPICTED because their Divine
Nature is unknowable and cannot be depicted
nor described.

GOD THE SON – OUR LORD AND SAVIOUR, JESUS CHRIST - CAN
BE DEPICTED ACCORDING TO HIS INCARNATION, for He is
God-Man and thus His human Nature can and is
imaged.

CHRIST LEFT US HIS HOLY ICON IMPRINTED ON THE FACE-
CLOTH AND SHROUD that were found by St Peter and
St John in His Empty Tomb.

In many churches, THE HOLY ICON OF CHRIST “NOT MADE
BY HANDS” IS HELD ALOFT BY TWO CHERUBIM,(OFTEN
SITUATED OVER THE ROYAL GATES OF THE ICONOSTASION.)
The Eternal Unity and Presence of God our Heavenly Father
and God the Holy Spirit with Christ is usually depicted as
two differently coloured shapes behind the Figure of our
Lord such as in the Holy Icon of the Transfiguration.
The depiction of God the Father and God the Holy Spirit as an
Old Man and a White Dove is a modern, western
influenced heresy, because the Persons of the Holy
Trinity may only be depicted as three identical “Angels”
such as at the Oaks of Mamre – “the Hospitality of
Abraham.”
They NEVER manifested visibly at any other time and our
Lord Jesus Christ clearly told His Disciples that whoever
has seen Him, has also seen His Co-Eternal, Co-Essential
Father (and thus also the Holy Spirit!) mp
✶ “...Of these we can no longer speak...” because ONLY
THE HIGH PRIEST IS ALLOWED TO ENTER THE HOLY OF
HOLIES – and then only once a year as previously
mentioned.
At the time of the three-year-old Virgin Mary’s Entrance into
the Temple, the Temple was being renovated.
She had run up the stairs and entered the Holy of Holies
where She was later permitted to spend time adorning the
walls, etc with Her beautifully woven and embroidered
Liturgical Adornments.
She kept many Truths “in Her heart” and never spoke of
them, unless something was significant to our Eternal
Salvation.
At the Annunciation, the Ever Virgin Mary became ‘the Holy
of Holies,’ ‘the Sacred Sanctuary,’ and ‘the Sacred Ark’
while carrying the Infant Christ in Her All Pure Womb.
TO S T LU KE 10 : 38 - 42 & 11 : 27 – 28
G IS N EEDED !
ST MARY OF BETHANY DID NOT WANT TO MISS ANYTHING HE
SPOKE OF.
Both women Loved Christ and were utterly devoted to
Him but THEIR PRIORITIES WERE DIFFERENT – JUST LIKE
OURS.

BEING SEATED AT THE FEET OF OUR LORD SIGNIFIED ST MARY’S
ACTIVE VIRTUE – HER READINESS TO FULFIL HIS TEACHINGS
AND COMMANDMENTS to the best of her ability – AS
WELL AS IMPLYING HER STEADFASTNESS AND CONSTANCY.

WHOEVER SITS AT THE FEET OF CHRIST AND STEADFASTLY
FOLLOWS AND IMITATES HIM IS INDEED ESTABLISHED IN ALL
ACTIVE VIRTUES.

WE, TOO, MUST BE IN CONTROL OF OUR GRIEVOUS PASSIONS,
AND STRIVE TO ATTAIN DIVINE VISION, like St Mary of
Bethany, OR, IF NOT STRONG ENOUGH, we must be like
St Martha and DEVOTE OURSELVES TO ACTIVE VIRTUE BY
WARMLY WELCOMING CHRIST.
✶ “... You are worried and troubled about many things...”

HOSPITALITY IS A VIRTUE, YET PAYING ATTENTION TO THE
WORDS OF CHRIST - so that we might apply them to
ourselves - IS AN EVEN GREATER HOLY VIRTUE.

ALTHOUGH FOOD NOURISHES OUR BODY, THE DIVINE TRUTH
SUSTAINS OUR SOUL.
BL E SSED V IR GIN M ARY – 21 N OVEM BE R 2019 33

DIVINE TRUTH ENLIVENS OUR IMMORTAL SOUL AND ENABLES US
TO OPERATE AT OUR FULL CAPACITY.

OUR KIND-HEARTED LORD DID NOT REBUKE ST MARTHA FOR
WANTING TO SERVE THEM well by providing a good
meal for everyone, BUT RATHER FOR COMPLAINING
ABOUT HER SISTER AND FOR BEING SO DISTRACTED BY HER
WORLDLY CONCERNS.

Only when she tried to draw her sister away from
listening did our Lord rebuke her because
ALTHOUGH HOSPITALITY IS HONOURABLE, IT SHOULD NOT
CAUSE TURMOIL NOR DRAW US AWAY FROM WHAT IS MORE
IMPORTANT FOR US.

According to St Theophylact “... when hospitality
begins to hinder us from doing what is more
important, then paying attention to the Divine
Truth of God is preferable.”

St Martha missed the point and the Purpose of His Visit
to their home, while her sister, Mary, took
advantage of the occasion to learn whatever she
could from Christ.

OUR LORD DOES NOT FORBID HOSPITALITY BUT RATHER
EXTRAVAGANCE, DISTRACTIONS AND ANXIETY CAUSED BY IT
Hospitality ought to be simple so that we are able to
pay full attention to what is being spoken.

ST MARTHA SIGNIFIED ACTIVE VIRTUE WHILE ST MARY SIGNIFIES
DIVINE VISION.

St Theophylact explained that “... action entails
distractions and disturbances but Divine Vision,
having become the ruler of grievous passions,
devotes itself entirely to the Contemplation of
Divine Words and Judgements.”
✶ “... One Thing is needed... which will not be taken
away...”

WE MUST PAY VERY CAREFUL ATTENTION TO CHRIST’S
TEACHINGS AND COMMANDMENTS AND THEN APPLY EVERY
ONE OF THEM TO OUR OWN CIRCUMSTANCES.

St Theophylact pointed out that “... Activity has a part
that will be taken away from it – the cares and
distractions that accompany it, for as we
T H E E NTRY INTO THE TEM
The Feasts of the Mother of God are a matter of Joy for
the entire Holy Church of Christ.
Our Lady, who is thereby honoured, is the Person who
Glorified the whole human race when She accepted
God’s Invitation to participate in His Incarnation, thus
ushering in the Dawn of our Salvation.
The Feast of the Entry of the Ever Blessed Virgin Mary
reminds us that our Lady is the most important human
being in the Sacred Task of our Salvation. Without Her
Presence, our return to Paradise would have been
impossible.
This Feast was established during the 6th century, in
Jerusalem, on the basis of the Ancient Tradition of our
Holy Church and is mentioned in texts by St
Sophronios of Jerusalem (634-638).
This Feast honours the Dedication of our Lady at the age
of three years, by Her devout parents at the Temple of
Solomon.
Our Most Holy Lady, Theotokos, was born to elderly
parents, St Ioachim and St Anna, who had beseeched
God to grant them a child whom they promised to
Dedicate to His Temple and Service.
St Zachariah, the High Priest (who was later to become
the father of St John the Forerunner) received Her into
his care, whereupon he carried Her into the Holy
Sanctuary/Altar, to be Sanctified for, in due course,
She would become the Mother of God (Incarnate).
The Festal Icon depicts our Lady in the centre, as small
girl who already possesses the All Holiness as the
future Theotokos and St Zachariah Blesses Her and
welcoming Her into the Holy of Holies. He wears
Liturgical Vestments and the Insignia of the Holy
Priesthood on his head. Our Lady stands quietly
before him with her hands raised respectfully towards
him, denoting the willingness and Joy She feels at
Entering our Lord’s Temple.
St Joachim and St Anna are also depicted showing their
reverence and emotion as they place their beloved
Daughter into the care of St Zachariah with an
encouraging gesture, expressing the fulfilment of
their Sacred Vow to our Lord by dedicating to Him the
34 E NTRY INTO THE T EM PLE OF THE
progress and attain to Divine Vision, we are freed
from distractions and troubles...
However, “... those who are engaged in Divine Vision
shall never be deprived of ‘... that good part...’
which is the Vision of God ... when they are
Deified.
“Those who are found worthy to see God become
God-like...”

By our own Humility and Obedience to God, we
BECOME LIVING EXAMPLES OF HIS HOLY GOSPEL, thereby
SERVING OUR LORD AND FACILITATING THE SPREAD OF HIS
DIVINE TRUTH.
✶ “...Blessed is the Womb that bore Thee...”

While the smug Pharisees and Scribes had slandered
and blasphemed the Divine Miracles of Christ
Jesus, THIS SIMPLE AND GUILELESS WOMAN PRAISED AND
GLORIFIED THEM through HER WORDS that WORTHILY
HONOURED AND REVERENCED HIS ALL PURE AND HOLY
MOTHER.
✶ “... ‘More than that...’” - OUR SWEET LORD CORRECTED HER –
not by denouncing His Ever Blessed Mother, but BY
EMPHASISING HER AMAZING FAITH AND LIFE OF HUMBLE
OBEDIENCE TO GOD IN ALL THINGS.

The Greek word “Menounge,” is also translated as
“Yes, indeed!” for IT CORRECTS BY AMPLIFYING – NOT BY
NEGATING.
✶ “...Blessed are those who hear the Word of God and
keep it!”

Our Lord Jesus is very clear that THOSE WHO LISTEN
CAREFULLY AND THEN DO EVERYTHING POSSIBLE TO APPLY
EVERY DIVINE WORD OF TEACHING AND COMMANDMENT
TO THEIR WORDS, THOUGHTS AND DEEDS – as our Lady,
Theotokos did throughout Her entire Life – ARE
INDEED BLESSED BY GOD.

Thus, OUR LADY THEOTOKOS IS MAGNIFIED AND BLESSED BY
GOD AND ALL MANKIND FOREVER – not only because
She consented to bear our Great Divine Saviour,
but – “... more than that...” BECAUSE SHE WAS – FROM
HER EARLIEST CHILDHOOD – HUMBLE AND OBEDIENT TO
GOD IN ALL THINGS.
PLE OF THE EVE R B LE SSED V IR GIN M ARY
precious Child whom He had granted them in their
old age, after so many years of Prayers, Hope and
Fasting.
This Great Feast teaches us to ceaselessly pray as a Way
of Life, since the Faith of St Joachim and St Anna are
the best examples of a Prayerful Life - having
dedicated themselves to persistent Prayers to Heal
their infertility, in the Hope that God would heed their
humble Supplications. And when God eventually
granted them a beautiful Daughter they dedicated
Her to God as a gesture of intense gratitude, as they
had Vowed to do.
From the moment of Her Entry into the Temple, our Ever
Blessed Lady’s ceaseless Prayer to God began. She
entered the Holy of Holies and focussed Her mind and
soul on God, concentrating Her entire being on Him.
The Prayer of our Lady was entirely free of material or
Spiritual Commitments because it became a Way of
Life, a personal Experience and a two-way
Relationship with God. While She was in the Holy of
Holies, God spoke to Her more than She did to Him. It
was this Experience of Prayer that led to God
becoming Incarnate - the Perfect Man, and our
Divine Saviour Who grants Salvation to all mankind.
The Feast of the Entry of our Lady is presented to us as the
Cure of our lack of Communication with God and with
each other.
Contemporary society is characterized by unhealthy
interpersonal relationships.
We need to open up our heart and there, in the deepest
recesses of the Holy of Holies of our existence, listen to
the Divine Truth of God, so that we may develop a
close Relationship with Him, with the Aim of
Encountering each other at the end of our Journey.
Through the Prayer of the heart and with the Wisdom,
Humility and Obedience of our Lady Theotokos as our
guide, we will discover the True Meaning of Life,
which we are so profoundly missing!
D R D IMIT RIOS K HOILOUS
HTTPS :// PEMPT OUSIA . COM
E VE R BL E SSE D V IR GIN M ARY 21 NO VEM BE R 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 (6) PLAGAL 2 24 NOVEMBER 2019

23RD SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

13TH SUNDAY OF ST LUKE – ACQUIRING ETERNAL LIFE

The Feast of St Clement, Archbishop of Rome – St Peter, Hieromartyr & Archbishop of

Alexandria - St Peter of Galatia – St Clement, Enlightener of the Bulgarians & Bishop of
Ochrid -
THE SUNDAY AND FESTAL HYMNS ARE PUBLISHED IN BOOKLET FORM EACH MONTH. THESE ARE PUBLISHED AND FREELY
D O W N L O A D A B L E O N www.scribd.com/writers4574. L I N K S A R E A L S O P O S T E D O N F A C E B O O K “ O R T H O D O X C H R I S T I A N
E A S T E R N C A P E . ” ( O R C A N B E E M A I L E D D I R E C T L Y , O N R E Q U E S T T O marguerite.paizis@gmail.com )

RESURRECTION GOSPEL 1 - MATTHEW 28 : 16 - 20

P R OKE IME NON – P SALM 27 - T ONE (6) P L AGAL 2

Save, O Lord, Thy People, and Bless Thine Inheritance.
Unto Thee, O Lord, shalt I cry: O my God!
THE EPISTLE OF ST PAUL TO TH E EPHESIANS 2: 4 – 10
Brethren: God, Who is rich in Mercy, out of the Great Love with which He Loves us, even when we were dead through
our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ - by Grace you have been Saved - and Raised us up with Him,
and made us sit with Him in the Heavenly Places in Christ Jesus, that in the Coming Ages He might show the
Immeasurable Riches of His Grace in Kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.
For by Grace you have been Saved through Faith; and this is not your own doing – it is the Gift of God - not because of
Works, lest any man should boast.
For we are His Workmanship, Created in Christ Jesus for Good Works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should
walk in them.
✶ “...God... Rich in Mercy... Loves us...” choices we make during this short preparatory

OUR LORD GOD IS THE PERSONIFICATION OF INFINITE, period.
UNCONDITIONAL, PERFECT DIVINE LOVE that is far
We fulfil the Divine Purpose of this lifespan when we
superior to any human emotion or concept. LIVE IN CHRIST, SLOWLY PERFECTING OUR IMMORTAL SOUL.

HIS DIVINE LOVE CAUSED THE CREATION OF THE UNIVERSE AND ✶ “... by Grace you have been Saved...” Beginning with
EVERYTHING VISIBLE AND INVISIBLE WITHIN IT – FROM the Holy Mysteries of Baptism and Chrismation, WE
NOTHINGNESS – FROM NON-EXISTENCE INTO EXISTENCE. RECEIVE DIVINE GRACE THAT ENABLES US TO FULFILL OUR

All the Goodness of our Lord God is founded upon that SACRED TASKS, which grants us Salvation.
Divine Love.
WITHOUT DIVINE GRACE AND THE DIVINE TRUTH RECEIVED
✶ “... even when we were dead through our trespasses...” - FROM OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST WE CANNOT BE SAVED, but
WHEN WE SIN WE ARE IN A STATE OF SPIRITUAL DEATH – adrift will remain Spiritually Blind and in Darkness – a
and alienated from God. horrible, unnatural state of Spiritual Death and

His Divine Love grants us every opportunity for Eternal stagnation.
Salvation because not only does our Lord Love us, ✶ “...Raised us up with Him, and made us sit with Him in
but He is also infinitely Merciful. the Heavenly Places in Christ Jesus...”

After the Fall, OUR COMPASSIONATE GOD DID NOT LEAVE US
OUR HUMAN NATURE HAS BEEN ELEVATED AND SANCTIFIED BY
TO REMAIN IN A STATE OF SIN AND SPIRITUAL DEATH but OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST when He Ascended in His
granted us His Eternal Salvation. human Form, into Heaven where He is seated

GOD INCARNATE CAME TO DWELL AMONGST US, SO THAT HE together with our Heavenly Father, clearly
COULD REVEAL HIS DIVINE TRUTH DIRECTLY TO US AND revealing His Eternal Sonship and Divine Identity.
TEACH US HOW TO APPLY IT TO EVERY ASPECT OF OUR DAILY
OUR HUMAN NATURE HAS BEEN REDEEMED, RESTORED AND
LIFE. REGENERATED INTO A “NEW CREATION” OR “NEW

Our Divine Saviour came specifically to Save all NATURE/MAN” so that we all now have the ability to
mankind from the consequences of our Ancestral BECOME SPIRITUALLY PERFECT – to regain OUR DIVINE
Sin. LIKENESS AS GOD CREATED US TO BE.
✶ “...made us alive together with Christ...”
Just as our Lord Jesus showed us by His own Glorious

AT OUR BAPTISM WE ARE REGENERATED OR REBORN INTO A LIFE Resurrection, WE WILL ALL BE RESURRECTED IN A
IN CHRIST. REGENERATED BODY AND SOUL FOR ALL ETERNITY.

WE ARE RESTORED, REBORN AND SAVED EACH TIME WE
However, depending on our Spiritual State when we
SINCERELY REPENT OUR SINS AND PARTAKE OF HOLY Reposed, will either RECEIVE ETERNAL LIFE OR ETERNAL
EUCHARIST. DEATH.

If we STRIVE TO LIVE IN CHRIST, we will BECOME FAR MORE
THIS DIVINE REVELATION OUGHT TO COMPEL US TO GREATER
AWARE OF OUR ERRORS AND SINS. SPIRITUAL STRIVING to Repent our sins and acquire

REPENTANCE-CONFESSION BRINGS US FROM SPIRITUAL DEATH Love and all the other Holy Virtues that perfect our
TO SPIRITUAL LIFE IN CHRIST. immortal soul.

Mankind and the Heavenly Angels were created as ✶ “...in the Coming Ages ... the Immeasurable Riches of
intellectual beings with free will, so, BEING His Grace ... in Christ Jesus...”
SPIRITUALLY INEXPERIENCED, WE CONTINUE TO FALL PREY
IN ETERNITY WE SHALL BE ABLE TO EXPERIENCE THE INFINITE
TO TEMPTATION AND SIN. DIVINE BLESSINGS OF LOVE, JOY AND PEACE that is far

Not only do we Live in Christ but WE WILL ALSO BE beyond description.
RESURRECTED INTO ETERNAL LIFE, as our Lord showed
THESE DIVINE BLESSINGS OF GRACE AND MERCY ARE BESTOWED
us by His own Resurrection - depending on the UPON THE FAITHFUL DISCIPLES OF CHRIST for only

23 R D
S U ND AY AF TER P ENTEC OST – 13 T H
OF S T LU KE – E TE R NAL L IF E - 24 N OVEM BE R 2019 35
 through our Lord Jesus Christ are all these
WE MUST BE WILLING TO BE GUIDED, CORRECTED AND
marvellous Blessings of Love possible. INSTRUCTED by our Spiritual Fathers and those who
✶ “...by Grace you have been Saved through Faith...” are Called to teach Divine Truth and Worship.

ONLY BY THE GRACE OF GOD ARE WE SAVED IF WE HAVE
We can only proceed from this life to Eternal Life by
COMPLETE, STEADFAST FAITH in our Triune Lord God. THE UNITY OF DIVINE GRACE, FAITH AND WORKS.

FAITH ARISES FROM OUR HEART AND SOUL – no one can
These are certainly not equal for DIVINE GRACE IS
make us believe. UNCREATED AND INFINITE, whereas OUR FAITH IS LIMITED

OUR IMMORTAL SOUL RESPONDS TO DIVINE TRUTH, which BUT CAN INCREASE according to our Spiritual
ought to compel us to greater Spiritual Strivings Strivings, while GOOD WORKS FLOW FROM THAT
that bring us closer to God and all His Divine AUTHENTIC FAITH.
Goodness.
GOOD DEEDS/WORKS CANNOT EARN US ETERNAL LIFE. THESE

OUR SOUL, WHICH GOD BREATHED INTO US, YEARNS TO RETURN ARE DIVINE GIFTS of God and those who RECEIVE THEM
TO HIM – in His Heavenly Kingdom of Love. WITH LOVE, DO ALL GOOD THINGS WITH LOVE.
✶ “...not of yourselves....” for WITHOUT GOD, WE CAN ACHIEVE
WE ARE not SAVED by Good Works but FOR GOOD WORKS.
NOTHING GOOD AND WORTHY.
EACH DAY OUR LORD OFFERS US VARIOUS OPPORTUNITIES FOR
OUR ETERNAL SALVATION IS ONLY POSSIBLE WHEN WE LIVE IN CHARITABLE WORKS OR LABOURS OF LOVE. It is our
CHRIST by Repenting our sins and fulfilling all our choice whether or not we accept and fulfil them.
Sacred Tasks Faithfully and with Love. ✶ “...we are His Workmanship, Created in Christ Jesus for
NONE OF US “DESERVE” ETERNAL LIFE NOR CAN WE ACQUIRE IT BY Good Works, which God prepared beforehand...”
OUR OWN EFFORTS.
GOD CREATED US ORIGINALLY FROM THE CLAY OF THE EARTH
✶ "... it is the Gift of God...” for GOD GRANTS US HIS ABUNDANT BUT WE FAILED OUR SACRED PURPOSE when we fell into
BLESSINGS OF LOVE FREELY AND MOST GENEROUSLY in order the sin of disobedience and rebellion against the
for us to become Spiritually Perfect - in His Divine Will of our Heavenly Father.
Likeness.
GOD HAS REGENERATED AND RESTORED US IN CHRIST JESUS

Our Lord Jesus Christ commands us to BE AS GENEROUS through the Holy Mysteries of Baptism and
AND LOVING TO EACH OTHER JUST LIKE OUR HEAVENLY Chrismation.
FATHER IS TO US.
HE HAS GRANTED US EVERYTHING NECESSARY TO BECOME

Having freely received such marvellous Gifts from SPIRITUALLY PERFECT as He intended for us to do.
God, we must TAKE CARE OF OTHERS WITHOUT
THE DIVINE PLANS AND PURPOSES OF GOD WERE ESTABLISHED
EXPECTATION OF REWARD OR RECIPROCATION. IN ETERNITY – long before His Creation of the
✶ “...not of Works...” means that BY DOING GOOD DEEDS BUT Universe and everything within it.
NOT FULFILLING THEM WITH UNCONDITIONAL, SINCERE LOVE
HE DID NOT WANT US TO REMAIN IN A STATE OF SPIRITUAL
(AGAPE) WILL MAKE ALL OUR EFFORTS SPIRITUALLY DEATH DUE TO SIN so He has given us A NEW COVENANT
UNPROFITABLE and merely empty gestures. WHEREBY WE CAN BE REUNITED WITH HIM through the

GOOD DEEDS ALONE WILL NOT GAIN US ETERNAL LIFE for WE Divine Truth of Christ when we apply It to every
NEED TO HAVE FAITH IN GOD Who makes everything aspect of our existence.
possible for us to accomplish.

HAVING FAITH IN GOD MEANS LIVING IN CHRIST BY PRAYING,
FASTING AND WORSHIPPING HIM IN HIS HOLY CHURCH.
THE HOLY GOSPEL ACC OR D ING TO ST LUKE 18: 18 - 27
At that time, a certain Ruler asked our Lord Jesus, saying: “Good Teacher: what shall I do to inherit Eternal Life?” Jesus
said to him: “Why dost thou call Me ‘Good’? No one is Good except God. Thou knowest the Commandments: ‘Do
not commit adultery; do not murder; do not steal; do not bear false witness; Honour thy Father and thy Mother...’”
He said: “All these I have kept from my youth.” Hearing these things, Jesus said to him: “Thou still lack one thing: sell
all that thou hast and distribute to the poor, and thou will have Treasure in Heaven, and come, follow Me.”
When he heard that, he became very sorrowful - being very rich. Seeing how sorrowful he was, Jesus said: “How
difficult it is for those who have riches to enter the Kingdom of God! For it is easier for a camel to go through the
eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the Kingdom of God.”
Those who heard, said: “And who can be Saved?” He said: “Things that are impossible for mankind are possible for
God.”
✶ “... a certain Ruler...” REMAINS UNIDENTIFIED, but might
OUR LORD HAS GIVEN US A VERY CLEAR PATH TO FOLLOW. His
have referred to either a Governor or the leader DIVINE TRUTH applied to our words, thoughts and
of one of the Synagogues of that region. deeds, LEADS US TO ETERNAL LIFE.

He did not approach our Lord Jesus in order to test
Nothing truly worthy is gained unless we OFFER OUR
him, but TO SEEK SPIRITUAL ADVICE. SACRIFICES FREELY AND EAGERLY.

HE CONSIDERED OUR DIVINE SAVIOUR AS BEING NO MORE THAN
Once we begin to UNDERSTAND THE TRUE PURPOSE OF THIS
A GOOD TEACHER OF THE OLD COVENANT LAWS AND SHORT LIFESPAN - the preparatory period before
SCRIPTURES. from Someone whom he considers as Eternity - and the significance of Eternity, we will
being no more than a “good Teacher.” certainly be motivated to FULFIL EVERYTHING THAT IS

Many other educated men tried to test our Lord Jesus REQUIRED OF US WITHOUT COMPLAINT AND WITH
in order to show how clever they thought they DETERMINED COMMITMENT.
were or to lure Him into committing something ✶ “...No one is Good except God...” DOES NOT DENY THE TRUTH
blasphemous with which they could justifiably that our Lord Jesus is God Incarnate BUT IS MEANT
accuse Him and thus destroy Him. TO LEAD THE RICH YOUNG RULER TO THIS KNOWLEDGE AND

HE SINCERELY SOUGHT OUR LORD’S ENLIGHTENMENT ENLIGHTENMENT.
CONCERNING ETERNAL LIFE.
No human being can be AS PERFECT AND ABSOLUTELY
✶ “...Good Teacher...” – those who had studied the Old GOOD AS ONLY GOD IS – FOR HE IS LOVE.
Covenant Faith, Law and Holy Scriptures taught
DIVINE LOVE – AGAPE – ENCOMPASSES ALL DIVINE TRUTH – all
and advised others. These “Rabbis” taught, God’s Revelations, Commandments and
discussed and debated in all the Synagogues Teachings.
throughout the land.
THE ACQUISITION OF THAT DIVINE LOVE – to the best of our

THE RULER KNEW THAT CHRIST POSSESSED AMAZING WISDOM ability – IS THE SPIRITUAL PERFECTION WE STRIVE FOR.
AND SPIRITUAL KNOWLEDGE but HE DID NOT ✶ "... Do not commit adultery; ... murder; ... steal; ...bear
ACKNOWLEDGED HIM AS THE LONG-AWAITED MESSIAH. false witness; Honour thy Father and thy Mother...”

OUR LORD JESUS IS OUR MOST SUPREME TEACHER Who are FIVE OF GOD’S TEN COMMANDMENTS.
immediately corrects our errors AND SETS US ON THE Mosaic Law consisted of 613 Commandments.
RIGHT PATH TO SALVATION AND ETERNAL LIFE. According to Judaic Tradition, the first two were the only
✶ “...what shall I do to inherit Eternal Life?...” is THE MOST Divine Commandments that Moses heard directly from
SIGNIFICANT QUESTION EVERY ONE OF US NEEDS TO God, while all the other Laws are recorded in the Old
CONSIDER. Covenant Scriptures of Exodus, Leviticus and Numbers,
and then reiterated and added to in Deuteronomy –
concerning moral Laws and Dietary Laws.

36 2 3 S AF P – 13 S L – E LI - 24 N 2019
R D T H
UND AY TE R ENTE COST OF T UKE TE R NAL FE OVEM BE R
FORMAL OBSERVANCE OF THE DIVINE COMMANDMENTS DOES NOT
MAKE ANY OF US RIGHTEOUS IN THE SIGHT OF GOD.
✶ ".. what do I still lack?..” shows that HE WAS AWARE OF
SOMETHING ESSENTIAL THAT WAS REQUIRED OF HIM.

Having faithfully kept all the Holy Commandments of
God, HE PERSISTED IN HIS SEARCH FOR SPIRITUAL
ENLIGHTENMENT.

WE ALL NEED
1. TO KNOW WHAT WE LACK so that we can correct
ourselves and make good Spiritual Progress.
2. A SPIRITUAL FATHER who can guide and Enlighten us
correctly, and encourage us when we weaken
or fall.
3. A DAILY SPIRITUAL ACCOUNTING/EXAMINATION OF
OURSELVES so as to become Spiritually Aware
and Watchful - so that we IDENTIFY OUR
WEAKNESSES, REPENT OUR SINS AND MAINTAIN OUR
LIFE IN CHRIST.
4. FULL PARTICIPATION IN ALL HOLY SERVICES AND HOLY
MYSTERIES – communal Prayers, Thanksgiving
and Worship - at Church.
5. the Holy Mysteries of REPENTANCE-CONFESSION, and
HOLY EUCHARIST/COMMUNION as well as FASTING
according the guidelines of our Holy Church.
✶ “... if you want to be Perfect...” refers to our need for
SPIRITUAL PERFECTION (to the best of our ability.)

To achieve Theosis or to regain our Divine Likeness -
we must BE WILLING TO SACRIFICE ANYTHING AND
EVERYTHING IN ORDER TO FAITHFULLY AND CORRECTLY
FOLLOW CHRIST – to go wherever He leads us with
complete trust and confidence in God.

OUR SPIRITUAL PROGRESS towards Eternity IS NOT A “SOLO
JOURNEY.”

WE ARE ALL PROCEEDING TOWARDS ETERNITY – whether we
are Believers or not!

WE CANNOT MAKE ANY SPIRITUAL PROGRESS UNLESS WE ARE
GUIDED, TAUGHT, ENCOURAGED AND ASSISTED by God,
by our Spiritual Fathers and Teachers, as well as
by our fellow Pilgrims who are SPIRITUALLY
EXPERIENCED AND ENLIGHTENED BY THE GRACE OF GOD.
✶ "...sell what you have and give to the poor...” clearly
commands us to TAKE CARE OF THOSE WHO SUFFER BY
SHARING OUR WORLDLY POSSESSIONS AND LOVE WITH
THEM.
✶ Each human being is unique so CHRIST DOES NOT ASK
EVERYONE TO MAKE THE SAME TYPE OF SACRIFICE before
following Him.

HE KNOWS OUR HEART AND MIND far better than us, seeing
us AS WE REALLY ARE!

He knew that THE YOUNG RULER WAS FAR TOO ATTACHED TO
AND CONCERNED WITH HIS MATERIAL POSSESSIONS.

OUR OBSESSION WITH WORLDLY POSSESSIONS AND SOCIAL
STATUS PREVENTS US FROM FULFILLING OUR SPIRITUAL
POTENTIAL because it causes us to NEGLECT OUR
SACRED DUTIES TO GOD AND OUR FELLOW MANKIND.

By ridding ourselves of our abundant worldly
possessions we are set free from their enslaving
burden and responsibilities.

BY DISTRIBUTING OUR EXCESSIVE POSSESSIONS AND WEALTH
amongst the poor, the needy and the destitute, we
EXPERIENCE THE TRUE JOY OF GIVING GENEROUSLY AND
FREELY TO OTHERS.

St John Chrysostom believed that “...the giving away
of the Young Ruler’s vast earthly possessions was the
least of our Lord’s Instructions because the ability and
the willingness to follow Christ in all things is a far
greater and more difficult Calling...”.
✶ “...you will have Treasure in Heaven...” tells us that HIS
ETERNAL, SPIRITUAL TREASURES ARE FAR SUPERIOR AND MORE
SATISFYING than any temporary, fleeting material or
worldly ‘treasures.’

Instead of accumulating such temporary, corruptible
possessions and wealth, we must USE EVERY MOMENT
OF THIS PREPARATORY PERIOD TO STRIVE FOR SPIRITUAL
PERFECTION – prepare ourselves for Eternal Life in
His Heavenly Kingdom BY ACQUIRING ALL THE HOLY
VIRTUES - ESPECIALLY LOVE/AGAPE.
✶ “... follow Me...” means to BECOME A FAITHFUL DISCIPLE OF
CHRIST BY FULFILLING HIS DIVINE TRUTH – by applying
all His Teachings and Commandments to our
thoughts, words and deeds – IN IMITATION OF HIS
PERFECT EXAMPLE.
23 R D
S U ND AY AF TER P ENTEC OST – 13 T H
OF

WHEN COMMITTED TO LIFE IN CHRIST, BY THE GRACE OF GOD
WE CAN ACHIEVE AMAZING THINGS, but especially
Spiritual Perfection WHEREBY OUR DIVINE LIKENESS IS
RESTORED.
✶ ”...he went away sorrowful, for he had great
possessions...” which he was obviously NOT WILLING
TO DONATE TO ANYONE ELSE.

HIS WORLDLY POSSESSIONS AND SOCIAL STATUS HAD
DOMINATED, OPPRESSED AND ENSLAVED HIS IMMORTAL
SOUL, which could not proceed properly towards
Eternal Life in God’s Heavenly Kingdom.

WHEN OUR SOUL IS OPPRESSED BY THE DESIRES OF THE FLESH –
the selfish demands of our mind and body – IT
BECOMES “...FLESHY...” AND CANNOT RETURN TO GOD.

He was sorrowful because HIS IMMORTAL SOUL WAS
TRAPPED.
✶ “...it is difficult for a rich man to enter the Kingdom of
Heaven...” UNLESS DIVESTED OF ALL WORLDLY CONCERNS.

When we RENOUNCE THE DESIRE FOR WORLDLY POSSESSIONS
AND SOCIAL STATUS, we are FREE TO MAKE GOOD
SPIRITUAL PROGRESS, AND WILL ALREADY EXPERIENCE A
FORETASTE OF THE LOVE, JOY AND PEACE OF GOD’S
HEAVENLY KINGDOM.

It is not actual wealth that is harmful to us but OUR
OBSESSION WITH IT THAT DRAWS US AWAY FROM GOD.

When everything is materially flourishing for us, WE
OFTEN NEGLECT OUR PRAYERS AND WORSHIP.

THE MORE WE HAVE, THE LESS INCLINED WE BECOME TO
FULFILLING OUR SACRED DUTIES TO GOD AND EACH OTHER
– especially BY NOT SHARING OUR ABUNDANCE WITH
OTHERS, which ultimately CONDEMNS US.
✶ “...it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a
needle...” has several meanings.

OUR LORD OFTEN USED EXTREME EXAMPLES IN ORDER TO
EMPHASISE A SPECIFIC POINT of His Sacred Lessons.

Some believe that instead of “a camel” passing
through the eye of a fine sewing needle, it was THE
IMPOSSIBILITY OF A THICK “ROPE” BEING THREADED
THROUGH THE EYE OF A NEEDLE.

THE TALMUD USED THE WORD “ELEPHANT” INSTEAD OF “CAMEL.”
– another gross exaggeration to emphasise a
significant point.

Others regarded it as reference to HEAVILY LADEN
CAMELS OR BEASTS OF BURDEN THAT HAD TO BE UNLOADED
AND THEN SQUEEZED THROUGH THE SMALL PEDESTRIAN
GATE that was usually set into the great, protective
doors of the ancient cities.

This explanation reminds us that UNLESS WE UNBURDEN
OURSELVES OF OUR EARTHLY GOODS AND CHATTELS, WE
CANNOT ENTER THE NARROW GATE OF GOD’S ETERNAL
KINGDOM!

Whatever the case might have been – simple or more
obscure – IT IS IMPOSSIBLE FOR THOSE WHO ARE MORE
CONCERNED ABOUT THEIR WORLDLY GOODS THAN THEIR
SPIRITUAL WELFARE TO RECEIVE SALVATION AND ETERNAL
LIFE in God’s Heavenly Kingdom of Love, Peace
and Joy.

AN OBSESSION WITH MATERIAL THINGS AND SOCIAL STATUS that
are merely temporary, destructible and
disappointing, CAUSES US TO IGNORE AND NEGLECT OUR
SACRED DUTIES AND LIFE IN CHRIST.

NO WORLDLY STATUS AND MATERIAL POSSESSIONS CONTRIBUTE
TO OUR ETERNAL SALVATION unless they are correctly
put to use for the sake of our Love of God and our
fellow sinners.

IT IS NEVER TOO LATE TO TURN TO GOD and make up for the
precious time we have lost, BY REPENTING OUR SINS
AND NURTURING A CLOSE RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD
through Faithful worship, Prayer, Fasting and
everything that is essential for our Eternal
Salvation.
✶ “... who then can be Saved?...”

Although we realise WE MUST PERSEVERE AND ENDURE A
DIFFICULT JOURNEY, we can rest assured in the
Knowledge that WITH GOD ALL THINGS ARE INDEED
POSSIBLE!

GOD GRANTS US HIS DIVINE GRACE when we are sincerely
and steadfastly engaged in a constant Spiritual
Struggle against all temptations and sin.

HIS DIVINE GRACE EMPOWERS AND ENABLES US TO PERFORM
WONDERFUL SPIRITUAL FEATS FOR the sake of HIS GLORY,
HONOUR AND WORSHIP.

OUR LORD PROVIDES US WITH EVERY NECESSITY that enables
us to make good Spiritual Progress.
S T LU KE – E TE R NAL L IF E - 24 N OVEM BE R 2019 37
23 R D
S U ND AY AF TER P ENTEC OST – 13 T H
✞ In the Name of the Father, the Son and the Holy
Spirit...
Dearly Beloved, it is not only awesome, at times it is
frightening to preach the Word of God, because our
Lord Jesus Christ said: “...By thy words thou shall be
judged.”
We will be Judged, because if we proclaim God’s Truth
yet remain idle and failing to fulfil what our Lord has
commanded - what we know well enough to proclaim
to others – then, how shall we stand before the
Judgement of God?
This does not apply only to our Priests and Bishops, but to
every Christian who is called to be a Witness, an
Apostle, and a Faithful Disciple who brings God’s
Word – His Divine Truth - to those who are in Spiritual
Darkness or Twilight, and who need Divine Light, and
Truth and Life.
To-day’s Sacred Gospel Lesson challenges us all so
sharply.
It begins with words that may be interpreted in more than
one way: “Good Teacher – what shall I do to inherit
Eternal Life?” whereupon our Lord responds: “Why
dost Thou call Me ‘good’? No one is Good except
God.”
He did not tell the Rich Young Ruler that he was wrong,
nor did He deny His right to be called “Good” for He is
indeed God Incarnate.
Those who have ears to hear - those who have a heart
capable of perceiving the surpassing Goodness of our
Lord Jesus that is far superior and incomparable to
any degree of our concept of goodness, beauty and
truth – this is testifies that indeed the Young Ruler was
actually speaking to our Lord God, Who answered his
question concerning the inheritance of Eternal Life.
Our Lord Jesus Christ first instructed him (and us) to fulfill
His Divine Commandments of Love.
The Divine Commandments not only apply to our
behaviour and attitude but should be inscribed upon
our innermost being – upon our heart and soul.
We then will fulfill God’s Commandments because we
know they are Divine Truth and not only because God
has spoken, but because with all our being we
respond: Amen!
This is Divine Truth! This is Life in Christ! This is the only
Path to Eternal Life!
Our Lord mentioned five of these Commandments – “...
Do not commit adultery; do not murder; do not steal;
do not bear false witness; Honour thy Father and thy
Mother...’” - yet have we been faithful to these? For we
cannot live without keeping these Divine
Commandment!
These Divine Commandments are highly significant to all
mankind including you and me because it is as
important to hear as it is to speak.
We all want Perfection but we will make no Spiritual
Progress without having first trod the Path of the
Divine Commandments.
Our Lord Jesus Christ further instructed the wealthy
young Ruler: “Thou still lack one thing: sell all that
thou hast and distribute to the poor...”
Although our Lord does not expect us to donate all our
material possessions to the poor, needy and destitute,
HE DOES WANT US TO SHARE OUR ABUNDANCE WITH OTHERS AS
AN ACT OF CHARITY/LOVE for the benefit of our
neighbours and as an expression of Gratitude to God
for His infinite Providence.
It is not only material things that we store away for
ourselves.
We all have ‘treasures’ hoarded and hidden away in our
mind and in our soul, which are so important to us
that we are unwilling to reveal them nor Repent them
so that we can proceed towards Eternity freely and
unburdened.
We need to turn inward and closely examine ourselves
asking ourselves: “What is my peculiar, selfish
‘treasure’? What am I will not willing to get rid of – not
even for Life Eternal or for the Love of God?”.
We cling so tightly to those things that are so precious but
so unbeneficial to us, and still we hope or expect to
enter the Kingdom of God.
38 2 3 S AF P – 13
R D
UND AY TE R ENTE COST
S U ND AY OF S T LU KE – THE I NH ER ITANCE OF ET ER NAL L IF E
When we manage to unload all our burdens and Repent
our sins, we will eventually acquire Spiritual
Perfection - becoming what we are Called to be -
having regained our Divine Likeness as He created
us.
.In the Book of Revelation our Lord says, “...I have only
one thing against you – you have forgotten your first
Love...” - our True and Living God, Whom we refer to
in so many ways: ‘Life’, ‘Fulfilment’, ‘Happiness’, and
by all the Names whereby we reach the Fullness of
our being.
At times we know that only with God are all things
possible, but sometimes we imagine that we can
outgrow ourselves.
Our First Love is our Lord God and our only desire ought
to be doing His Divine Will in all circumstances.
We fail to obey His Divine Commandment because we
think that we can manage on our own, and we do not
want to give away anything that we have because we
do not fully understand that everything belongs to
God alone.
He provides us with everything we need and abundantly
so that we can share with others.
We desire everything that is of this temporary world –
everything that has no lasting benefits - while
neglecting our most crucial Strivings for Spiritual
Perfection that leads to Eternal Life
Let us reflect on this Sacred Lesson which applies to each
and every one of us.
Unless we observe the Divine Commandments and all the
Teachings of our Lord Jesus Christ every day of our
life, we cannot expect to receive Heavenly Treasures
that are far beyond anything we could possibly
imagine!
Unless we strive to Live in Christ, following Him in every
way, imitating His Life and attitude, as well as by
applying His Divine Truth to our thoughts, words and
deeds, we will not become worthy Citizens nor Co-
Heirs of His Heavenly Kingdom.
We have so many possessions that are not only material
but lurking deep within us, which are our heavy
burdens, our fetters and our stumbling blocks that
prevent our Spiritual Progress and Welfare.
And yet, our Lord Jesus Christ did not condemn that
wealthy young Ruler. He let him depart without any
words of reproach, because what He had said was
like Spiritual Seed sown into his mind and heart.
. He let him go – although he was wounded in his heart,
puzzled in his mind, but Called and awakened to
become himself by an act of heroic will and
surrender, by let go of himself and surrendering body
and soul to our Lord God.
Our Lord encourages us to rid ourselves of all excess
baggage so that we are free to follow Him wherever
He leads us – along the Path of Life and into the
Fullness of Life Eternal.
When our Divine Saviour Calls us to follow Him, He does
not lead us down frightening, dark paths but because
He has trodden upon the same paths as us. He knows
every road and byway. He is our Good Shepherd Who
leads His Sacred Flock, and confronts all dangers
Himself, always protecting His beloved Sheep from
harm.
If we are deeply sorrowful because we have neither kept
His Divine Commandments, nor are we ready to give
our precious ‘treasures’ to others who need it more
than us, we must remember that we do not have to be
Eternally Condemned if we choose to Repent our
errors and sins, take up our Cross and follow our Lord
Jesus Christ by fulfilling all our Sacred Duties to God
and mankind.
But let us not be too late for we must turn to Life in Christ
and become all we are capable of being.
We cannot Save ourselves but with our Lord God
everything is indeed possible - and God is always with
us.
Amen.
METROPOLITAN ANTHONY BLOOM
WWW.AGIAZONI.GR
HTTPS://PEMPTOUSIA.COM
S L – E LI - 24 N 2019
T H
OF T UKE TE R NAL FE OVEM BE R