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 1 January 2018

Circumcision of our Lord & Saviour, Jesus Christ

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

HYMNS OF THE SMALL ENTRANCE

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

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

Morfin analliotos anthropinin proselaves, Theos on kat’ Thou took on human form without change in Thee, being
ousian Poleiefsplaghne Kyrie, ke Nomon ekpliron God in Essence, O Lord Most Compassionate. And
peritomin, thelise katadehi sarkikin, ina pafsis ta skiodi, Thou accepted Circumcision in the Flesh, in total
ke perielis to kalimma ton pathon imon. ✞ Doxa ti fulfilment of the Law, to put an end to the acts of
agathotiti, ti Si! ✞Doxa ti efsplahnia Sou! ✞Doxa ti darkness, and roll away the veil of our sufferings. ✞
anekfrasto, Loge, singatavasi Sou! Glory to Thy Goodness, O Lord! ✞ Glory to thy
Tenderness! ✞ Glory to Thine inexpressible
Condescension, O Word!
F E S T A L A P O L Y T I K I O N O F S T B A S I L T H E G R E A T – T O N E 1
Is pasan tin gin exilthen O fthongos Sou, os dexamenin ton Thy voice has gone out all over the earth, which was
Logon Sou; diou theoprepos edogmatisas, tin fisin ton ready to accept Thy Word; by which in a Godly
onton etranosas, ta ton anthropon ithi katekosmisas. manner Thou Dogmatised; the nature of all that exists
Vasilion Ieratevma, Pater Osie; Presveve Hristo to Thou clarified; the manners of people Thou Purified.
Theos, Sothine tas psihas imon. As Royal Priesthood that Thou art, O Father Righteous,
Intercede with Christ our God, that our souls may be
Saved.
F E S T A L K O N T A K I O N - C I R C U M C I S I O N O F C H R I S T – T O N E 3
O ton olon Kyrios peritomin ipomeni ke vroton ta Now the Lord of all that is undergoes Circumcision, in His
ptesmata os agathos peritemni. Didosi tin Sotirian Goodness cutting off the sins and failings of mortals.
simeron kosmo: Here de en tis Ipsistis ke O tou ktistou He this day grants Salvation to the whole world; and
Ierarhis ke Fosforos, O Thios Mystis Hristou Vasilios. the Hierarch and Bright Daystar of the Creator now
rejoices in the Highest: Basil the Wise and Divine
Initiate of Christ.
PROKEIMENON – PSALM 48/49 – TONE 1
To stoma mou lalisi Sofian ke i meleti tis kardias mou My mouth shall speak Wisdom, and the meditation of my
Sinesin. heart, Understanding.
Akousate tafta, panta ta Ethni! Hear this , all you Nations!
THE EPISTLE OF ST PAUL TO THE COLOSSIANS 2: 8 – 12
ST PAUL SPEAKS OUT AGAINST FALSE THEOLOGY OF HERETICS
Brethren, beware lest any man cheat you by Philosophy, and vain deceit -according to the tradition of men, according
to the elements of the world, but not according to Christ. For in Him dwells all the Fullness of the Godhead
corporeally. And you are filled in Him, Who is the Head of all Principality and Power; in Whom also you are
Circumcised with Circumcision Not Made By Hand, in the despoiling of the body of the flesh, but in the Circumcision
of Christ, Buried with Him in Baptism, in Whom also you are Risen again by the Faith of the Operation of God, Who
has raised Him up from the dead.
The basic principles of the world include 4. All human, manmade traditions that are
1. The basic elements of matter/material opposed to God’s Sacred Tradition.
2. The natural laws that regulate the universe, ✶✶ “In Him (God) dwells all the Fullness of the
including those conditioning our fallen human Godhead...” When the Eternal Word and Son of
life – death, sin, the flesh – as well as the Mosaic God became Incarnate, it became possible for us
Law. to behold God in Person.
3. The (wicked, fallen) spirits or demons who use When Christ was asked to describe our Heavenly Father,
these natural conditions to oppose our Lord He told us that whoever sees Him (Christ) sees what
Jesus Christ, and who are at the core of pagan the Father would look like, for all three of the Persons
cults and false beliefs
THE CIRCUMCISION OF CHRIST OUR LORD AND SAVIOUR 1 JANUARY 2018 1.
 of the Divine Godhead are identical except in Their We may approach our Lord directly through our Divine
Divine Roles. Saviour, Jesus Christ, Who is the Sovereign Power – our
The Word and Son of God became Man without ceasing Divine Ruler, King and High Priest – over all Angelic
to be Divine, although He assumed our human nature and earthly beings.
with the exception of the inclination to commit sin (act We no longer need to perform man-made rituals or works
in any way against the Divine Will of our Heavenly in order to gain our Divine Redeemer’s attention,
Father.) Compassion or Great Mercy.
In Christ, God and Man in one Person, His Divine Nature We are able to approach our Divine Lord and Saviour
pours into our human nature, for anything that is not through His Sacred Works – for by the Holy Mystery of
assumed by Christ would not have been Healed and our Baptism we have been Adopted by God and
Restored to our created State and Purpose. United to Him.
Due to Christ’s Incarnation, we do not need to rise Our Lord Jesus Christ triumphs over all the tragic
through manifold levels of being in order to approach conditions of our fallen existence – sin, death, the
the Lord our God. flesh, the laws and the evil spirits – due to His own
Our Lord Jesus Christ – being God and Man – fulfils our Passion, Death and Glorious Resurrection.
human nature, and all levels of being submit to Him According to the Old Covenant Rite of Circumcision, only
as our Divine Lord, Master and Saviour. a small piece of flesh was removed, whereas
We no longer need to rise slowly through a humanly according to our New Covenant, the New
conceived ‘Spiritual Bureaucracy’ to reach our Lord Circumcision of Christ – our Holy Baptism – we die to
God. the flesh and Live in God.
THE HOLY GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST LUKE 2 : 20 – 21 & 40 – 52
THE CIRCUMCISION OF OUR LORD & HIS FIRST TEACHING IN THE TEMPLE AT THE AGE OF TWELVE YEARS
At that time, the Shepherds returned, Glorifying and Praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it
was told them. And when eight days were completed for the Circumcision of the Child, His Name was called ‘Jesus,’
the Name given by the Angel before He was Conceived in the Womb.
The Child grew and became strong in Spirit, filled with Wisdom and the Grace of God was upon Him.
And every year His Parents went to Jerusalem to attend the Feast of the Passover. And when He was twelve years old,
they went up to Jerusalem according to the custom of the Feast.
And when they had finished the days, as they returned, the Boy Jesus lingered behind in Jerusalem. And Joseph and
His Mother did not know it. Supposing Him to have been in the company, they went a day’s journey. And they
sought Him among their relatives and acquaintances. And when they did not find Him, they returned to Jerusalem,
to look for Him.
And after three days they found Him in the Temple, sitting in the midst of the Teachers, and listening to them, and
asking them questions. All who heard Him were astonished at His Understanding and Answers. And when they
saw Him, they were amazed. And His Mother said to Him: “Son, why hast Thou done this to us? Look Thy father and
I have sought Thee anxiously.” And He said to them: “Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be
about My Father’s Business?”
And they did not understand what He said to them. And He went down with them to Nazareth. And He was subject to
them. And His Mother kept all these things in Her heart. And Jesus increased in Wisdom and stature, and in
Favour with God and mankind.
OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST RECEIVED CIRCUMCISION ACCORDING TO THIS WAS THE FIRST STATEMENT MADE BY CHRIST CONCERNING
THE PRECEPTS OF MOSAIC LAW – which He faithfully GOD AS HIS HEAVENLY FATHER.
followed throughout His Life and Ministry, because HE CHRIST DID NOT BREAK THE 5TH COMMANDMENT, “...Honour thy
FULFILLED THE ENTIRE OLD COVENANT LAW as given by God father and mother...” because WHAT HE HAD DONE BY
to St Moses on Mount Sinai. REMAINING AT THE TEMPLE AFTER HIS MOTHER AND GUARDIAN
AFTER THE RESURRECTION OF CHRIST, HOLY BAPTISM REPLACED HAD LEFT THE CITY, WAS AN ACT OF RIGHTEOUSNESS.
PHYSICAL CIRCUMCISION AS THE UNIVERSAL MYSTERY OF HE OBEYED GOD AND DID GOD’S WILL although St Joseph the
SALVATION AND INITIATION INTO THE CHURCH. (It is referred Betrothed and the Ever Blessed Theotokos did not fully
to as being “THE NEW CIRCUMCISION.”) understand at the time and were naturally concerned
In the Orthodox Church IT IS AN ANCIENT HOLY TRADITION TO for His safety.
NAME A CHILD ON THE EIGHTH DAY of its life. This is not the WHILE HE GREW UP, CHRIST WAS SUBJECT TO HIS EARTHLY,
Holy Mystery (Sacrament) of Baptism and Chrismation TEMPORARY, PARENTS – HIS LEGAL GUARDIANS - CLEARLY
that takes place a month or two later. DEMONSTRATING HIS HUMBLE OBEDIENCE TO AND RESPECT FOR
It is a different Service to the 40 Day Churching of the HIS EARTHLY FAMILY.
Mother that occurs 40 days after the birth of a baby. HE GREW UP HEALTHY IN BODY AND SPIRIT, increasing daily in
The Incarnation [assuming or taking on a visible, “...Wisdom, Stature and Favour with God and men...”
physical body of flesh and bone] means that OUR LORD and BRINGING INTO PLAIN VIEW THE WISDOM AND GRACE
JESUS CHRIST EXPERIENCED NORMAL HUMAN PHYSICAL, INHERENT IN HIM.
EMOTIONAL AND INTELLECTUAL GROWTH, but UNDER THE In His Incarnation, JESUS CHRIST MADE HUMANITY COMPLETELY
SPECIAL OVERSHADOWING GRACE OF ALMIGHTY GOD THAT HIS OWN, INCLUDING PROGRESS IN WISDOM AND GRACE.
FILLS HIM WITH WISDOM AND STRENGTH – BOTH PHYSICAL AND HE EXPERIENCED AND SANCTIFIED EVERY STAGE OF HUMAN LIFE.
SPIRITUAL. Since our Lord Jesus Christ is both God and Man, OUR
PILGRIMAGES TO JERUSALEM ON THE THREE GREAT FEASTS OF LORD INCREASED HUMANLY IN THE GRACE AND WISDOM THAT
PASSOVER, PENTECOST AND TABERNACLES, WERE CUSTOMARY WERE ALREADY FULLY HIS IN HIS DIVINE NATURE.
FOR ALL HEBREWS except those who lived at great THE GROWTH OF CHRIST’S HUMANITY PREFIGURES OUR OWN
distances from the Temple. Entire Clans and GROWTH INTO UNION WITH HIM.
Communities would travel together for safety and AS CHRIST OUR GOD AND CREATOR TOOK ON COMPLETE
companionship. HUMANITY, HE MADE IT POSSIBLE FOR US TO ACHIEVE SPIRITUAL
WHEN OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST REFERRED TO “MY FATHER’S PURITY OR THEOSIS AND BECOME “GOD-LIKE.”
BUSINESS” HE REFERRED TO GOD’S WILL IN PREPARATION FOR
HIS DIVINE (AND PUBLIC) MINISTRY.
The Circumcision of Christ and the Commemoration of St Basil the Great
✞ In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Today is also the Feast of the Departure to Heaven of St
Holy Spirit. Basil the Great, which was established before the
Dearly Beloved Brethren: Today we celebrate several Feast of the Circumcision of Christ that came into
significant aspects of our Spiritual Life in Christ, one of being according to Festal Calendar of the Church,
which is the Circumcision of Christ, which happened which mentioned the serving of the Divine Liturgy of St
about eight days after His Birth. Basil.
This Feast-Day was not celebrated in the early time of our The Feast of St Basil actually took precedence, which is
Holy Church, but came later. rather odd, but which happened because St Basil the
Great was so important for our Church.

2. THE CIRCUMCISION OF CHRIST OUR LORD AND SAVIOUR 1 JANUARY 2018

At the same time we are celebrating the Feast of the
Circumcision of Christ, which is somehow mixed in,
but not the primary focus - one of those Orthodox
paradoxes!
Nevertheless, it is important for us that today we
celebrate the Circumcision of our Lord, which
demonstrates His Humble Obedience - and that of His
whole Family - to the Mosaic Law.
Our Divine Saviour was raised in the Sacred Tradition of
Moses as everyone else of Jewish Tradition was in
those days.
He grew up in a most Pious Family who definitely
observed all the Holy Laws of the Old Covenant
because His Lineage consisted of fourteen times three
generations who suffered and endured for the sake of
the Divine Promise of the Incarnation of the Great
Messiah.
All those people were profoundly Faithful to God, even
though they had to patiently wait for the Fulfillment of
the Divine Promise - as St Paul said in one of his
writings - even though they had not seen what was to
come, yet they remained as faithful to God as
Abraham had been.
The ancient Patriarch, Abraham, had trusted God
implicitly - even though it did not necessarily seem
logical sometimes.
Such unwavering Faith in God is a good example of utter
Trust in God that we should strive to acquire!
In fact, throughout the centuries, there were many others
who remained similarly Faithful to God Whom they
Loved and humbly Obeyed, yet could never see.
Now we have seen God Incarnate – we have seen our
Lord Jesus Christ, Who lived amongst us and always
in accordance with the Old Covenant Law.
However, as we have learnt from the Holy Gospel, our
Divine Saviour Lived according to the Spirit of those
Sacred Laws - and not always according to the exact
‘letter of the Law,’ for He put everything in their correct
perspective - according to His Divine Truth.
The Mosaic Law had been interpreted and developed
over the centuries by the leaders and scholars of the
people.
For example, they very strictly observed the Sabbath
Day, deciding that it was extremely important to rest
on the Sabbath and to avoid anything that involved
strenuous action or the slightest labour.
All sorts of rules arose to ensure the Sabbath Day’s rest.
As our Lord Jesus Christ, and, later, His Apostle, St Paul,
pointed out, the people became so concerned about
obeying the ‘little rules’ which were actually
insignificant to our Salvation and Eternal Life, that
they forgot that the Sabbath Day was granted for
mankind and that mankind was not created for the
Sabbath!
The Sabbath Day (Saturday) was one day in the week
when we were supposed to rest from our essential
labours and dedicate the hours to the contemplation
and worship of God.
Sunday was the first day of the week and their labours
would continue throughout the following week again.
According to our New Covenant Faith, Sunday is “the
Lord’s Day” that is dedicated to God and the
Commemoration of His Glorious Resurrection and
everything that means to us – our Salvation, our own
Resurrection and our Eternal Life.
Of course, nowadays, the observance of the Sabbath Day
of rest and our Lord’s Day has been forgotten almost
universally! Now we barely bother to rest, which is not
good for our health nor for our Relationships with
God and with each other.
It is important understand that our Lord directed us to
rest from our physical labours, so that we can recover
our strength and spend that time on our Relationship
with God (in Prayer, Contemplation and Worship) and
with those who are near and dear to us.
According to the Sacred Lesson of today, our Lord Jesus
Christ lived from His Birth in Humble Obedience to the
Law of God.
The Holy Family had travelled to Jerusalem, together with
all their family members, in Obedience to the Law,
and afterwards, a day after their departure from the
Holy City, His Mother and Righteous Guardian
THE CIRCUMCISION OF CHRIST
realised that He had not left with the rest of their
family group, so they returned to Jerusalem to seek
Him.
They found Him in the Temple of the Lord where He was
talking to the Elders.
He Loved to be in the Temple of the Lord, which has
always been characteristic of Orthodox Christians
throughout the past two thousand years.
The Faithful of God Love to be in the Holy Temple of our
Lord God. We Love to come to this Holy House of our
Lord to pray, and to worship Him – to be in His Divine
Presence, as we gather together in communal
Worship.
In some parts of the world where the churches are not
locked up all the time for security purposes, people
go to Church to light candles, to stand quietly in our
Lord’s Presence, and to pray for a while.
It is natural for us to Love being in the Presence of our
Lord in His Holy House.
Unfortunately, certain people emphasise of the “Fear” of
God, without correctly understanding what it actually
means. Consequently, an unhealthy, distorted idea of
‘the Fear of God’ is conveyed, implied and incorrectly
taught.
When they read the Holy Gospel, they make the mistake
that people have been making for more than two
thousand years, for they cannot accept that God
‘emptied’ Himself of His Divine Majesty and Power, in
order to take on our human form and nature, to live
as fully Man while remaining fully God, and then to
allow us to torture and kill Him so unjustly, as it
happened, so that He would Resurrect from the dead
on the Third Day in order to conquer sin, and death.
Many people have had difficulty with this Divine Truth,
and they still do. So they try to limit our Lord Jesus
Christ, somehow, to being just ‘some sort of a human
being’ or just a ‘Philosopher’ somehow, in order to
make Him more acceptable to their limited
understanding and reasoning.
However, God is not boxed in like this. God is not limited
like this. God chose to Empty Himself! God is Almighty
God, and He can do whatever He pleases!
It was according to His Will to ‘Empty’ Himself, to become
Man for our sake in order to Save us from ourselves.
Really, that is what He was doing – saving us from
ourselves.
This is the infinite extent of His Love for us. And yet so
many people have such a hard time accepting that
God could Love us that much! And yet, He did, and
He does.
It is important to understand that our Divine Saviour, by
growing up from infancy to adulthood as a human
being, was also showing us by His Example of how we
should be - living in complete Harmony with and
humble Obedience to the Lord our God.
He has shown us the direction we go along the Path of
Righteousness towards Eternity.
And if that is not enough for us, His All Pure, Ever Blessed
and Holy Mother, who also followed this Loving Path
of Obedience to God’s Will, shows us as a mere
human being like us, how to be utterly, humbly
Obedient to the Will of God.
She said “Yes!” to God. This “Yes!” always brings Life and
Divine Blessings!
However, it can also bring us suffering!
All who eagerly follow God in this world suffer because
the prince of darkness is never happy when the Light
of Divine Truth shines so brightly in the Darkness of
sin and ignorance.
The Gospel according to St John teaches us that the
Divine Light of God shines in the Darkness, and,
although the Darkness of sin tries to overcome It, it will
never succeed.
It is very important to remember that we are Christians –
we are the Disciples of Christ who carry Him within us.
We are the Lights who shine brightly in the Darkness that
surrounds us and tries to overwhelm us but it will
never succeed!
We shine with the Divine Light of Christ within us - and
when we are confronted by difficulties, it is that same
wicked Darkness that opposes His Divine Light.
OUR LORD AND SAVIOUR 1 JANUARY 2018 3.
Millions of Christian Martyrs have suffered because they
shone so brightly with the Light of Christ in the depths
of Darkness.
We, too, will suffer to various degrees for our Faith, but we
will always receive Spiritual Strength and Courage
from our Divine Saviour, because He is always with us.
THE ETERNAL, INSPIRED WISDOM OF OUR HOLY FATHERS
ST SERGIOS OF RADONEZH
Orthodox Christians must steadfastly remain in
Orthodoxy, preserve Oneness of mind with one
another and unhypocritical Love, guard Purity of soul
and body, reject evil and unclean intentions,
temperately partake of food and drink, and above all
adorn themselves with Humility, not neglect
Hospitality, refrain from conflicts and not give Honour
and Glory in anything to earthly life, but instead
await a Reward from God: the Enjoyment of Heavenly
Goods.
ST. THEOPHAN THE RECLUSE
If you want to attain Salvation, learn and keep in your
heart all that the Holy Church teaches and, receiving
Heavenly Power from the Mysteries of the Church,
walk the Path of Christ's Commandments, under the
direction of Lawful Pastors, and you will undoubtedly
attain the Heavenly Kingdom and be Saved. All of this
is naturally necessary in the matter of Salvation,
necessary in its entirety and for all. Whoever rejects or
neglects any part of it has no Salvation.
ANCIENT PATERIKON
A certain Monk asked St. Anthony the Great, "What must I
do to be Saved?" The Elder answered him, "Do not trust
in your own righteousness, do not worry about what is
past, and constrain your tongue and your stomach."
Another Brother asked Abba Makarios, "How can I be
Saved?" The Elder answered him, "Be like one dead:
do not think about insults from people, nor of glory,
and you will be Saved."
ST. MARK THE ASCETIC
In the Spiritual Life we can do nothing worthy without
Repentance, but the Lord has much Mercy on us
because of our intentions. He who compels himself
and holds on to Repentance until the end, even if he
sins is Saved because he compelled himself, for the
Lord Promised this in the Gospel.
ST MAXIMOS THE CONFESSOR
A Christian receives Divine Wisdom in three ways: by the
Commandments, Teachings, and Faith. The Because she never complained about her life.
Commandments free the mind from passions.
Teachings lead it to True Knowledge of nature. Faith
leads to the Contemplation of the Holy Trinity.
ST. NICHOLAS OF SERBIA
If you become rich, consider whether or not you could
worthily bear poverty. If you are happy, imagine how
you could worthily meet unhappiness. When people
praise you, think how you might worthily bear insult.
And, all your Life, think how you might worthily meet
Death.
ST. CLEMENT OF ROME
Being the Portion of the Holy God, begin to do all that
pertains to Holiness, running away from evil words,
unclean and shameful relations, drunkenness,
passions and innovations, base lusts, defiled
adulteries and overweening pride. For it is said: "God
resists the proud, but gives Grace to the humble" So,
let us Unite ourselves to them to whom Grace has
been given by God. Let us put on Oneness of mind, let
us be humble, temperate, far from any cursing or evil
speech, making ourselves Righteous by deeds and
not by words... Let our Praise be from God, and not
from ourselves. God hates those who praise
themselves. Let the Witness of our Good Deeds be
given by others.
4. THE CIRCUMCISION OF CHRIST
We, who have been Baptised into Christ, have put on
Christ, so He is definitely always with us, and He will
always be with us, and Protect us.
BY ARCHBISHOP SERAPHIM OF OTTAWA AND CANADA
14 JANUARY 2011,
HTTP://WWW.PRAVMIR.COM/ARTICLE_1210.HTML
ST. NEKTARIOS OF AEGINA
Christians, have we understood the great Responsibility
that we have taken on before God through Baptism?
Have we come to know that we must conduct ourselves as
Children of God, that we must align our will with the
Will of God, that we must remain free from sin, that we
must Love God with all our heart and always patiently
await Union with Him?
Have we thought about the fact that our heart should be
so filled with Love that it should overflow to our
neighbour?
Do we have the feeling that we must become Holy and
Perfect, Children of God and Heirs of the Kingdom of
Heaven?
We must Struggle for this, so that we may not be shown
unworthy and rejected.
Let none of us lose our boldness, nor neglect our duties,
nor be afraid of the difficulties of Spiritual Struggle.
For we have God as a Helper, Who Strengthens us in the
difficult Path of Virtue.
ELDER AMBROSIOS LAZARIS
There was a very poor woman who lived in a small
village in Greece with her three children. She raised
them well despite incredible difficulties and intense
poverty. However, she never lost her integrity nor her
Love for Christ. Her name was Vasiliki.
She Reposed one day before the celebration of our All
Holy, Ever Blessed Mother, the Theotokos, in 1998.
The next day, which was 15 August, her body was placed
in a very cheap coffin and put onto the truck of the
Priest to be taken to the cemetery to be buried.
On the way to the burial site, there were a few people
from her village walking behind the truck and talking
about how difficult her life had been, when suddenly
the entire area was overwhelmed by the sweetest
perfume of many blossoms!
Among the mourners who followed her coffin, there was
a Spiritual Child of Elder Ambrosios Lazaris and when
the Elder was told about the sweet aroma that had
filled the air, he said: “This woman is among the
Saints in the Heaven and do you know why?
“God wants people like her to fill the Paradise and to
have the Second Appearance!”
ST. THEOPHANES THE RECLUSE
The True Christian tests himself every day. Daily testing to
see whether we have become better or worse, is so
essential for us that without it we cannot be called
‘Christians.’
Constantly and persistently we must take ourselves in
hand. Do this: from the morning establish thoughts
about the Lord firmly in your mind and then during
the whole day resist any deviation from these
thoughts.
Whatever you are doing, with whomever you are
speaking, whether you are going somewhere or
sitting, let your mind be with the Lord. You will forget
yourself, and stray from this Path; but again turn to
the Lord and rebuke yourself with sorrow.
This is the Discipline of Spiritual Attentiveness.
ST. NEKTARIOS OF AEGINA
Put up all your cares to God. He cares for you. Do not
become faint-hearted, and do not distress yourselves.
He Who searches out the hidden depths of a man’s soul,
knows your desires too, and has the Power to fulfil
them as He knows. For your part, ask of God, and do
not lose your Courage. Do not think that, since the
longing you have is Holy, you have a right to
complain, when your Prayers are not heard. God
fulfils your longings in ways that you do not know. So
be at peace then, and call upon God.
OUR LORD AND SAVIOUR 1 JANUARY 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.

6 January 2018

Holy Theophany – Baptism of Christ our Lord & Saviour

The Divine Revelation of the Holy Trinity

HYMNS OF THE SMALL ENTRANCE

FESTAL ISODIKON – THEOPHANY – TONE 2
✞ Evlogimenos O Erhomenos en Onomati Kyriou, Theos ✞ Blessed is He Who comes in the Name of the Lord. Save
Kyrios ke Epefanen imin. Soson imas, Iie Theo, O en us, O Son of God, Who was Baptised in the Jordan, who
Iordani ipo Ioannou Vaptisthis, psalontas Si: Allilouia! sing to Thee: Alleluia!
FESTAL APOLYTIKION - THEOPHANY
En Iordani Vaptizomenou Sou Kyrie, i tis Triados In the Jordan, when Thou was Baptised, O Lord, the
efanerothi Proskinisis. Tou gar Gennitoros i Foni Worship of the Trinity was made manifest. For the
prosemartiri Si, Agapiton Se Iion Onomazousa. Ke to Voice of the Father bore witness to Thee, naming Thee
Pnevma en idi peristeras eveveou tou Logou to asfales. “the Beloved Son.” And the Spirit, like a dove,
O Epifanis, Hriste O Theos, ke ton kosmon Fotisas, confirmed His Word as Sure and Steadfast. O Christ

Doxa Si! (3) our God, Who has Appeared and Enlightened the
world:
Glory to Thee! (3)
FESTAL KONTAKION - THEOPHANY
Epefanis simeron ti ikoumeni, ke to Fos Sou Kyrie, Thou hast Appeared today to the inhabited Earth, and
esimiothi ef imas en epignosi imnountas Se. Ilthes Thy Light, O Lord, has been marked upon us, who with
efanis to Fos to aprositon. knowledge sing Thy praise: Thou hast come, Thou art
made manifest, the Unapproachable Light!
INSTEAD OF THE TRISAGION OR THRICE HOLY HYMN
Osi is Hriston Evaptisthite, Hriston enedisasthe. Allilouia! ✞As many of you as were Baptised into Christ, have put on
[3] Christ: Alleluia!
✞ Doxa Patri, ke Io, ke Agio Pnevmati ke nin ke Ai ke is ✞Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy
tous eonas ton eonon. Spirit, Now and forever, and to the Ages of ages.
Amin Amen
Hriston enedisasthe. Allilouia! ✞ Have put on Christ: Alleluia!
Dynamis! P R I E S T With Strength!

Dynamis! CHOIR With Strength!

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

Eleos Aftou! endures forever!

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

HOLY THEOPHANY – BAPTISM OF CHRIST & DIVINE REVELATION OF THE HOLY TRINITY – 6 JANUARY 2018 5
 He might Redeem us from every lawless deed and Purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for Good
Works.
...For when the Kindness and the Love of God our Saviour toward mankind Appeared - not by Works of Righteousness
which we have done -but according to His Mercy, He Saved us, through the Washing of Regeneration and
Renewing of the Holy Spirit, Whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour, that having
been Justified by His Grace we should become Heirs according to the Hope of Eternal Life.
While Christian ethical Teaching often appears similar to St Paul had many opponents who accused him of failing
other systems, St Paul used both Roman and Judean to Love his fellow Israelites.
ethical terms – THE BASIS OF CHRISTIAN ETHICS BEING Judean unbelief was illuminated by ST PAUL’S DESCRIPTION
UNIQUE. OF ISRAEL – THE ONE THAT IS PHYSICAL (OLD COVENANT ISRAEL
CHRISTIANS SHOULD BE GOOD PEOPLE – not merely due to - JUDAISM) AND ONE THAT IS SPIRITUAL (NEW COVENANT
Obedience to Divine Law or harmony with nature, or ISRAEL – CHRISTIANITY).
in order to gain Immortal Bliss for our soul. ✶✶ GOD IS FAITHFUL TO ALL ISRAEL, but the significant point
Rather, Christians should BE RIGHTEOUS IN ANTICIPATION OF concerns THE TRUE CHILDREN OF ABRAHAM/ISRAEL WHO ARE
THE AGE TO COME – IN PREPARATION FOR ETERNAL LIFE IN THE CHILDREN OF THE DIVINE PROMISE – FAITHFUL BELIEVERS
GOD’S HEAVENLY KINGDOM – THE ESCHATON, which is the AND DISCIPLES OF CHRIST OUR LORD AND SAVIOUR.
Age of THE FULLNESS OF CREATION IN THE INCARNATE WORD  2 P E T E R 1 : 1 – “... those who have obtained like
AND SON OF GOD THE FATHER. Precious Faith with us by the Righteousness of
“Grace” is THE UNCREATED ENERGY OF ALMIGHTY GOD. our God and Saviour, Jesus Christ...”
Divine Grace is THE HOLY GIFT OF GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT, St Peter taught an Apostolic Consensus – “... like Precious
THROUGH WHICH HE GRANTS HIS DIVINE GIFTS TO MANKIND IN Faith with us...” - thereby REMINDING AND EXHORTING US
TENDER MERCY AND GOOD WILL. TO FULL CHRISTIAN BELIEF AND VIRTUE – encouraging us to
The Grace of God is THE FORMATIVE POWER, THE RULE OF LIFE FAITHFULLY FULFIL OUR DAILY LIFE IN CHRIST BY COMPLETE
OF THE ESCHATON, THAT REQUIRES OUR DETERMINED OBEDIENCE TO DIVINE TRUTH, BY STRIVING TO FULFILL ALL
PARTICIPATION AND OUR PERSONAL SPIRITUAL STRUGGLE OR GOD’S TEACHINGS AND COMMANDMENTS CEASELESSLY AND
STRIVING TO MAINTAIN. UNCONDITIONALLY.
To belong to God is to BECOME AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE LIKE OR St Paul believed that the Name “God” usually referred to
SIMILAR TO GOD IN WHOSE LIKENESS AND IMAGE WE ARE the Person of God the Father, not to His Divine Nature.
CREATED. As St Paul grew older, it seems his sense of the difference
(After the Fall, mankind lost our Divine Likeness, and this between this present age and the Age to come
temporary, preparatory period of earthly life is granted to (Eternity) was more profound. (deepened)
each of us in order to Struggle and Strive to regain that lost In his earlier Epistles, St Paul emphasised the present
Divine Likeness. mp) realisation of God’s Divine Power, whereas later, he
To be “Ransomed” or “owned” by our Lord God is not concentrated more on OUR FUTURE TRANSFIGURATION.
simply a legal and static state, but means to LIVE IN The “Washing of Regeneration” – THE HOLY MYSTERY OF
SOLIDARITY WITH OUR TRIUNE GOD BY OUR CEASELESS, BLESSED BAPTISM – and the “Renewing of the Holy Spirit.”
AND VICTORIOUS SPIRITUAL STRUGGLE. CHRISMATION, FORM A UNITY IN OUR SALVATION, which is
Our Holy Church Fathers regard “...our Great God and clearly stated throughout the New Testament.
Saviour, Jesus Christ...” as A LANDMARK STATEMENT OF THE  Our Lord Jesus Christ taught us that WE ARE RE-BORN
DIVINITY OF CHRIST JESUS. FROM ABOVE THROUGH “WATER AND THE (HOLY) SPIRIT.”
 R O M A N S 9 : 5 - “... for whom pertain the Adoption the (REFER TO JOHN 3:5)
Glory, the Covenants, the Giving of the Law, the  St Peter preached SALVATION IN CHRIST THROUGH BEING
Service of God, and the Promises, of Whom are the BAPTISED AND BY RECEIVING THE SEAL OF THE GIFT OF THE
Fathers, and from Whom, according to the flesh, HOLY SPIRIT. (REFER ACTS 2:38)
Christ came, Who is over all, the Eternally  St Paul strongly encouraged us to ACCEPT THE WASHING
Blessed God.” OF THE WATER, AND THE RENEWING OF THE HOLY SPIRIT –
THE HOLY MYSTERIES OF BAPTISM AND CHRISMATION.
THE HOLY GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST MATTHEW 3 : 13 – 17
OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST IS PUBLICLY PROCLAIMED BY GOD AS HIS ETERNAL SON AT HIS BAPTISM
At that time, our Lord Jesus went from Galilee to John at the Jordan to be Baptised by him. And John tried to prevent
Him, saying: “I need to be Baptised by Thee, and art Thou coming to me?” But Jesus answered and said to him:
“Permit it to be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfil all Righteousness.”
Then he allowed Him.
When He had been Baptised, Jesus came up immediately from the water. And behold:, the Heavens were opened to
Him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him. And behold: a Voice came
from Heaven, saying: “This is My Beloved Son, in Whom I Am well pleased.”
OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST BEING GOD-MAN, AND THUS SINLESS,  HE PREFIGURED HIS OWN FORTHCOMING DEATH, BURIAL AND
CERTAINLY DID NOT NEED THE SPIRITUAL PURIFICATION AND RESURRECTION, which gave the Holy Mystery of
SANCTIFICATION OF REPENTANCE AND BAPTISM. Baptism its ultimate Meaning and Purpose.
By making the Purification of mankind His own, OUR  HE ENTERED THE WATERS OF THE RIVER JORDAN, THEREBY
SAVIOUR WASHED AWAY THE SINS OF ALL MANKIND, GRANTED US SANCTIFYING ALL THE WATER ON EARTH.
SPIRITUAL REGENERATION AND REVEALED THE DIVINE MYSTERY  HE FULFILLED THE MANY FORETYPES MENTIONED IN THE OLD
OF THE HOLY TRINITY – God the Father, God the Son and TESTAMENT HOLY SCRIPTURES, as when St Moses led
God the Holy Spirit. the Israelites from bondage into Freedom through
Therefore, HIS BAPTISM WAS NECESSARY FOR THE FULFILMENT OF the Red Sea, and when the Ark of the Covenant
GOD’S RIGHTEOUS PLAN OF SALVATION. was carried into the Jordan River so that the
St Gregory of Nyssa explained that our Lord Jesus Christ Faithful People of God could enter the Promised
“... entered the filthy, sinful waters of the (fallen) Land. (EXODUS14 & JOSHUA 3,4 & 7)
world, and when He arose from the water, He  HE OPENED HIS HEAVENLY KINGDOM to a world that had
Elevated (Uplifted) and Purified our entire world with been separated and exiled from God due to our
Him.” rebellion, disobedience and all unrepented sins.
By being Baptised, our Divine Saviour accomplished THE BAPTISM OF CHRIST IS CORRECTLY ENTITLED “THE GREAT
several significant Things: FEAST OF THEOPHANY” WHICH MEANS “GOD REVEALED.”
 HE AFFIRMED THE HOLY MINISTRY OF ST JOHN THE BAPTIST THE ETERNAL, ONLY BEGOTTEN WORD AND SON OF GOD IS
AND FORERUNNER. REVEALED TO US BY THE DESCENT OF GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT,
 HIS TRUE, DIVINE IDENTITY WAS TESTIFIED TO AND REVEALED AND BY THE VERY VOICE OF GOD THE FATHER WHO TESTIFIES
BY the other Two Persons of the Holy Trinity – GOD TO THIS DIVINE TRUTH.
THE FATHER AND GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT. THEOPHANY IS THE GREATEST AND CLEAREST PUBLIC
 HE IDENTIFIED WITH HIS PEOPLE by descending naked into MANIFESTATION OF OUR TRIUNE GOD in human history –
the waters of the Jordan River together with them. “...the Trinity was made Manifest...” as we so Joyfully
sing.

6. H O L Y T H E O P H A N Y – B A P T I S M O F C H R I S T & D I V I N E R E V E L A T I O N O F T H E H O L Y T R I N I T Y – 6 J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 8
THE DIVINE WORDS ACTUALLY SPOKEN BY GOD OUR HEAVENLY
FATHER, ALSO APPLY TO EVERYONE WHO IS BAPTISED AND who
strives ceaselessly and determinedly to LIVE IN CHRIST,
for WE ARE DIVINELY ADOPTED at our Holy Baptism,
BECOMING CO-HEIRS WITH CHRIST our Saviour. (SEE
GALATIANS 4:4-7)
THE HOLY SPIRIT APPEARING and hovering “like a dove” IS
CERTAINLY NOT AN INCARNATION at all, but was A VISIBLE
SIGN OF SOMETHING MYSTERIOUS THAT DESCENDED FROM
HEAVEN AND ALIGHTED UPON CHRIST OUR LORD.
(Doves are able to hover in the air, which is how the witnesses GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT HAS ALWAYS RESTED UPON HIM.
described what they beheld, but the Holy Spirit did not take THEOPHANY – THE REVELATION OF THE HOLY TRINITY – is Joyfully
the form of a dove, which is an incorrect assumption that
should be avoided or rejected at all costs!! We can only
describe anything according to our personal experiences
and limited knowledge. mp)
THIS MYSTERIOUS, INDESCRIBABLE APPEARANCE OF THE HOLY
SPIRIT FULFILLED THE TYPE THAT HAD BEEN PREFIGURED AFTER
THE GREAT FLOOD, as St Theophan explained: “... just as
a dove announced to Noah that God’s Wrath had
ceases, so too the Holy Spirit Announced on
Theophany that Christ has Reconciled us with God by
sweeping sin away in the Flood Waters of Baptism...”
“The Spirit of God...” HOVERED OVER THE WATER AT THE FIRST
CREATION. ( G E N E S I S 1 2 )
HOLY THEOPHANY – THE BAPTISM OF CHRIST & THE DIVINE REVELATION OF THE HOLY TRINITY
✞ In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the These times consist of a God-opposing bustle, in which
Holy Spirit.
Dearly Beloved: On this Great Holy Feast of Theophany—
the Baptism of our Lord—we must all remember our
own Holy Baptism when, by the declaration and
Sacred Vows spoken by our Godparents (or, in the
case of adult Baptism, by ourselves) we Vowed that
we would always renounce Satan and all his works,
and we swore Holy Allegiance to Christ, thereby
committing ourselves to always being United with
Christ our Lord and Divine Saviour.
This is especially fitting for us to do on this Great Feast of
Theophany.
The solemn Rite of the Great Sanctification of Water
proclaims a Majestic Prayer wherein our Lord is
Glorified and the Grace of the Holy Spirit is called
down upon the water so as to be Sanctified.
This Prayer begins with the beautiful words: “Great art
Thou, O Lord, and marvellous art Thy Works, and no
word suffices to Hymn Thy Wonders!.”
Those of us who are familiar with the Holy Mystery of
Baptism know that the Prayer at the Sanctification of
the water in which a Catechumen will be Baptized
begins with these same words, and the first part of this
Prayer is completely the same - both at the Great
Sanctification of Water and at the Blessing of the
Baptismal Waters in the Holy Mystery of Baptism.
And in the last part, does the Prayer of Sanctification of
the Baptismal Water of the Holy Mystery of Baptism
differ, which is applicable to that particular Holy
Mystery whereby an immortal soul will be Baptised
into Christ.
Therefore, it is of significant Spiritual Benefit for us to
remember those Sacred Vows made at our own Holy
Baptism – no matter whether on behalf of us by our
God-parent or by ourselves.
Those Sacred Vows - whereby we have Vowed to God to
renounce Satan and all his works and have sworn
Holy Allegiance to Christ, thereby Uniting ourselves to
God - are usually not only forgotten by most of us, but
also MANY OF US KNOW NOTHING ABOUT THEM CONCERNING
THEIR VITAL SIGNIFICANCE TO OUR ETERNAL SALVATION - or
that THOSE MOST SACRED VOWS WERE PRONOUNCED ON OUR
BEHALF AND THAT WE MUST REMEMBER THEM ALWAYS AND
STRIVE TO FULFIL OUR SACRED ALLEGIANCE TO ALMIGHTY GOD
AS WE HAVE VOWED TO DO!
And on the Eighth Day – the Day of our Final Judgement
– when we have to account for ourselves and the fact
that although so long ago we made those Most
Sacred Vows to God, yet we did nothing about
fulfilling them is revealed for all Creation to see!
What will happen us?
Dearest Brethren, we must seriously think about what it
means to renounce Satan and all his works and to
join ourselves to Christ our Divine Lord and Saviour!
HOLY THEOPHANY – BAPTISM OF CHRIST & DIVINE REVELATION OF THE HOLY TRINITY – 6 JANUARY 2018
AT THEOPHANY, GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT HOVERED “LIKE A DOVE” AND
ALIGHTED UPON OUR LORD’S HEAD, THEREBY ANOINTING HIM
AS THE GREAT MESSIAH – our Lord and Saviour – at the
beginning of the New Creation (of the New Covenant
between God and mankind.)
OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST DID NOT “BECOME” THE SON OF GOD AT
THEOPHANY, FOR HE IS ETERNALLY THE WORD AND SON OF
GOD – HE HAS ALWAYS BEEN SO!
OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST WAS REVEALED TO MANKIND AS THE
ETERNAL SON OF GOD THE FATHER on that Glorious Day.
Commemorated on 6 January, for it also POINTS US
TOWARDS THE BLISSFUL AGE TO COME – Eternal Life in God’s
Heavenly Kingdom of Love.
 The Royal Psalmist, St David, wrote prophetically in his
Psalm 2: 7 “... Thou art My Son... Today I have
Begotten Thee..”
It is remarkable how THE BAPTISM OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST
REVEALED TO US THE INFINITE MYSTERY OF THE HOLY TRINITY
when GOD THE FATHER SPOKE from Heaven, and THE HOLY
SPIRIT DESCENDED, hovered and alighted upon THE
BAPTISED, INCARNATE, ETERNAL SON OF GOD.
the enemy of mankind reigns. He has taken
possession of us and forces almost everyone “to dance
to his tune.”
All this distractive, wicked bustle, of which this present life
is composed, is opposed to God and tries to convince
mankind that there is no God!
Our eternal enemy rules and enslaves those who are not
Spiritually Watchful and alert to his traps, lies and
deceptions..
We have made the Most Sacred Vows to renounce Satan
and all his works, and we have sworn Holy Allegiance
to Christ our Lord!
Consequently, it is imperative that we do everything we
can to avoid stifling our immortal soul with all this
misguiding, evil bustle.
We must reject those deceptive distractions and
remember the Words of our Lord Jesus Christ Who told
us that only “One Thing is needful” - only one
significant Aspect is necessary for our Eternal
Salvation – and that is - by paying careful attention to
His Divine Truth – the Divine Commandments and
Teachings of Christ – we must strive to fulfil everything
that is required of us with humble Obedience to God!
That is what our Lady, Theotokos, did and that is what all
the Saints did.
That is how we are truly United with our Lord Jesus Christ.
Carefully contemplate this, O Christian soul, on this Day of
the Radiant and Great Feast of Theophany.
Ponder this Divine Truth, and pray that our Lord will send
us steadfast Faith and the determined resolve to fulfil
our Most Sacred Vows and Holy Commitments to God -
and not be mislead, confused or enslaved by the
machinations of the evil one.
Let us strive all the more harder to nurture and increase
our Holy Relationship with the Lord our God to Whom
we Vowed to Unite ourselves forever.
Today’s Feast is called “the Feast of our Lord’s Baptism” or
” the Feast of Theophany.”
However, according to the Orthodox Typikon this Great
Feast is also called “the Feast of the Holy
Theophanies.”
One of the Festal Hymns we chant today, states: “God the
Word Appeared in the Flesh to the human race...”
When the Incarnate Eternal, Only Begotten Son of God
was born, only a very few knew about Him.
However, on this Great Day of Theophany, the Great
Messiah was identified by St John the Baptist and
Forerunner to Christ in the sight and hearing of many
people who had come to hear the preaching of St
John and to receive his Baptism once they had
Repented their sins.
Our Lord Jesus Christ “...Appeared to the human race...”
at His Baptism in the River Jordan, shortly before He
began His public Ministry.
7.
 His Baptism by the trembling hand of St John was the
solemn inauguration of His public Ministry, which He
performed until His Death and Resurrection.
Simultaneously, the fact that precisely on this Great Feast
Day “...the Worship of the (Holy) Trinity was made
manifest...” as mentioned in the Festal Troparion.
All three Persons of the Holy Trinity Appeared for the first
time in their separateness, which is also why this Feast
is called “the Feast of the Holy Theophanies.”
Mankind actually heard the Voice of God our Heavenly
Father proclaim: “This is My Beloved Son, in Whom I
am well pleased.”
They witnessed the Eternal, Only Begotten Son of God
being Baptised by St John who had been immensely
humbled and astonished when our Divine Saviour
went to receive Baptism from him.
And they also saw the Holy Spirit like dove descending
from Heaven and hovering above the Head of Christ.
(They could not clearly see God the Holy Spirit but they
witnessed something Divinely Mysterious descending and
hovering above Christ – He did not become/manifest as ‘a
white dove,’ )
In this way, “...the Worship of the Trinity was made
manifest...” for the first time, which is why the Church
sings thus in the Troparion, and why this is also “the
Feast of the Holy Theophanies.”
Our Lord Jesus Christ the Saviour Appeared in order to
begin His Salvific Ministry.
Our Most Gracious Lord deigned to be laid in a manger,
in a grotto that sheltered livestock, thereby
emphatically rejecting all earthly glory, all earthly
splendour and magnificence, for He was Born in
sumptuous royal chambers or rich palaces, but
precisely in those poor and modest conditions.
And thereby He immediately showed that He had
brought to the Earth a New Principle - that of True
Humility.
Our Lord Jesus Christ is always True to Himself.
Even on today’s Great Feast He instituted that very same
Divine Virtue of Humility as a Perfect Example for us to
emulate.
He went to the Jordan River to be Baptised by St John, His
Holy Forerunner and Baptist. – He Who had no sins at
all to Repent.
Repentant sinners – which we all are – went to St John
the Baptist, and having confessed their sins, he
Baptised them, Cleansing them with the water of the
River Jordan.
Yet He Who is sinless – He Who cannot commit anything
sinful nor evil for He is Perfect and Absolute Love and
Goodness - humbly stood in line with other sinners, as
if He were in need of this Cleansing washing with
water.
Nevertheless, the waters of the Jordan River did not
Cleanse our Most Holy and Sinless Lord.
THE ETERNAL, INSPIRED WISDOM
ST. MARK THE ASCETIC
Whoever does not fight the one who despises him, neither
in word not in thought, has received True Knowledge
and demonstrates a firm Trust in God.
ST. SILOUAN THE ATHONITE
We have such a law: If we forgive, it means that God has
forgiven us; but if we do not forgive our Brethren, it
means that our sin remains with us.
ST. MAXIMOS THE CONFESSOR
A soul that is nurtured by hatred towards others cannot
be at Peace with God, Who said: “If you forgive not
men their sins, neither shall your Father forgive your
sins!” If they do not want to be reconciled, we must
at least guard ourselves against hating - praying with
a pure heart for them, and speaking no evil of them.
ST. SILOUAN THE ATHONITE
If someone grieves you, or dishonours you, or takes
something of yours, then pray like this: "Lord, we are
all Thy creatures. Pity Thy servants, and turn them to
Repentance," and then you will perceptibly bear
Grace in your soul. Induce your heart to Love your
enemies, and the Lord, seeing your good will, shall
help you in all things, and will Himself show you
8. HOLY THEOPHANY – BAPTISM OF CHRIST & DIVINE REVELATION OF THE HOLY TRINITY – 6 JANUARY 2018
Instead it was He Who Sanctified the waters by entering it:
“Today the nature of the waters is Sanctified.”
Our Lord Jesus Christ brought the Divine Virtue of True
Humility to Earth, which He epitomised throughout the
course of His whole Life and He encourages us to
emulate Him “... learn of Me; for I Am Meek and lowly
of heart: and you shall find rest for your soul.”
At the Radiant, Joyful, the Feast of the Annunciation, the
Ever Blessed Virgin Mary received the Annunciation
from Archangel Gabriel, the Bearer of Good Tidings
concerning the Incarnation of God that would be
accomplished through Her.
And when she went to Her Aunt, St Elizabeth, in order to
share Her Joyful News with her, She simply said: “My
soul Magnifies the Lord, and my spirit Rejoices in God
my Saviour, for He has regarded the low estate
[Humility] of His Handmaiden.”
Her natural Obedience and Humility was the True Beauty
of Her spirit.
According to the account of the Annunciation, the Holy
Archangel, St Gabriel, Appeared to Her when She -
having read the Prophecy of Isaiah concerning the
Incarnation of God from a Virgin – never thought it
would apply to Herself, but only contemplated in the
depth of Her Humility how Joyful She would be if She
were : “... the least handmaiden of that Blessed
Virgin.”
And suddenly there Appeared before Her, the Archangel
Gabriel with his Good Tidings.
Our Lord Who is utterly Meek and Humble Himself,
regarded Her natural Humility and Obedience.
He also enjoined Humility on us, contrary to the sinful,
self-serving vices of pride and self-love whereby
mankind currently exists.
There is so much disharmony, so many disagreements
and disputes – even within our Holy Church and Her
Parishes!
This is caused everywhere by those who have become
red-hot with vanity, pride and self-love.
The only remedy against such passions is the Holy Virtues
of Humility and Obedience which our Lord urges us to
acquire so that none of that destructive wickedness
can occur – or will be avoided altogether.
Let us, then, Dear Brethren, learn from our Most Humble
and Obedient Divine Saviour, Who even though He is
absolutely sinless by Nature, went to St John to receive
his Baptism.
Let us all learn from Him these God-Beloved and Fragrant
Sacred Virtues, without which as our Holy Fathers
caution us, no other Holy Virtues can be acquired nor
Perfected.
Amen.
METROPOLITAN PHILARET (VOZNESENSKY) (2015)
HTTP://ORTHOCHRISTIAN.COM/76506.HTML
OF OUR HOLY FATHERS
experience. But whoever thinks evil of his enemies
does not have Love for God and has not known God.
ST. MARK THE ASCETIC
Consistently pray in all things, so that you might not do
anything without the Help of God ... Whoever does or
busies himself with anything without Prayer does not
succeed in the end. Concerning this, our Lord said:
"Without Me you cannot do anything." (John 15:5)
ST. MARK THE ASCETIC
Whatever we do or say without Prayer always ends up
either sinful or harmful and convicts us through the
deeds in some mysterious way.
ST. ISAAC THE SYRIAN
The Prayers of those who do not consider themselves to
be sinners is not accepted by our Lord.
ST. SILOUAN THE ATHONITE
When God has Mercy on us, He has Inspired someone
else to pray for us, and He helps us according to those
Prayers.
ST. MARK THE ASCETIC
Every sin that is left without Repentance is a sin unto
Death, for which if even a Saint shall pray, he shall
not be heard.
 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 7 January 2018

Sunday After Pentecost – Afterfeast of Theophany

st
31

Synaxis of St John the Baptist & Forerunner

The Feast of St Pachomios of the Monastery of the Transfiguration, Lake Keno – St Brannock of
Braunton, Wales – St Cedd, First Abbot of Lastingham, Bishop of Essex

RESURRECTION GOSPEL 9 – JOHN 20 : 19 – 31

OUR RESURRECTED LORD JESUS CHRIST BESTOWS HIS DIVINE AUTHORITY TO FORGIVE SINS UPON HIS APOSTLES

HYMNS OF THE SMALL ENTRANCE

RESURRECTION APOLYTIKION – TONE (6) PLAGAL 2

Angelike Dinamis epi to Mnima Sou ke i filassontes The Angelic Powers were in Thy Tomb, and the guards
apenekrothisan. Ke istato Maria en to tafo, zitousa to became as dead men, and Mary stood by the Tomb
ahranton Sou Soma. Eskilevsas ton Adin, mi pirasthis ip seeking Thy Most Pure Body. Thou led captive Hades,
aftou. Ipintisas ti Partheno, Doroumenos tin Zoin. O yet were not tempted thereby: Thou Who art the
Anastas ek to nekron, Kyrie,
Doxa Si. Bestower of Life came to meet the Woman. O Lord,
Who Rose again from the dead,
Glory to Thee!
MENAION -FESTAL APOLYTIKION – THEOPHANY
En Iordani Vaptizomenou Sou Kyrie, i tis Triados In the Jordan, when Thou was Baptised, O Lord, the
efanerothi Proskinisis. Tou gar Gennitoros i Foni Worship of the Trinity was made manifest. For the
prosemartiri Si, Agapiton Se Iion Onomazousa. Ke to Voice of the Father bore witness to Thee, naming Thee
Pnevma en idi peristeras eveveou tou Logou to asfales. “the Beloved Son.” And the Spirit, like a dove,
O Epifanis, Hriste O Theos, ke ton kosmon Fotisas, confirmed His Word as Sure and Steadfast. O Christ

Doxa Si! our God, Who has Appeared and Enlightened the
world:
Glory to Thee!
FESTAL APOLYTIKION – ST JOHN BAPTIST – TONE 2
Mnimi Dikeou met’ egkomion, Si de arkesi i martyria tou The Memory of the Just is observed with Hymns of Praise,
Kyriou Prodrome. Anedixhis gar ontos ke Profiton for Thou suffices the Testimony of our Lord, O
sevasmioteros, oti ke en rithris Vaptise katixiothis ton Forerunner. Thou hast proved to be truly more
kirittomenon. Othen tis Alithias iperathlisas, heron Venerable than the Prophets, since Thou were granted
evingeliso ke tis en Edi, Thos fanerothenta en sarki, ton to Baptise in the River He Whom they had proclaimed.
eronta tin amartian tou kosmou, ke parehonta imin to Therefore, when for the Truth Thou had Contested,
Mega Eleos. Rejoicing to those in Hades, Thou preached the Gospel,
that God is manifest in the Flesh, and takes away the
PATRONAL APOLYTIKION OF THE PARISH sins of the world, and grant to us His Great Mercy.
CHURCH/CATHEDRAL 
FESTAL KONTAKION - THEOPHANY
Epefanis simeron ti ikoumeni, ke to Fos Sou Kyrie, Thou appeared today to the inhabited earth, and Thy
esimiothi ef imas en epignosi imnountas Se. Ilthes Light, O Lord, has been marked upon us, who with
efanis to Fos to aprositon. knowledge sing Thy praise: Thou came;, Thou art
made manifest, the Light that no man can approach.
RETURN TO THE DIVINE LITURGY BOOK 
INSTEAD OF THE TRISAGION OR THRICE HOLY HYMN
Osi is Hriston Evaptisthite, Hriston enedisasthe. Allilouia! ✞As many of you as were Baptised into Christ, have put on
[3] Christ: Alleluia!
✞ Doxa Patri, ke Io, ke Agio Pnevmati ke nin ke Ai ke is ✞Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy
tous eonas ton eonon. Spirit, Now and forever, and to the Ages of ages.
Amin Amen
Hriston enedisasthe. Allilouia! ✞ Have put on Christ: Alleluia!
Dynamis! P R I E S T With Strength!

Dynamis! CHOIR With Strength!

Osi is Hriston Evaptisthite, Hriston enedisasthe. Allilouia! PEOPLE ✞ As many of you as were Baptised into Christ,
have put on Christ: Alleluia!

31ST SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST – AFTERFEAST THEOPHANY – SYNAXIS OF ST JOHN THE BAPTIST – 7 JANUARY 2018 9.
 PROKEIMENON – PSALM 63/64 – TONE (7) VARYS/GRAVE

Evfranthisete Dikeos en Kyrio ke elpii ep’ afton. The Righteous shall be glad in the Lord and shall Hope in
Isakouson, O Theos, tis Fonis mou, en to deesthe me pros Se. Him.
Hear my voice, O God, in my Supplications.
THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES 19:1-8
At that time, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul, having passed through the upper regions, arrived at Ephesos, and
finding certain Disciples, he asked them: “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” They said to him: “We
have not heard there is a Holy Spirit.” He asked them: “Into what then were you Baptised?” They replied: “Into John’s
Baptism.”
Paul said: “John indeed Baptised with a Baptism of Repentance, saying to the people that they should believe on Him
Who would come after him – that is, on Christ Jesus.”
When they heard this, they were Baptised in the Name of the Lord Jesus, and when Paul had laid hands on them, the
Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke with Tongues and Prophesied.
And Paul went into the Synagogue reasoning and persuading concerning the Things of the Kingdom of God.
✶✶ Ephesos was the capital city of the Roman Province of omitted when the Apostle (St Paul) speaks of Baptism,
Asia Minor – a large, magnificent city where St Paul that the Invocation of Their Names has been omitted.”
sojourned for at least two years and three months. Occasionally Holy Scripture mentions “...Baptism in the
Due to the influential significance of Ephesos, churches Holy Spirit...” or “...Baptism in Christ...” in order to
were established in almost every neighbouring city emphasise certain significant points.
and town within those three years. St Basil the Great reminds us that we are always
The Seven Churches that are mentioned in the Book of “...Baptised in the Name of the Father, the Son and
Revelation are all that area. the Holy Spirit...”
✶✶ Repentance is good for us and is vital to our Salvation Our Triune God always operates in Perfect Harmony doing
and Eternal Life. all things together - according to the Will of the Father,
But if it is apart from “Christ Jesus,” it will not be Spiritually through the Son, by the Power and Energy of the Holy
Beneficial for our Salvation! Spirit. Whenever Christ our Divine Saviour is Present, so
Ceaseless Repentance keeps us aware of our sins and are our Heaven Father and the Life-giving Holy Spirit.
encourages us to avoid all types of temptation that mp
lead to our Spiritual Death.
The laying on of hands for the Reception of the Holy Spirit
However, Repentance cannot restore us from corruption.
– i.e. Chrismation – is a distinct, essential Holy Mystery,
St Athanasios the Great explained that only the Incarnate
although it is combined with the Holy Mystery of
Son of God has the Divine Power and Authority to
Baptism.
overthrow both sin and its subsequent corruption.
The Holy Mystery of Chrismation can be administered by
Therefore, we really do need to be United to Christ in the
both the Bishop and the Presbyter (Priest) who Anoint
Holy Mystery of Baptism and the sustaining Power and
the Neophyte (newly Baptised or “New Light”) with a
Energy of God the Holy Spirit through the Holy Mystery
special Sanctified Myrrh that has been Consecrated
of Chrismation.
by the Patriarch of Constantinople.
✶✶ “...Baptised in the Name of the Lord Jesus...” is
✶✶ ”... reasoning and persuading concerning the
essential to all Faithful Disciples of Christ.
Things of the Kingdom of God...”does not mean that
Holy Baptism and Chrismation (“the Anointing for the
St Paul engaged in rational debates for the
Reception of the Holy Spirit”) are considered as being
Proclamation of the Holy Gospel of Christ our Divine
two distinct, essential Holy Mysteries since the
Saviour is not about winning intellectual arguments.
beginning.
Rather, this terminology indicates that St Paul spoke of or
Being “...Baptised in the Name of the Lord Jesus...” never
communicated the Divine Truth, which had been
means that the Names of the Three Persons of the Holy
witnessed by those who were Faithful, truthful and
Trinity are not mentioned at the time of Baptism.
reliable.
St Basil the Great said: “Do not imagine that because the
St Paul would always first preached the Holy Gospel to the
Names of the Father and the Holy Spirit are sometimes
Judeans and then to the Gentiles.
THE HOLY GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST JOHN 1 : 29 – 34
ST JOHN THE BAPTIST’S TESTIMONY TO CHRIST OUR LORD
At that time, John saw Jesus coming towards him, and said: “Behold! The Lamb of God Who takes away the sin of the
world! This is He of Whom I said, ‘After me comes a Man Who is preferred before me, for He was before me.’
“I did not know Him; but that He should be Revealed to Israel. Therefore I came Baptising with water.”
And John bore witness, saying: “I saw the Spirit descending from Heaven like a dove, and He remained upon Him.
And I did not know Him, but He Who sent me to Baptise with water said to me: ‘Upon Whom Thou see the Spirit
descending, and remaining on Him, this is He Who Baptises with the Holy Spirit.’ And I have seen and Testified
that This is the Son of God.”
St John’s identifying and revealing our Lord Jesus Christ “They made His Grave with the wicked and His Tomb
publicly as “the Lamb of God” recalled St Isaiah’s with the rich, although He had done no violence,
“Servant of God” Who died for the transgressions of and there was no deceit in His Mouth.
His People. “Yet it was the Will of the Lord to crush Him with pain.
The Prophecy of St Isaiah foretold of Christ: “Surely He “When you make His Life an Offering for sin, He shall
has borne our infirmities and carried our diseases; see His Offspring and shall prolong His Days;
yet we accounted Him stricken - struck down by THROUGH HIM THE WILL OF THE LORD SHALL PROSPER, out of
God - and afflicted. His Anguish He shall see Light; He shall find
“And HE WAS WOUNDED FOR OUR TRANSGRESSIONS, crushed satisfaction through His Knowledge.
for our iniquities; upon Him was the Punishment that “THE RIGHTEOUS ONE, MY SERVANT, SHALL MAKE MANY
made us whole, and by His Bruises we are Healed. RIGHTEOUS AND HE SHALL BEAR THEIR INIQUITIES.
“All we - like sheep - have gone astray; we have all “Therefore I will allot Him a portion with the Great and
turned to our own way, and the Lord has laid upon He shall divide the spoil with the strong: because He
Him the iniquity of us all. poured out Himself in Death, and was numbered
“He was oppressed, and He was afflicted, yet He did not with the transgressors; yet HE BORE THE SIN OF MANY AND
open His Mouth; like a lamb that is led to the MADE INTERCESSIONS FOR THE TRANSGRESSORS.” [ISAIAH 53:4 –
slaughter, and like a sheep that before its shearers 12]
is silent, so He did not open His Mouth. Christ, the True Paschal Lamb, offered Himself for our
“By a perversion of justice He was taken away. Deliverance from Darkness [OF SIN, IGNORANCE,
“Who could have imagined His Future? For He was cut DISOBEDIENCE TO GOD, ETC] as St Peter the Holy Apostle
off from the Land of the Living, STRICKEN FOR THE reminded us: “(…conduct yourselves throughout the
TRANSGRESSION OF MY PEOPLE. time of your stay here in Fear;) knowing that YOU

10. 3 1 S T S U N D A Y A F T E R P E N T E C O S T – A F T E R F E A S T T H E O P H A N Y – S Y N A X I S OF ST JOHN THE BAPTIST – 7 JANUARY 2018

 WERE NOT REDEEMED WITH CORRUPTIBLE/PERISHABLE THINGS,
like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct
received by tradition from your Fathers, BUT WITH THE
The Synaxis of St John the Baptist and Forerunner to Christ
In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the
Holy Spirit.
Dearly Beloved:
Every year on 9 September - the day after the Nativity
of the Ever Blessed, All Holy Virgin and Theotokos -
we gather around Her Venerable Parents, St
Joachim and St Anna.
On 26 December - the day after the Nativity of Christ -
we gather around our Ever Blessed, All Holy Lady,
Theotokos.
Today, 7 January - the day after the Baptism of Christ
and Holy Theophany - we gather around St John
the Baptist and Forerunner to Christ.
This gathering is called a ‘Synaxis’ which is related to
the Greek word "Synagogue."
‘Syn’ means ‘together’ and ‘ago’ means ‘I bring’ - thus
‘Synagogue’ and ‘Synaxis’ means ‘bringing
together.’
The Holy Church of Christ brings us together around
John the Baptist today, in order to learn more
about him:
✶✶ HE IS GOD’S MESSENGER –“ANGELOS “
 as stated in MARK 1:2 which quotes
 MALACHI 3:1.
 JOHN 1:6 - He was sent by God
 LUKE 3:2 - "... the Word of God came to John."
Some icons depict St John the Baptist with Angelic
Wings to emphasize his Sacred Role as a Holy
Messenger or Earthly Angel of God.
✶✶ St John the Baptist has taught us:
 MATTHEW 3 : 2 - "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven
is at hand!"
 MATTHEW 3:8 - "Bear Fruits worthy of Repentance."
✶✶ St John the Baptist and Forerunner to Christ is
 ISAIAH 40:3 & JOHN 1 :23 - "The voice of one crying in
the wilderness: make straight the way of the
Lord."
 MATTHEW 3:10 &12 as well as in the Book of MALACHI,
the Prophet warned us: "Every tree that does
not bear Good Fruit is cut down and thrown
into the Fire...." which is depicted in the Icon of
Theophany where a small tree is shown with an
axe leaning against it.
✶✶ ST JOHN IS ‘THE BAPTIST’ BECAUSE HE
 JOHN 1:26 - Baptised with water.
 MARK 1:4 - for repentance and remission of
sins
 MATTHEW 3:6 -The people confess their sins in
Baptism.
 JOHN 1:31 – St John's Baptism reveals our Lord
and Saviour, Jesus Christ to Israel (the
Church): "I did not know Him; but that He
should be revealed to Israel, therefore I
came Baptizing with water."
SEEKING THE
“Kyrie Eleison” – “Lord, have Mercy” - is the most
common Prayer in the Orthodox Church.
Most of us have come to know it as “the Jesus Prayer” or
“the Prayer of the Heart,” – the shortened version of
the Prayer ”O Lord, Jesus Christ, have Mercy on me,
a sinner.”
Christ taught us that our Lord God has no desire to
‘punish’ us for our sins. Instead, OUR LOVING AND ALL
MERCIFUL LORD GOD WANTS TO HELP US OVERCOME OUR
SINFUL TENDENCIES.
OUR HEAVENLY FATHER SENT HIS BELOVED, ONLY BEGOTTEN SON
TO US – to teach us His Divine Truth directly, due to His
infinite Love for all mankind - SO THAT WE COULD BE
HEALED, CLEANSED AND RESTORED TO OUR CREATED STATE,
AND SO THAT WE WILL LOVE GOD AND EACH OTHER AS MUCH AS
HE LOVES US.
This Divine, Unconditional Love is best expressed in this
marvellous Prayer of the heart.
31ST SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST – AFTERFEAST THEOPHANY – SYNAXIS
PRECIOUS BLOOD OF CHRIST, as of a Lamb Without
Blemish and Without Spot.” [1 PETER:18-19]
The Holy Spirit “...remained upon Him,” because CHRIST
OUR LORD POSSESSES THE HOLY SPIRIT IN HIS FULLNESS
✶✶ ST JOHN IS THE FORERUNNER TO CHRIST.
 JOHN 1 : 7 – St John bears witness to the Divine Light
(our Lord Jesus Christ)
 JOHN 1 : 29 & 36 – St John proclaimed: "Behold, the
Lamb of God Who takes away the sin of the
world"
 JOHN 1 : 34 – St John also proclaimed our Lord Jesus
Christ as the Eternal Son of God.
The Monk, Lev Gilet, the author of “The Year of the
Grace of the Lord, explained the significance of St
John the Baptist and Forerunner to Christ:
“... St Paul's words point exactly to the greatness and
the limitations of St John's Ministry.
“On the one hand, we must receive St John's Baptism of
Repentance - that is to say, we must listen to St John
when he tells us what the conditions are for our
Entry into the Messianic Kingdom and allow
ourselves to be touched by his Call to Repentance.
“On the other hand, St John's Baptism is not sufficient.
“We must go to our Lord Jesus Himself. “We must be
Baptized in the Name of our Saviour and in the
Holy Spirit.
“This does not simply involve the Sacramental Rites.
“What matters is our constant inner attitude, for we
cannot go to Jesus if we have not listened to St
John's voice, and if we have not Repented.
But we cannot remain in the state of Repentance that
St John preached - the New Justice that we must
move on to is that which our Lord Jesus Christ
alone procures!”
St John the Baptist declared that our Lord Jesus Christ
accomplishes what the Baptism of Repentance
cannot do – our Divine Saviour takes upon His own
Shoulders the sin of the world and thus Cleanses
mankind.
St John's Ministry therefore, will only be effectual for us
if it produces these two results - first that it rouses us
to Repentance, and then that it shows us to the
Lamb Who offers Himself in Sacrifice as Reparation
for our sins.
“...What the Synaxis of the Forerunner suggests to us
today is the breaking of our heart, which True
Repentance demands, and the Act of Faith
whereby we entrust our sins to the Lamb of God
and inwardly experience Redemption.”
Just as our Lord Jesus approached St John for Baptism,
we, too, must draw near, gather around --
'synagomai’ - to our Lord Jesus Christ so that He
can Baptize us as St John says:
MATTHEW 3 : 11 - Our Lord Jesus "... will Baptize you with
the Holy Spirit and Fire."
FR. RICHARD DEMETRIUS ANDREWS – ST GEORGE GREEK ORTHODOX
CHURCH, ST PAUL, MINNESOTA
HTTP://WWW.ORTHODOXYTODAY.ORG
GREAT MERCY OF GOD
Our Lord God is All Merciful and Compassionate for He
will forgive us our sinfulness as He knows and
understands our fallen, human condition.
OUR LOVING GOD WANTS US TO BE PERFECTED so that we can
have Eternal Life in His Kingdom forever, which is His
Divine Plan for us since even before the Creation!
Many of us recite this Prayer daily by repeating it over
and over throughout the day and well into the
evening.
IT IS A POWERFUL DISCIPLINE WHEN WE ENGAGE IN IT PRAYERFULLY
AND WITH LOVE OF OUR ALL MERCIFUL GOD.
WE ARE NOT FULLY AWARE OF HOW SINFUL WE ARE but any action
that is not taken to GLORIFY GOD is a serious error on
our part, for we miss THE SACRED PURPOSE OF THIS SHORT
LIFESPAN BEFORE ETERNITY.
By constantly repeating ‘ the Jesus Prayer’ throughout the
day and night, we will eventually have it firmly rooted
in our heart and in our soul, CONSTANTLY AND
CONSCIOUSLY SEEKING THE GREAT MERCY OF GOD, AND
REPENTING OUR HABITUAL SINS.
OF ST JOHN THE BAPTIST – 7 JANUARY 2018 11.
We may wonder how this can help us but HOW CAN WE
CONTINUE TO COMMIT OUR HABITUAL SINS WHEN WE
CONTINUALLY HAVE OUR LORD GOD BEFORE US – IN OUR MIND
AND IN OUR SOUL!
We perpetually fall into the traps of temptation and
commit many sins – either consciously or even
unconsciously, so IT IS ESSENTIAL FOR OUR SALVATION TO
JUST AS PERPETUALLY SEEK OUR LORD’S GREAT MERCY AND TO
REPENT OUR INIQUITIES.
ONLY HIS DIVINE LOVE AND FORGIVENESS CAN HEAL US, CAN
CLEANSE AND RESTORE US so that we can continue our
Life’s Journey in Peace and harmony.
OUR PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP
How do we see our True Spiritual State? How do we feel
about or perceive our personal Relationship with the
Lord our God?
At whatever moment we become aware of our
Relationship with God – the Relationship that we
ought to have with God - the moment we contemplate
our immortal soul and reflect upon our Spiritual State -
at this very moment - we can immediately make a
new start!
There is nothing to prevent us from this, and we can do so
at any moment.
Therefore, whenever this Life-changing moment comes,
we must stand before God.
We must Humble ourselves, Confess and Repent our sins,
and surrender our entire being to our Loving God.
We should feel the pain of our sins yet we must have the
courage to Confess and Repent them.
We must never be afraid, never despair or become
hopeless.
We must never think that we are automatically destined
for Hades and Hell!
By surrendering ourselves entirely to God, we can
confidently entrust ourselves to His Great Mercy and
infinite Compassion, for there is no sin that we cannot
Repent and receive His Divine Forgiveness!
No matter what has happened before, we are able - at
this very moment - to actually begin a Renewed Life
in Christ!
If we are genuinely honest with ourselves, we will know
that never before have we ever made a new start or
truly transformed our lifestyle!
This is because those who stand in the very Presence of
God are affected to such a degree that their only
THE CHARACTERISTICS
What, more realistically, is this “mutation,” the “new man”?
He is the rootless man, discontinuous with a past that
Nihilism has destroyed, the raw material of every
demagogue’s dream; the “free-thinker” and sceptic,
closed only to the Truth but “open” to each new
intellectual fashion because he himself has no
intellectual foundation.
He is the “seeker” after some “new revelation,” ready to
believe anything new because True Faith has been
annihilated in him; the planner and experimenter,
worshipping “fact” because he has abandoned Truth,
seeing the world as a vast laboratory in which he is
free to determine what is “possible.”
He is the autonomous man, pretending to the Humility of
only asking his “rights,” yet full of the pride that
ST SYMEON THE
Our Holy Fathers have listened to the Lord Who said that
“...from the heart come evil intentions, murder,
adultery, fornication, theft, perjury, slander...” and
how these are the things that make us unclean.
[MATTHEW 15:19 & 20]
Furthermore, they have listened to the part of the Gospel
where we are ordered to “...clean the inside of cup
and dish first so that the outside may become clean
as well.” [MATTHEW 23:26]
They therefore left aside any other Spiritual Work and
concentrated exclusively on guarding the heart,
Once, a poor man went to Church to complain to God that he had no shoes to wear. But in front of the church he saw a
man with no legs. Then our man, ashamed of his thoughts gave Thanks to the Lord for his healthy legs.
12. 3 1 S T S U N D A Y A F T E R P E N T E C O S T – A F T E R F E A S T T H E O P H A N Y – S Y N A X I S
We should NEVER SURRENDER TO THE TEMPTATION OF DESPAIR OR
HOPELESSNESS.
WE MUST RECOGNISE AND ACKNOWLEDGE OUR SINS THAT ARE
CAUSING OUR UNHAPPINESS AND DISHARMONY, and
IMMEDIATELY STRIVE TO CORRECT OUR ERRORS THROUGH
CONFESSION AND REPENTANCE, thereby seeking our
Compassionate Saviour’s Love and Grace so we can
CONTINUE TO GROW CLOSER TO HIM AND REGAIN HIS DIVINE
LIKENESS.
DEACON CHARLES JOINER
ST GEORGE GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH
GREENVILLE, SOUTH CAROLINA, USA
HTTP://ORTHODOXWAYOFLIFE.BLOGSPOT.CO.ZA/
WITH THE LORD OUR GOD
desire is to Transform themselves and begin to truly
Live in Christ.
We will eagerly Repent our sins and with extreme
gratitude receive His Forgiveness.
We will eager follow our Lord and humbly obey His
Divine Will in all things!
By the Grace of God, we will indeed be Transformed,
Cleansed and Renewed!
We are our Lord’s “Unprofitable Servants” who need to
constantly Repent and Confess our sins, and as we
grow closer to our Saviour, we will see even more
clearly the depth of our iniquities, knowing always
that we are the worst of sinners!
Those who prefer to live in the fallen world will not be
able to enter the Presence of God, nor will they have
any desire to change their self-indulgent lifestyle.
They will remain in Spiritual Blindness and Death unless
they choose to find Enlightenment and a New Life in
Christ.
The moment we realise what truly unprofitable servants
we are – experiencing exactly how worthless we are –
we will be compelled towards Repentance and seek
Spiritual Transformation – and when we acquire this
Blessed Spiritual State, our soul will know the Joy, the
Love and the Peace of Paradise!
Our soul will experience the Heavenly Reality of Life in
Christ by the Divine Grace of our Loving Lord God!
ARCHIMANDRITE SYMEON KRAGIOPOULOS
HOLY HESYCHASTERION “THE NATIVITY OF THEOTOKOS”
PUBLICATIONS.
HTTP://WWW.ORTHODOXPATH.ORG
OF “THE NEW MAN”
expects everything to be given him in a world where
nothing is authoritatively forbidden.
He is the man of the moment, without conscience or
values and thus at the mercy of the strongest
“stimulus”.
He is the “rebel,” hating all restraint and authority
because he himself is his own and only god.
He is the “mass man,” this new barbarian, thoroughly
“reduced” and “simplified” and capable of only the
most elementary ideas, yet scornful of anyone who
presumes to point out the higher things or the real
complexity of life....
* THIS EXCERPT IS FROM “NIHILISM: THE ROOT OF THE
REVOLUTION OF THE MODERN AGE” BY EUGENE (LATER FR.
SERAPHIM) ROSE.
HTTPS://SOLZEMLI.WORDPRESS.COM/
NEW THEOLOGIAN – ON GUARDING THE HEART
being confident that through this they would easily
achieve all other Virtues, whilst without it no Virtue
can be preserved.
This practice was called by some of our Holy Fathers
‘serenity of the heart,’ whilst others named it
‘attention,’ others ‘sobriety’ and ‘detainment,’ others
‘examination of the thoughts’ and ‘Guarding of the
mind;’ for they were all absorbed in this, and by this
they were found worthy to accept the Divine Virtues.
ELDER JUSTIN PARVU
OF ST JOHN THE BAPTIST – 7 JANUARY 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.

11January 2018

Afterfeast of Theophany – St Theodosios the Cenobiarch

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

HYMNS OF THE SMALL ENTRANCE

ISODIKON – TONE 2

Defte proskinisomen ke prospesomen Hristo. Come, let us worship and bow down before Christ.
Soson imas, Iie Theou, O en Iordani ipo Ioannou Save us, O Son of God Who was Baptised in the Jordan by
Vaptisthis,psallontas Si, Allilouia! John, who sing to Thee: Allelouia!
MENAION - FESTAL APOLYTIKION – THEOPHANY
En Iordani Vaptizomenou Sou Kyrie, i tis Triados In the Jordan, when Thou was Baptised, O Lord, the
efanerothi Proskinisis. Tou gar Gennitoros i Foni Worship of the Trinity was made manifest. For the
prosemartiri Si, Agapiton Se Iion Onomazousa. Ke to Voice of the Father bore witness to Thee, naming Thee
Pnevma en idi peristeras eveveou tou Logou to asfales. “the Beloved Son.” And the Spirit, like a dove,
O Epifanis, Hriste O Theos, ke ton kosmon Fotisas, confirmed His Word as Sure and Steadfast. O Christ

Doxa Si! our God, Who has Appeared and Enlightened the
world:
Glory to Thee!
FESTAL APOLYTIKION – ST THEODOSIOS – TONE (8) PLAGAL 4
Tes ton dakrion Sou roes, tis erimou to agonon egeorgisas, With the rivers of Thy Tears Thou made the barren desert
ke tis ek vathous stenagmis, is ekaton tous panous bloom; and with Thy sighs from deep within, Thou
ekarpoforisas, ke genonas foster ti ikoumeni, lampoon made Thy Labours bear their Fruit a hundredfold, and
tis Thavmasin. Osie atir imon Theodosie, Presveve Thou became a Star, Illuminating the world by Thy
Hristo to Theo, Sothine tas psihas imon. Miracles, O Theodosios, our Holy Father. Intercede
with Christ our God, for the Salvation of our soul.
PATRONAL APOLYTIKION 

FESTAL KONTAKION - THEOPHANY

Epefanis simeron ti ikoumeni, ke to Fos Sou Kyrie, Thou hast appeared today to the inhabited earth, and Thy
esimiothi ef imas en epignosi imnountas Se. Ilthes Light, O Lord, has been marked upon us, who with
efanis to Fos to aprositon. knowledge sing Thy praise: Thou hast come, Thou art
made manifest, the Light that no man can approach.
RETURN TO THE DIVINE LITURGY SERVICE BOOK
RESURRECTION PROKEIMENON – PSALM 115/116 – TONE (7) VARYS/GRAVE
Timios enantion Kyriou O Thanatos tou Osiou Aftou. Precious in the Sight of our Lord is the death of His Holy
One.
Ti antapodosomen to Kyrio peri panton, on antapedoken What shalt we render unto our Lord for all He has
imin? bestowed upon us?
FESTAL MATINS - HOLY GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST LUKE 6 : 17 – 23
CHRIST’S SERMON ON THE PLAIN – THE BEATITUDES & WOES
At that time, our Lord Jesus went down the mountain with His Apostles and stood on a level place with a crowd of His
Disciples and a great multitude of people from all Judea and Jerusalem, and from the coast of Tyre and Sidon, who
went to hear Him and be Healed of their diseases, as well as those who were tormented with unclean spirits. And
they were Cured, for Power went out from Him and Healed them all.
And He - raising His Eyes towards His Disciples - said: “Blessed are the poor, for theirs is the Kingdom of God. Blessed
are the hungry now, for they shall be filled. Blessed are those who weep now, for they shall Rejoice. Blessed are
you when others hate you, and when they exclude you, and revile you, and cast out your name as evil, for the
Son of Man’s sake.
“Rejoice in that day and leap for Joy! For behold! your Reward is great in Heaven...”
In the age of the Old Covenant a select few were chosen The term “Blessed” indicates HEAVENLY, SPIRITUAL
to hear God directly. (REFER EXODUS 19: 3 – 13) EXALTATION RATHER THAN EARTHLY HAPPINESS OR PROSPERITY.
IN THE AGE OF THE NEW COVENANT GOD INCARNATE SPEAKS In Hebrew, “poor” means both THE MATERIALLY POOR AND
DIRECTLY TO HIS FAITHFUL DISCIPLES AND ALL THOSE WHO SEEK GOD’S FAITHFUL PEOPLE.
DIVINE TRUTH. “The poor in spirit,” are THOSE WHO HAVE THE HEART OF THE
Our Lord Jesus Christ speaks to us with His own Divine POOR, THE SAME ATTITUDE AS THE POOR, AND WHO ARE TOTALLY
Authority and WE, AS HIS DISCIPLES, DO NOT DISCUSS OR DEPENDENT ON GOD.
DEBATE BUT LISTEN CAREFULLY TO WHAT HE REVEALS AND “Those who hunger ...” and thirst for Righteousness REGARD
TEACHES US CONCERNING GOD’S TRUTH – READY AND EAGER TO THE PRESENCE OF GOD AND HIS ETERNAL KINGDOM AS THE
FULFIL WHATEVER IS REQUIRED FROM US. THIS IS OUR HOLY MOST IMPORTANT PRIORITIES OF LIFE. THEY HAVE A
MISSION AND PURPOSE ON EARTH DURING THIS PREPARATORY TREMENDOUS CRAVING AND YEARNING FOR WHAT IS RIGHT AND
PERIOD BEFORE ETERNITY.

ST THEODOSIOS THE GREAT, HOLY CENOBIARCH 11 JANUARY 2018 13.

 GOOD – A SPIRITUAL HUNGER THAT IS FAR MORE COMPELLING This “Sermon on the Plain” is similar but not as extensive
THAN A DESIRE FOR FOOD. as Christ’s profound “Sermon on the Mount.” (MATTHEW 5 – 7)
“Those who weep...” refers to THOSE WHO ARE DISTRESSED BY OUR LORD JESUS REPEATED MANY OF HIS DIVINE TEACHINGS OVER
THE SUFFERINGS OF THIS LIFE, ESPECIALLY BY THE MISERY OF SO THE PERIOD OF THREE YEARS – HIS PUBLIC MINISTRY TO THE
MANY OTHERS, THE STATE OF THE FALLEN WORLD, AND THEIR HEBREWS AND GENTILES, WHICH WERE LATER SPREAD
OWN PERSONAL SINS. (REFER JOHN 11:35... LUKE 19:41 & LUKE 7 : 36 – 38) THROUGHOUT THE WORLD BY HIS DIVINELY INSPIRED APOSTLES
ALL THESE ARE COMFORTED BY THE POWER OF GOD BOTH IN THIS AND FAITHFUL DISCIPLES.
WORLD AND IN THE AGE TO COME. St John the Divine Apostle, Evangelist and Theologian
HOLY SORROW IS PART OF OUR REPENTANCE, CONVERSION AND wrote of three Passover Feasts that occurred between
VIRTUOUS ACTION. Theophany – the Revelation of the Holy Trinity at the
HOLY SORROW OR JOYFUL MOURNING IS THE FIRST-FRUIT – THE Baptism of our Lord in the River Jordan by St John the
INITIAL RESULT – OF INFINITE OR ETERNAL BLISS/JOY, which is Baptist – and His Passion – the New Covenant Pascha –
completely different from ungodly sorrow – an which shows us that our Lord’s earthly Divine Mission –
inconsolable sadness that leads to despair – utter the direct Teaching by God Incarnate Himself – lasted
hopelessness. (REFER TO 2 CORINTHIANS 7 : 10 ) only three short years!
THE GREATEST ACHIEVEMENT OF ALL IS WHEN WE COMMIT OUR LIVES This short section of the Holy Gospel according to St Luke
ENTIRELY TO CHRIST – WHEN WE LIVE IN CHRIST AND NEVER is read on Feast Days commemorating our Holy
COMPROMISE OUR FAITH no matter what the Hierarchs, Hieromartyrs and Monks.
circumstances or threats against us.
THE EPISTLE OF ST PAUL TO THE HEBREWS 13 : 7 – 16
REMEMBER & RESPECT OUR HOLY CHURCH FATHERS - REMAIN LOYAL & OBEDIENT TO ORTHODOX DOCTRINE & WORSHIP
Brethren: remember those who rule over you - those who spoke to you the Word of God. Consider the outcome of their
Lives, and imitate their Faith. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Do not be led away by
diverse and strange teachings. It is Good that the heart be Strengthened by Grace – not by foods, which have not
benefitted their adherents.
We have an Altar - from which those who serve the Tabernacle have no right to eat. The bodies of those animals,
whose blood is brought into the Sanctuary by the High Priest as a Sacrifice for sin are burnt outside the Camp.
Jesus also suffered in order to Sanctify the People through His own Blood, outside the gate. Therefore, let us go forth to
Him outside the Camp, to bear the abuse He endured.
Here we have no Lasting City, but we seek that which is to come. Through Him then, let us continually offer up a
Sacrifice of Praise to God – that is: the Fruit of lips that Confessed His Name. Share what you have - do not neglect to
do Good. Such Sacrifices are pleasing to God.
HOLY GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST MATTHEW 11 : 27 – 30
RESTING IN CHRIST
At that time our Lord Jesus said: “All Things have been Delivered to Me by My Father. And no one knows the Son
except the Father. Nor does anyone know the Father except the Son, and the one to whom the Son Wills to
reveal Him.
“Come to Me, all you who Labour and who are heavily Laden, and I will grant you Rest. Take My Yoke upon you
and learn from Me, for I Am gentle and lowly in heart. And you will find rest for your souls, for My Yoke is easy
and My Burden is light.”
St Theophylact explained to us that GOD HAS HIDDEN HIS THE YOKE OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST IS OUR FREE AND WILLING
DIVINE MYSTERIES FROM THE WISE AND ERUDITE PEOPLE OF THE SUBMISSION TO THE KINGDOM OF GOD AND EVERYTHING THAT
WORLD – not out of any malice towards His creatures IS REQUIRED OF US AS WORTHY FUTURE CITIZENS.
but rather because of their unworthiness, for they A Yoke could be seen as a sign of hardship, burdens, and
chose to trust their own fallen, warped and limited responsibilities, but IN CHRIST OUR SAVIOUR, HIS YOKE IS
wisdom and judgement instead of God’s Perfect and EASY, BECAUSE DIVINE POWER WORKS IN EACH OF US. (2 KINGS
Absolute Wisdom and Knowledge. 12: 1 – 11; JEREMIAH 34: 1-11; WISDOM OF SIRACH 40:1)
Furthermore, IT IS OUT OF HIS LOVE FOR MANKIND THAT GOD Furthermore, THE ULTIMATE REWARD IS INFINITELY GREATER
WITHHOLDS DIVINE REVELATION FROM THOSE WHO WOULD THAN ANY EFFORT MANKIND PUTS FORTH.
SCORN IT – IN ORDER THAT THEY DO NOT RECEIVE EVEN WORSE The term “Gentle” is literally translated “Meek.”
ETERNAL CONDEMNATION AT THEIR FINAL JUDGEMENT.
THE MAJOR PHASES OF SPIRITUAL LIFE
Father Dimitriu Staniloae believes that there are two We must strive to acquire each Holy Virtue in order to
major phases in our Spiritual Life. eliminate each destructive and grievous passion.
The first is the practical phase and the second is the When we progress towards Holy Contemplation we begin
contemplative phase. to see the Reality of the Universe.
The practical phase involves taking actions that help us Our objective is the "logo" of created things, for this is the
to overcome our attachment to passions, and to true meaning of them in the Sight of God.
progressively practise the Holy Virtues that lead us to As a result we will begin to see everything from a Spiritual
Divine Love. Perspective.
The purpose of this phase is to become liberated from the Once the inner nature of things is known, then we are
passions. able to enter into the Understanding of Mystical
Our mind must be Cleansed and become dispassionate Knowledge of God Himself.
so that we can proceed to the second Spiritual Phase Father Dimitriu explains it as "...an Ecstasy of Love, which
of Contemplation undisturbed by passions. persists unmoved in a concentration on God."
"Only a clean, shinny mirror, unspotted by passionate These Spiritual Phases are similar to the idea of
attachment to things of the world, is capable of Purification, Illumination and Perfection, which was
used by St Dionysios the Areopagite.
receiving Divine Knowledge."
The Contemplative Phase is an exclusive focus DEACON CHARLES JOINER-ST GEORGE GREEK ORTHODOX
Our mind becomes empty and Cleansed of passions, CATHEDRAL, GREENVILLE, SOUTH CAROLINA, USA
quiet with Peace and Tranquillity, and consequently HTTP://ORTHODOXWAYOFLIFE.BLOGSPOT.CO.ZA/
we are able to receive and accept Divine Knowledge. ST IGNATIOS OF ANTIOCH
There is a final stage which he refers to as “... the We are to follow without hypocrisy. Those who disobey our
Theological or Mystical Contemplation of God.” Holy Fathers whom we can see, also disobey our Lord
In the beginning our aim is Purification. Who is invisible. We must fulfill everything in Godly
We must first strive to become able to live the Holy Virtues Unanimity – under the supervision of the Bishops who
as taught by our Divine Saviour, Jesus Christ, for occupy the place of Christ and of the Presbyters who
thereby the passions are able to be conquered and constitute the Assembly of the Apostles – not thinking
controlled. It is like a two dimensional Struggle. that whatever we do alone and apart would be correct.

14. ST THEODOSIOS THE GREAT, HOLY CENOBIARCH 11 JANUARY 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 (7) Varys/Grave 14 January 2018

Sunday After Pentecost – Apodosis of Theophany

nd
32

Sunday After Theophany

Our Lord Jesus Christ Begins His Earthly Ministry

The Feast of St Sava I, First Archbishop of Serbia – The Holy Monastic Fathers of Sinai
and Raithu : St Isaiah, St Sava, St Moses & his disciple, St Moses, St Jeremiah, St Paul, St
Adam, St Sergios, St Domnos, St Proklos, St Hypatios, St Isaak, St Makarios, St Mark, St
Benjamin, St Eusebios & St Elias – St Nina of Cappadocia, Equal to the Apostles & Enlightener of Georgia – St Joseph
Analytinos the Holy Ascetic of Raithu – St Theodoulos, son of St Nilos the Faster of Sinai – St Stephen the Abbot of
Chenolakkos Monastery, Chalcedon – St Kentigern Mungo, First Bishop of Glasgow, Scotland

RESURRECTION GOSPEL 10 - JOHN 21 : 1 - 14

SMALL ENTRANCE HYMNS

RESURRECTION/ RESURRECTION APOLYTIKION – TONE (7) VARYS/GRAVE

Katelisas to Stavro Sou ton Thanaton. Ineoxas to listi ton By Thy Cross Thou destroyed Death; Thou opened
Paradison. Ton Miroforon ton thrinon metevales ke tis Paradise to the Thief; Thou changed the funeral wail
sis Apostolis kirittin epetaxas, oti Anestis, Hriste O of the Myrrh-bearing Women, and Commanded them
Theos, parehon to kosmo to Mega Eleos. to announce to Thine Apostles that Thou had Risen
from the dead, O Christ our God, Who bestows upon
the world Great Mercy.
FESTAL APOLYTIKION - THEOPHANY
En Iordani Vaptizomenou Sou Kyrie, i tis Triados In the Jordan, when Thou was Baptised, O Lord, the
efanerothi Proskinisis. Tou gar Gennitoros i Foni Worship of the Trinity was made manifest. For the
prosemartiri Si, Agapiton Se Iion Onomazousa. Ke to Voice of the Father bore witness to Thee, naming Thee
Pnevma en idi peristeras eveveou tou Logou to asfales. “the Beloved Son.” And the Spirit, like a dove,
O Epifanis, Hriste O Theos, ke ton kosmon Fotisas, confirmed His Word as Sure and Steadfast. O Christ

Doxa Si! (3) our God, Who has Appeared and Enlightened the
world:
Glory to Thee! (3)
FESTAL KONTAKION - THEOPHANY
Epefanis simeron ti ikoumeni, ke to Fos Sou Kyrie, Thou hast Appeared today to the inhabited Earth, and
esimiothi ef imas en epignosi imnountas Se. Ilthes Thy Light, O Lord, has been marked upon us, who with
efanis to Fos to aprositon. knowledge sing Thy praise: Thou hast come, Thou art
made manifest, the Unapproachable Light!
PROKEIMENON – PSALM 32/33 – TONE 1
Let Thy Mercy, O Lord, be upon us!
Rejoice in the Lord, O Ye Righteous!
THE EPISTLE OF ST PAUL TO THE EPHESIANS 4 : 7 – 13
WE MUST USE OUR SPIRITUAL GIFTS
Brethren: to each one of us Grace was granted according to the measure of Christ’s Gift. Therefore He says: ‘When He
ascended on High, He led Captivity captive, and granted Gifts to mankind.’
(Now this “...He Ascended...” – what does it mean but that He also first descended into the lower parts of Earth? He Who
Descended is also the One Who Ascended far above all the Heavens, that He might fill all things.)
And He Himself gave some to be Apostles, some Prophets, some Evangelists, and some Pastors and Teachers, for the
equipping of the Saints for the Work of Ministry, for the edifying of the Body of Christ, until we all come to the Unity of
the Faith and of the Knowledge of the Son of God, to a Perfect Man, to the measure of the stature of the Fullness of
Christ..
WHILE THE HOLY CHURCH OF CHRIST IS ONE IN ESSENCE, IT IS We are also guided, taught and assisted by specially
DIVERSE IN ITS HOLY GIFTS AND FUNCTIONS. Gifted people who work by the Grace of God for the
UNITY DOES NOT MEAN UNIFORMITY AND EACH MEMBER OF THE sake of the maturity and stability of the entire Holy
BODY OF CHRIST – HIS HOLY CHURCH – IS UNIQUE IN THE SIGHT Church of Christ – i.e. For all the Faithful Disciples of
OF GOD, WITH DIFFERENT GIFTS AND SPECIFIC ROLES GRANTED Christ, as well as those who are presently outside the
TO EACH SOUL BY GOD. nurturing Protection of the Holy Church.
DIVERSITY IN OPERATION IS BASED ON THE ASCENT OF THE SON OF St Paul’s Rabbinic manner of intertwining the Ascension of
GOD INTO HEAVEN AND THE DESCENT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT WHO Christ with the Descent of the Holy Spirit, reveals the
ENABLES AND ACTIVATES US - providing everything unique Relationship between the Body of Christ – His
necessary for our Eternal Life in Christ, which we Holy Church – and the Divine Gifts of the Holy Spirit
alone are unable to do. that make everything possible for us to achieve.

3 2 N D S U N D A Y A F T E R P E N T E C O S T - S U N D A Y A F T E R T H E OP H A N Y – A P O D O S I S – C H R I S T ’ S M I S S I O N B E G I N S – 1 4 J A N U A RY 2 0 1 8 15.
 The reference to “the lower parts of the earth” concerns
either the earth itself – i.e. The Incarnation of the
Eternal Son of God or physical burial and Hades – the
place of the dead (before the Coming of Christ) and
the Death of Christ and His Descent into Hades in His
human Nature.
ONLY CHRIST - WHO IS BOTH GOD AND MAN - CAN “FILL ALL
THINGS.”
ONLY CHRIST OUR SAVIOUR CAN REIGN OVER THE UNIFICATION AND
FULFILMENT OF ALL CREATION.
The Divine Gifts that St Paul mentions in this particular
section of his Epistle to the Ephesians are limited to
those who lead our Holy Church.
THE HOLY SPIRIT EXTENDS HIS DIVINE GIFTS TO EACH PERSON AT
THEIR CHRISMATION IMMEDIATELY AFTER THEIR HOLY BAPTISM,
BUT THE “MINISTRY GIFTS” LISTED HERE FORM ONE LEADERSHIP
GROUP WHO ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR EQUIPPING THE LAITY – THE
PEOPLE – FOR OUR OWN HOLY WORK OF MINISTRY.
THE HOLY GOSPEL ACCORDING
REP ENTANCE
At that time, when our Lord Jesus heard that John had been put in prison, He departed to Galilee. And leaving
Nazareth, He went and dwelt in Capernaum, which is by the sea, in the regions of Zebulun and Naphtali, that it
might be fulfilled, which was spoken by Isaiah the Prophet, saying: “The Land of Zebulun and the Land of
Naphtali, by way of the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles: the people who sat in Darkness have
seen a Great Light, and upon those who sat in the Region and Shadow of Death, Light has dawned…”
From that time Jesus began to preach and to say: “Repent! for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand!”
After the illegal imprisonment of St John the Baptist, OUR
LORD JESUS WENT TO LIVE IN GALILEE. Consequently the
Inspired Prophesy of St Isaiah, the Holy Prophet of
God, was fulfilled.
St Isaiah had lived so many centuries before and his
Prophecies were recorded in the Book of Isaiah (circa
745 – 680 BC, which was between 25 years before the
Assyrian captivity of the Northern Kingdom of Judah
to approximately 40 years afterwards.)
St Isaiah’s Prophecy concerning our Lord and Saviour
Jesus Christ- i.e. his Vision of the Glory of God – is one
of infinite Transcendence.
MANKIND’S ROLE IS ONE OF FAITH IN RESPONSE TO DIVINE
HOLINESS AND VISION FOR THE ENTIRE WORLD and ST ISAIAH
REVEALED THE MESSIAH – OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST – “THE HOLY
ONE OF ISRAEL” – IN AMAZING DETAIL – as if he were
relating history instead of predicting the distant
future!
He even described Theotokos and how She was to
Conceive and Bear God the Son Incarnate with Her
Virginity intact.
Furthermore, ST ISAIAH DESCRIBED THE SUFFERING PASSION OF
CHRIST TOGETHER WITH HIS GLORIOUS RESURRECTION FROM
THE DEAD, PROCLAIMING HIS ETERNAL KINGDOM as if it had
already happened!
✶✶ The term: “”Galilee of the Gentiles” indicates that
MANY NON-HEBREWS LIVED IN THE REGION. Having a
mixed population, Galilee was not considered to
be a genuinely Jewish land, even though many
Gentile residents had converted to Judaism during
the Maccabean period.
Because many of the Hebrews there had been influenced
by the Greek or Hellenistic culture and customs, they
were generally regarded as being “second class
citizens” by the Judean Hebrews.
✶✶ The reference to “Darkness” means A STATE OF
UNGODLINESS – I.E. BEING IN A STATE OF SPIRITUAL DEATH
OR DARKNESS WHERE THE DIVINE LIGHT OF GOD HAS BEEN
REJECTED.
In this context, it represents THE GENTILES’ UNAWARENESS OF
THE ONE TRUE LIVING AND ALMIGHTY GOD AND THOSE
HEBREWS WHO REMAINED IN THE SHADOWS OF THE OLD
COVENANT WITH GOD INSTEAD OF ACCEPTING THE DIVINE
LIGHT AND TRUTH OF THE NEW COVENANT with God
through the Guidance, Enlightenment and Teaching
of Christ our Lord and Saviour Who is in reality the
actual Incarnate Son of God.
✶✶ For anyone to “sit in Darkness” means TO BE OVERCOME
OR ENSLAVED BY A SPIRITUAL IGNORANCE OR REBELLION
AGAINST GOD.
✶✶ The “Great Light” is THE HOLY GOSPEL OR GOOD NEWS OF
OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST – the long-awaited Messiah
of God.
✶✶ THE FIRST DIVINE MESSAGE OF CHRIST TO THE WORLD – like
that of His Forerunner and Baptist, St John, WAS
“REPENT!”
16. 3 2 N D S U N D A Y A F T E R P E N T E C O S T - S U N D A Y A F T E R T H E O P H A N Y – A P O D O S I S – C H R I S T ’ S M I S S I O N B E G I N S – 1 4 J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 8
THERE IS A DIVERSITY OF PEOPLE AND HOLY GIFTS IN CHRIST’S HOLY
CHURCH FOR THE UNITY OF SERVICE, FOR THE METICULOUS
PRESERVATION OF TRUTH, AND FOR THE OPERATION OF DIVINE
LOVE – AGAPE – which is the primary Quality of Christian
Growth and Development.
The Church in which Christian Life – i.e. our Life in Christ –
develops, is not primarily an organisation, but an
organism whose parts or MEMBERS RECEIVE THEIR EDIFYING
POWER FROM CHRIST TO GROW INTO HIM.
St Paul did not look at Christians as being isolated
individuals who progressed towards Perfection –
Theosis – but rather as Unique and Sanctified
Members of Christ’s Body, EACH SOUL STRIVING TO REACH
THE PERFECT FAITH AND FULL KNOWLEDGE OF THE SON OF
GOD.
Thus UNITY OF FAITH CANNOT BE SEPARATED FROM KNOWLEDGE OF
THE SON OF GOD
TO ST MATTHEW 4 : 12 – 17
AND THE ETERNAL KINGDOM OF HEAVEN
 MATTHEW 3: 1 – 3 : the Preparation for our Saviour’s
Divine Ministry begins with St John the Baptist’s
call to Repentance, which accompanies Faith and
which is a TOTAL REFORMATION OF OUR EARTHLY HABITS
AND LIFESTYLE.
✶✶ TRUE AND SINCERE REPENTANCE IS BROUGHT ABOUT BY OUR
TRUE AND SINCERE FAITH IN CHRIST AND THE HOLY
TRINITY.
Our continuing Repentance is motivated by our Faith.
✶✶ WE ARE IN A PERPETUAL STATE OF SPIRITUAL LIFE AND SPIRITUAL
DEATH – I.E. REPENTANCE AND FORGIVENESS (Spiritual
Life and a return to Divine Grace) and
surrendering to the temptations through our sinful
thoughts, which become sinful words and deeds –
i.e. falling into Spiritual Death , which is our
terrifying alienation from the Divine Grace of God.
So THIS LIFE OF PREPARATION FOR ETERNITY IS A CONSTANT
STRIVING AND STRUGGLE against the weakness of our
flesh and the temptation of the fallen world and the
deceptions of the evil one.
✶✶ THE “Kingdom of Heaven” IS PRESENT WHEREVER CHRIST
OUR LORD AND SAVIOUR IS so through our constant
Spiritual Watchfulness and Struggle, we are able
to return after each fall to His Divine Presence and
Love.
✶✶ The word “METANOIA” (REPENTANCE) LITERALLY MEANS to
change one’s mind, or more generally, TO TURN
AROUND COMPLETELY.
Thus TRUE REPENTANCE IS A RADICAL CHANGE OF BODY AND SOUL
– a complete transformation of attitude, belief,
motivation, deeds - of being – a genuine Life IN Christ!
This is the only and most essential – most vital - first step
on the Path or Way of the Lord, which – after Holy
Baptism and Chrismation - is accompanied by
REGULAR CONFESSION OF SINS, THE PARTAKING OF HOLY
EUCHARIST (COMMUNION), REGULAR PARTICIPATION AND
ATTENDANCE AT ALL HOLY SERVICES, AND THE COMMITMENT
TO FASTING EVERY WEDNESDAY AND FRIDAY AS WELL AS
WHENEVER PRESCRIBED BY THE HOLY CHURCH.
✶✶ OUR LIFE IN CHRIST IS FULFILLED AND CLEARLY EVIDENT BY THE
RESULTS OF OUR SPIRITUAL TRANSFORMATION – by the
Spiritual Harvest of Fruits of our Labours of Love
throughout this life.
In other words, WHATEVER WE DO MUST BEAR GOOD RESULTS FOR
EVERYONE CONCERNED AND ESPECIALLY FOR THE GLORY,
HONOUR AND WORSHIP OF GOD.
✶✶ EVERY WORD, THOUGHT AND DEED HAS AN ETERNAL
CONSEQUENCE!
Although we might like to think that we can get away
with our “secret sins,” we must never forget that
NOTHING IS HIDDEN FROM GOD OR THE CLOUD OF WITNESSES
WHO WATCH OVER US CONSTANTLY!
✶✶ WE ARE HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR EVERYTHING WE THINK,
EVERYTHING WE SAY AND EVERYTHING WE DO – EXCEPT FOR
THOSE SINS THAT WE REPENT AND CONFESS BEFORE GOD
AND HIS HOLY PRIESTHOOD!!
 32ND SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST – SUNDAY AFTER THEOPHANY – THE APODOSIS – CHRIST’S DIVINE MISSION
✞ In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the
Holy Spirit...
Beloved Brethren: The first Sermon that our Lord and
Saviour, Jesus Christ, delivered occurred right after
Theophany.
It was one of the shortest Sermons that He gave us, yet, it
is one of the most powerful.
Many people believe that Theophany (or Epiphany) just
has to do with the Baptism of Christ in the Jordan
River.
Theophany is, however, just as the word says:
‘Θεοφάνεια’ – “ God revealing Himself.”
As the Eternal, Only Begotten, Incarnate Son of God – our
Lord Jesus Christ - was Baptized in the Jordan River,
the Holy Spirit descended and hovered like a dove
above His Head, and the Voice of the Father was
heard saying, “This is My Beloved Son, in Whom I Am
well pleased!”
After Theophany, and the Temptation of Christ by the
devil in the desert, St Matthew the Evangelist quoted
the Prophecy of St Isaiah, which states that “...the
people who sat in Darkness saw a Great Light...” and
when our Lord Jesus began His public Ministry, He
exhorted His People, saying, “Repent!” or
«Μετανοείτε!» - just as His Holy Forerunner had done.
In order for us to sincerely Repent any of our
innumerable sins, we cannot merely say: “I’m sorry.”
The Greek verb «μετανοώ» literally means “I change my
mind” – or, in other words, we must completely
change or transform our words, thoughts and deeds!
Our Lord Jesus taught us how to transform/change
ourselves and thus change our Relationship to God
and to one another.
The rest of our Lord Jesus Christ’s Divine Ministry – as well Every Sunday we must listen carefully to the Sermon that
as His Crucifixion, His Death and His Resurrection
concerns our True Repentance that transforms us
from within ourselves - an internal μεταμόρφωσις (or,
Transfiguration) by having God as the centre of our
Life.
This Call to Repentance by Christ our Divine Saviour
began with a Message - a Sermon- and for that very
same reason the Sermon is an integral part of the
Divine Liturgy – and of all Divine Services, in general.
Sermons are the way the Holy Church of Christ teaches
and explains to us the Eternal Divine Truth of Almighty
God – not merely our own, flawed idea of ‘Truth.’
Sermons are to be based on the Divine Truth recorded in
Holy Scripture, in the Inspired Commentaries of our
Holy Fathers and Mothers of the, Orthodox Church of
Christ, (who were such great exegetes, or interpreters
of the Biblical texts) and in the Holy Tradition of the
Church.
ST THEOPHAN THE RECLUSE – STAYING
1. FEAR DOUBT - it is our primary enemy.
Our diligence before God... gives rise to the idea that we
have some special quality by comparison to others
and even by comparison to ourselves.
This is more likely to occur when we have achieved some
success along the Path... We begin to daydream of
ourselves as ‘perfect beings’ who accomplish
wonderful things... the enemy seizes us like helpless
prey.
2. FEAR AND APPREHENSION WILL NOT ABANDON US.
We walk amongst many snares.
The enemy never immediately tempts us with what is
obviously bad - instead, he is more likely to deceive
us with the appearance of ‘good.’
3. MAY THE FEAR OF DEATH AND OF JUDGMENT AND OF ETERNAL
SPIRITUAL DEATH NEVER LEAVE US.
From morning, while we are renewing the memory of our
Lord in our heart, we must take care to add to this the
memory of these Final Things.
4. IT IS IMPOSSIBLE FOR US TO BE COMPLETELY REMOVED FROM
SOCIETY.
However, it is up to us as to how much time we spend in
less desirable company.
3 2 N D S U N D A Y A F T E R P E N T E C O S T - S U N D A Y A F T E R T H E O P H A N Y – A P O D O S I S – C H R I S T ’ S M I S S I O N B E G I N S – 1 4 J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 8 17.
Sermons explain and teach us the meanings and
purpose of Holy Scripture – especially the Divine
Teachings of Christ and His Holy Apostles, for we as
“...Christians are not born, (we) become...”.
One should never be afraid to admit that some things
puzzle us in our Spiritual Life for only in that way, are
we motivated to find answers to our questions.
The Sermon needs to be delivered in the language that
everyone can clearly understand – and sometimes
Sermons are delivered twice (or more) in different
languages.
Language should never be a barrier that prevents
anyone from learning about our Loving and
Compassionate Lord God.
Language is a God-given tool in order for all of us to
know that God Loves us abundantly – and that He is
not restricted to any particular group or ethnicity!
God created all mankind and He Loves us without
reservation.
Just as the Greek Sermon should be preached every
Sunday for those who are Greek and do not fully
understand English, (or in the mother tongues of other
Nations) it should be followed by an English Sermon
for those who do not understand the Ethnic language.
It is our Sacred Christian Duty to help our Brethren in
Christ to get to know our Lord Jesus Christ and His
Divine Truth – and for us to learn as much as we can
concerning our Christian Faith.
Finally, the Sermon should not apply to us only while we
are at Church.
The Sermon should be carried with us throughout the
entire week, so that we apply everything that we are
instructed to do to our daily words, thoughts and
deeds.
should then be lived by us – and conveyed to others
who may not have attended Holy Services that day.
Parents and children, grandparents and grandchildren,
friends and family, should discuss and ask questions
about each week’s Sermon.
No Saint was ever content with the knowledge they had
acquired, for they strove to find out more and more
about our Lord Jesus Christ and His Wonders.
Discussing the Sermon after the Divine Liturgy is a great
way for families and friends to grow together in Faith,
for when we strive to find out more about Jesus Christ,
we will experience that «μετάνοια» and we will
change - our words thoughts and deeds will become
far better, while learning to Love God and grow
closer to Him more and more every single day.
LIVING ORTHODOXY
HTTP://WWW.PRAVMIR.COM
ON THE PATH TO UNION WITH OUR LORD GOD
When we are socialising, we must not forget - to the
extent that we are capable - to keep our attention on
our Lord, Who is present and within us.
Furthermore, we must never forget the remembrance of
Death, which may take us at any time.
We must not surrender to the pleasurable impressions of
our physical senses.
The sensual life of the world is bad.
There are too many deceptive distractions, too many
different people with their opinions and activities
that can overwhelm our soul – all these mental
impressions disturbs us and is not conducive to
proper Prayer.
There is only one remedy for this. We must guard our
heart as much as possible from the tempting
pleasures of such diverse impressions.
5. WE MUST NOT AVOID PEOPLE, NOR BECOME GLOOMY OR
CYNICAL...
We should spend more time with our own kind of people
(so that we can Encourage each other in our Spiritual Life in
Christ).
We all have good habits. We must nurture them and not
abandon them. Nor must we pretend to be anything
but what we are.
We must not pay attention to gossip or rumours, nor must
we repeat them to others.
 We must never become bitter nor cynical, which is
unbefitting of a Disciple of Christ.
6. SPIRITUAL LABOURS AND STUDIES – PRAYER, READING, AND
MEDITATION – MUST BE DONE EVERY DAY.
If we neglect these we will not be able to make any
Spiritual Progress nor enjoy a healthy Spiritual Life.
We will become Spiritually Stagnant and Lifeless.
We must start our day a little earlier, so that before we
begin our mundane labours and commitments, we
fulfil our Spiritual Labours that will protect us and
guide us throughout the day.
We should spend more time in Prayer, after which we
can read meditatively, and apply everything to
ourselves and our activities throughout the day.
(Continue to pray throughout the day, as much as possible,
keeping ourselves close to God and striving to fulfil His Divine
Will in all things.)
ELDER JOSEPH OF VATOPEDI MONASTERY, MOUNT ATHOS
THE PURIFICATION OF THE HEART
Our entire life is preoccupied with the Spiritual Law. This
is the reason why we have withdrawn from the world
and have forsaken family life, which itself is not
something sinful.
We have abandoned these in order to express our Love
towards our Lord in a unique way, obeying the First
Commandment precisely.
Having been Called by our Lord, we have followed Him
in order to obey this Commandment.
We withdrew from society and denied our family to follow
the proper, or rather, the Undisturbed Way,
preoccupying ourselves with Inwardness and paying
attention to the meanings of things.
In this way, we hope to be able not only to win over
practical sin but also to eliminate it as soon as it
appears. That is, not only to avoid committing a sin in
practise but also to deny any mental association with
it. In this way we are able to attain to our Lord’s
Beatitude
 MATTHEW 5.: “Blessed are the Pure in heart, for they
shall see God!”
Our Lord Jesus has also told us that “...what comes from
outside into the heart does not defile man.”
What defiles us is what comes out from the inside of our
heart
 MATTHEW 15:19 “...for out of the heart proceed evil
thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications,
thefts, false witness, blasphemies...”
These are the grievous passions that overflow from the
heart and constitute the widespread wickedness.
Thus the Freedom of mankind’s personality has been
disgraced - the former Gentile who is created “...in the
Image and Likeness of God...” became wicked and
corrupted.
Since we are also part of this sick condition, we withdrew
from the world for this reason.
When we speak of “...the world...” we do not mean the
people, but the entire system of the former self, which,
according to St Paul are our “...passions and
desires.”
According to St John the Evangelist ‘the world’ is “...the
lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes...” foolishness,
and generally speaking. “...vain glory.”
Now, we are here and we are concentrating our
attention on how to accomplish the PURITY OF HEART,
since it IS THE ONLY WAY TO SEE GOD, as far as it is
possible for any human TO EXPERIENCE THE PERCEPTION
OF OUR LORD.
The issue of the anticipated Regeneration is not about
transferring ourselves to a Blissful State. These are
advocated by foreign dogmas.
After the (Second) Appearance of the Eternal Word of
God, mankind will not be Transferred to a ‘Blissful
Place,’ neither will we be Restored to ‘a better life’
having been in ‘exile.’
Our Holy Orthodox Church does not believe in such
things, for these are delusionary ideas.
THE EMPTYING OF THE WORD OF GOD CONVEYED DEIFICATION
ONTO OUR HUMAN NATURE.
Therefore, IF WE OBEY GOD’S WILL in this lifetime, WE human
beings WILL BE TRANSFORMED TO UNITY WITH OUR LORD
JESUS CHRIST THROUGH DIVINE GRACE.
18. 3 2 N D S U N D A Y A F T E R P E N T E C O S T - S U N D A Y A F T E R T H E O P H A N Y – A P O D O S I S – C H R I S T ’ S M I S S I O N B E G I N S – 1 4 J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 8
7. WE MUST CEASELESSLY LABOUR WITH ALL OUR STRENGTH.
We must turn to our Lord with all our concerns about our
family, our friends, our acquaintances and ourselves.
Trusting God implicitly is the firm Foundation of Spiritual
Life.
Nothing ‘’suddenly’ happens for everything will occur in
its own time and everything we seek with Faith will
come according to the Will of our Heavenly Father
Whom we beseech for His Great Mercy.
We must always be patient, and accept the Will of our
Lord God in all things, knowing with confidence that
only He knows what is Beneficial for us.
We must remain Steadfast in our Labours and in our
Spiritual Struggles.
http://orthodoxwayoflife.blogspot.co.za
Just as any adopted children participate in their father’s
property, name and personality, similarly we, too, are
the Adopted Children of our Lord, and have acquired
the status as His Righteous Heirs.
This is Theanthropismos (God-man-ism) which is what
our Lord Jesus Christ brought us on Earth, and as He
had said:
 JOHN 17:21-22 & 24 - “...just as Thou, Father, art in Me,
and I in Thee, that they also may be in Us, so that
the world may believe that Thou hast sent Me. The
Glory that Thou hast given Me I have given to them...
I desire that they also may be with Me where I Am, to
see My Glory.”
 JOHN 15:14 - “You are My Friends if you do what I
“you ‘servants’”
 MATTHEW 6: 9 - When His Disciples asked Him how to
pray directly to the Father, He taught us to pray: “Our
Father, Who art in Heaven…’”
However, if we are to accomplish this and enter into the
bosom of Divine Adoption, WE MUST BE CAREFUL NOT ONLY
TO AVOID SIN, BUT ALSO TO EXCLUDE SIN EVEN FROM OUR MIND
BY ATTACKING THE ROOT OF SINFULNESS.
As soon as our heart is Cleansed from the activities of the
various passions, which make up our former self, the
Holy Spirit enters and takes up residence.
Pay attention the Words of our Lord:
 JOHN 14:23 - “If anyone Loves Me, he will keep My
Word, and My Father will Love him, and We will
come to him and make Our Home with him.”
Our Lord specifically said: “...make Our Home...” He did
not say that THE HOLY TRINITY would come to ‘Visit’ us
but that They WOULD MAKE THEIR HOME – RESIDE! – WITH US.
This is what Theanthropismos is.
FREEING OURSELVES FROM SIN IS not an immediate but A
GRADUAL PROCESS, which resembles growing up.
THROUGH OUR PERSEVERANCE, THE PURIFICATION OF THE HEART IS
SLOWLY AND INEXPLICABLY ACQUIRED WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF
DIVINE GRACE.
FIRST THE MIND IS CLEANSED AND ILLUMINATED and then it
recognizes the Essence of thoughts and is not
deceived.
After MAKING PROPER USE OF THOUGHTS AND OBEYING THE
COMMANDMENTS EXACTLY, our heart is Purified.
WHEN DIVINE GRACE ENTERS AND RESIDES PERMANENTLY WITHIN
US, WE WILL BECOME GENUINE GOD-BEARERS. (θεοφόρος)
While still living here, we would pass from “...Death into
Life!”
This is Sanctification.
NO NATURAL LAWS HAVE ANY RELEVANCE TO SUCH BLESSED SOULS
FOR THEY PERMANENTLY COMMUNICATE BY DIVINE GRACE AND
ENTER INTO A SPIRITUAL STATE THAT IS ‘BEYOND NATURE’ and
they are granted the Gift of Perspicacity or of
Prophecy.
We are not afraid of any sickness or danger, since we
are protected by Divine Grace, having been
transferred to the state of Divine Adoption and when
the time comes to leave this world, we will be granted
the Trophies promised by our Lord Jesus Christ.
http://pemptousia.com
 Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria & All Africa
Archdiocese of Good Hope
All Glory, Honour and Worship to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and forever, and
unto the Ages of ages. Amen. Remembering also our Most Holy, Most Pure, Most Blessed and Glorious Lady,
Maria, Theotokos, yet Ever Virgin, together with all the Saints. And let us commit ourselves and one another
and our whole Life to Christ our God. Amen.

17January 2018

S t A nt ho n y t h e Gr ea t Ho l y H i e r o m ar tyr
Founder of Monasticism

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

FESTAL APOLYTIKION – ST ANTHONY THE GREAT – TONE 4

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

MATINS GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST MATTHEW 11 : 27 – 30

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

ST ANTHONY THE GREAT, FOUNDER OF MONASTICISM 17 JANUARY 2018 19

Now may the God of Peace Who raised up our Lord Jesus from the dead – that Great Shepherd of the Sheep – through
the Blood of the Everlasting Covenant, make you complete in every Good Work to do His Will, working in you what is
well pleasing in His Sight, through Jesus Christ, to Whom be Glory forever and ever.
Amen.
✶✶ALL OUR ORDAINED PRIESTS AND SPIRITUAL LEADERS – THE HOLY Because of the important role and function of our
PRIESTHOOD OF CHRIST – MUST BE RESPECTED AND OBEYED FOR Spiritual Fathers, THEY ARE SUBJECTED TO WORSE
THEY ARE OUR SPIRITUAL FATHERS OF CHRIST’S HOLY CHURCH. TEMPTATIONS THAN ANY OTHER SINNERS, so our concerted
✶✶ THEY WILL HAVE TO GIVE AN ACCOUNT OF THEIR HOLY MINISTRY Prayers must be offered to God for them as well as
AT THE FINAL JUDGEMENT – which will be far more strict ourselves and our loved ones.
than those of us whom they lead, guide and teach. Furthermore, BY RESPECTING THE HOLY PRIESTHOOD -
ST PAUL, being one of these Holy Spiritual Fathers of SUPPORTING THEM AND APPLYING THEIR ORTHODOX TEACHINGS
Christ’s Church, ASKED THE EARLY CHRISTIANS TO PRAY FOR TO OUR DAILY LIFE, THEY WILL BE ENCOURAGED AND REJOICE IN
HIM SO THAT HE COULD LEAD AN EXEMPLARY LIFE, WORTHILY THEIR SACRED LABOURS – and THEY WILL BE INSPIRED TO
AND CORRECTLY FULFILLING ALL HIS SACRED TASKS IN HIS GREATER EFFORTS AND LESS TEMPTATIONS.
HOLY MISSION. With regard to St Paul’s concluding Blessings: THE
THOSE WHO “RULE OVER” US ARE OUR ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN SUFFICIENCY OF THE DIVINE BLOOD OF CHRIST IS REALISED IN
BISHOPS AND PRIESTS WHO PERFORM ALL THE ESSENTIAL HOLY HIS RESURRECTION as our Lord offers His Precious, Life-
MYSTERIES. Giving Blood in the Eternal Sanctuary, thereby
THEY MOST CERTAINLY NEED OUR PRAYERS SO THAT THEY MAY LIVE INAUGURATING A NEW, EVERLASTING COVENANT, WHICH MAKES
EACH DAY WORTHILY IN ORDER FOR US TO IMITATE AND FOLLOW US COMPLETE as we cooperate with God in all things – A
THEM AS GOOD MODELS OF CHRISTIAN LIFE AS WELL. HOLY SYNERGY THAT PROMOTES OUR SPIRITUAL PROGRESS
THE FAITH OF OUR HOLY FATHERS IS THE SAME FAITH THAT THEY TOWARDS HOLY SAINTHOOD.
SHOULD BOTH BE TEACHING AND LIVING.
THE HOLY GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST LUKE 6 : 17 - 28
OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST’S SERMON ON THE PLAIN – THE BEATITUDES AND THE WOES
At that time, our Lord Jesus went down the mountain with His Apostles and stood on a level place with a crowd of His
Disciples and a great multitude of people from all Judea and Jerusalem, and from the coast of Tyre and Sidon,
who went to hear Him and be healed of their diseases, as well as those who were tormented with unclean spirits.
And they were healed. And the whole multitude sought to touch Him, for Power went out from Him and healed them
all.
Then He lifted up His Eyes towards His Disciples and said: “Blessed are you poor, for yours is the Kingdom of God.
Blessed are you who hunger now, for you shall be filled. Blessed are you who weep now, for you shall rejoice.
Blessed are you when others hate you, and when they exclude you, and revile you, and cast out your name as
evil, for the Son of Man’s sake.
“Rejoice in that day and leap for Joy! For indeed your Reward is great in Heaven, for in like manner, their fathers
did to the Prophets.”
After having prayed all night on a high mountain, OUR Christ also reassures us that NO MATTER HOW BADLY OUR
LORD JESUS SUMMONED HIS DISCIPLES TO HIM AND THEN WORST ENEMIES MAY TREAT US BECAUSE OF OUR FAITH IN GOD,
NAMED HIS CHOSEN TWELVE APOSTLES, after which He WE HAVE WONDERFUL DIVINE THINGS TO LOOK FORWARD TO IN
addressed those who had gathered to His Divine ETERNITY.
Wisdom. ✶✶THE MORE WE ENDURE FOR OUR LOVE OF GOD, THE GREATER
This Sermon on the Plain or “level place” is slightly similar WILL BE OUR SPIRITUAL REWARDS IN GOD’S HEAVENLY
to His great Sermon on the Mount, which is more KINGDOM.
detailed. Furthermore, the CLOSER WE GROW TO CHRIST OUR SAVIOUR –
His reference to THOSE WHO HUNGERED (AND THIRSTED FOR INDEED TO THE HOLY TRINITY – THE LESS OUR WORLDLY WOES
DIVINE RIGHTEOUSNESS) WERE THOSE WHO KNEW THAT THE AFFECT US and the greater our Eternal Joy and Peace
PRESENCE OF GOD AND HIS DIVINE KINGDOM WERE THE MOST in the Presence of Almighty God will be!
IMPORTANT ASPECT OF OUR LIFE. The closer our Relationship is to our Lord Jesus Christ, the
Such souls have a deep compulsion and craving for greater the temptations and evil schemes against us.
whatever is right in the Sight of God, similar to a Persecution by the evil one and his demons – both
starving person’s need for food. spiritual and human – demonstrates that we are
The Kingdom of God calls us to BE FREE FROM ALL ANXIETY actually making Spiritual Progress, for THE DEVIL IS
CONCERNING EARTHLY MATTERS and our Lord Jesus directs OBSESSED WITH THOSE WHO ARE FAITHFUL TO GOD, not
us to REMAIN FOCUSED ON HEAVEN WHILE BEING SECURE IN THE unrepentant sinners who are already enslaved by
FAITH THAT GOD ALWAYS PROVIDES US WITH ALL NECESSARY him!
EARTHLY BLESSINGS. INSTEAD OF BEING DISCOURAGED AND AFRAID, WE SHOULD BECOME
NOTHING IN THIS WORLD COMPARES WITH THE PRICELESS ETERNAL STRONGER AND EVEN MORE DETERMINED, KNOWING THAT GOD
TREASURES OF SALVATION AND SPIRITUAL LIFE – we shall be IS INDEED WITH US ALWAYS.
richer beyond all earthly measure! So thank God for all things – even our difficulties, which
OUR SPIRITUAL HUNGER AND THIRST WILL BE MORE THAN SATISFIED draw us all the more closer and closer to our Loving
WITH HEAVENLY BLISS and the True Joy of God’s Love and Merciful Lord – and which make us all the more
and Peace will fill us beyond belief! stronger and determined to progress towards our
ultimate Destination.
ASCETIC REFLECTIONS (PART 1)
The Ascetic Mind is not one of stone, cold and darkened frail leaf, and catch in every glimpse the Radiant
to the outside world. Shimmer of the Divine. In all things there is God.
Too often, those who stand apart from the Heavenly The Ascetic Heart knows Creation, and Rejoices in its
Struggle see it thus, and thereby see it askew. Bounty. It sees the breath drawn in and out by all
To climb is not to descend, and to grow is not to die. creatures, watches as they mingle together in the
Those who reject the world do so - not out of hatred, not Creator’s Hands. There is fawn, there is bird, there is
out of scorn for the Creation into which they have beast, but all are Life, and all Life is in Christ.
been born - but out of Most Profound Love. The Ascetic Heart knows humanity.
It takes a True Love deeper than most will ever know, to In its Gentle Sight there is no man, no woman—only
consider the world with such Fondness and Brother and Sister, Father and Mother, Daughter and
Thanksgiving that one is willing to let it go. Son.
Hope and Faith must be of the profoundest sort, if ever The Family of human life is United together with a Bond
they are to give birth to a heart willing to break away only this heart can truly see, and once it is seen, it is
from Creation, that it might one day be United more all that can be seen in man.
fully to it. That Bond of Communion, Reflection of the Divine, is the
The Ascetic Heart knows the world, and knows that it is nature of human being.
good. It can see the tranquil pond, the azure sky, the

20 ST ANTHONY THE GREAT, FOUNDER OF MONASTICISM 17 JANUARY 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.

18 January 2018

St Athanasios & St Cyril of Alexandria

Also the Feast of St Athanasios, Abbot of Syandemsk Monastery, Vologa – St

Athanasios of Novolotsk – St Marcian of Cyrrhas, Syria – St Cyril, Venerable Schemamonk, & St Maria, Venerable
Schema-Nun, Parents of St Sergios of Radonezh – St Joachim I, Patriarch of Trnovo & Bulgaria – St Maximos,
Archbishop of Serbia – St Maximos the New, Metropolitan of Wallachia, of Serbia – St Ephraim the Lesser, Writer,
Translator, Philosopher & Defender of the Georgian Church – St Alexi of Teklati, Venerable Hieromonk
FESTAL APOLYTIKION – ST ATHANASIOS & ST CYRIL - TONE 3
Ergis lampsantes Orthodoxias, pasan svesantes Having shone with deeds of Orthodoxy and extinguished
kakodoxian, Nikite Tropeofori gegonate. Ti efsevia ta all impious doctrines, You rightly won the Trophies
panta ploutisantes, tin Ekklisian Megalos kosmisantes, and Victory. Since You enriched all the world with
Axios evrate Hriston ton Theon evhes imon, correct belief, greatly adorning the Church with Your
doroumenon pasi to Mega Eleos. words and deeds, You therefore have worthily found
Christ God, Who by Your Prayers grants to all His Great
Mercy.
SEASONAL KONTAKION – MEETING/PRESENTATION – TONE 1
O Mitran Parthenikin Agiasas to Toko Sou, ke hiras tou Thou Sanctified the Virginal Womb by Thy Birth, O Lord,
Symeon Evlogisas os eprepe, profthasas ke nin esosas and Blessed the hands of Symeon fittingly, O Christ
imas Hriste O Theos. All’ irinefson en polemis to God; and even now, Thou came and Saved us. Grant
politevma, ke krateoson Vasilis ous igapisas, O Monos Peace to our Nation in time of war, and empower our
Filanthropos! Leaders, so Loved by Thee, the Only One Who Loves
humanity.
FESTAL PROKEIMENON - PALM 131/132
Thy Priests shalt cloth themselves in Righteousness, Thy Saints shalt greatly Rejoice!
My mouth shalt speak Wisdom, and the Meditation of my heart, Understanding.

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

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

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

LOYALTY TO ORTHODOX DOCTRINE & WORSHIP
B rethren: remember those who rule over you, who have spoken the Word of God to you, whose Faith you must follow,
considering the outcome of their conduct.
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever! Do not be carried away with various and strange doctrines. It is
good that the heart be established by Grace – not with foods that have not profited those who have been occupied
with them.
We have an Altar from which those who serve the Tabernacle have no right to eat. The blood of sacrificial animals is
brought into the Sanctuary by the High Priest for sin, while their bodies are ‘burnt outside the camp.’ Therefore Jesus
also – so that He might Sanctify the people with His own Blood – suffered outside the gate. Let us go forth to Him –
‘outside the camp’ – bearing His Reproach. For here we have no continuing city, but we seek the one to come. Thus
by Him, let us ‘continually offer the Sacrifice of Praise’ to God – that is: ‘the Fruit of our lips’ – Confessing His Name.
Do good and share without fail. With such sacrifices God is well pleased.
“Those who rule” are especially thE CELEBRANT PRIESTS OR SINCE CHRIST IS GOD AND NEVER CHANGES, HIS HOLY GOSPEL
OFFICIATORS OF THE HOLY MYSTERIES – THE BISHOPS AND DOES NOT CHANGE EITHER.
PRIESTS – who are not only to be prayed for, but also If CHRISTIANS IN THE PAST ATTAINED THE ETERNAL KINGDOM
followed as models of Christian Life. THROUGH FAITH, so can we.
The Faith of our Holy Fathers – our Christian leaders – is Thus the Holy Church of Christ strives to KEEP HER
the FAITH THEY BOTH TEACH AND LIVE BY. DOCTRINE PURE AND WITHOUT THE SLIGHTEST CHANGE. (To
SUCH A FAITH DOES NOT DISAPPOINT. change that Divine Perfection even slightly, makes it less
than Perfect!!)

ST ATHANASIOS & ST CYRIL OF ALEXANDRIA 18 JANUARY 2018 21.

 THE HOLY GOSPEL ACCORDING
FAITHFUL DISCIPLES OF
At that time, our Lord Jesus said to His Disciples: “You are the Light of the world. A city that is set upon a hill cannot be
hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are
in the house. Let your Light so shine before mankind, that they may see your Good Works and Glorify your Father
in Heaven.
“Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfil. Truly, therefore, I
say to you: until Heaven and Earth pass away, not one jot nor one tittle will by any means pass from the Law until
all is fulfilled.
“Whoever breaks one of the least of these Commandments, and teaches others to do so, shall be called least in the
Kingdom of Heaven! Whoever does and teaches them, shall be called ‘Great’ in the Kingdom of Heaven.”
ALMIGHTY GOD IS THE TRUE AND UNCREATED LIGHT.
In the Old Testament LIGHT WAS SYMBOLIC OF ALMIGHTY GOD,
HIS DIVINE LAW AND ISRAEL in contrast to all other
Nations.
 I S A I A H 6 0 : 1 – 3 “Shine, shine, O Jerusalem, for your
Light has come, and the Glory of the Lord has
risen upon you. Behold: darkness and gloom
shall cover the earth upon the Nations, but the
Lord will shine on you and His Glory shall be
seen upon you. Kings shall come to your Light,
and the Gentiles to your Brightness...”
This is the Hymn that we sing during Holy Pascha in the
Liturgical Services – for, as St John of Damascus
expressed it: “... the whole Creation rejoices and
exults, for Christ is Risen and Hades despoiled.”
 P S A L M 1 1 8 : 1 0 5 - “Thy Word is a Lamp to my feet and
a Light to my paths.”
In the New Testament, THE SON OF GOD IS “LIGHT” – HE IS
UNCREATED LIGHT OF UNCREATED LIGHT – TRUE GOD OF TRUE
GOD!
 J O H N 1 : 4 – 9 “... In Him is Life, and the Life is the
Light of mankind. And the Light shines in the
darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend
It. There was a man sent from God, whose name
was John. This man came as a Witness, to bear
witness of the Light, that all – through him –
might believe. He was not that Light, but was
sent to bear witness of that Light. That was the
True Light, which gives Light to everyone coming
into the world...”
✶✶ ONLY GOD HAS LIFE IN HIMSELF, THUS OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST,
BEING GOD, IS THE SOURCE OF LIFE, TOGETHER WITH THE
FATHER AND THE HOLY SPIRIT.
✶✶ “The Life was the Light of mankind...” St John now
introduces MANKIND AS SANCTIFIED RECEIVERS OF THE
DIVINE LIGHT OF GOD, WHO, BY LIVING IN CHRIST, BECOME
CHILDREN OF THE LIGHT OF GOD. ( J O H N 1 2 : 3 6 – E P H E S I A N S
5:8 – 1 THESSALONIANS 5:5)
 E X O D U S 3 : 2 & 1 3 : 2 1 - St Moses, our ancient
Patriarch, saw the Divine Light in THE MYSTERIOUS
BURNING BUSH and the whole Nation of Israel
witnessed It at THE PARTING OF THE RED SEA.
 I S A I A H 6 : 1 – 5 - St Isaiah beheld the Divine Light of
God IN HIS HEAVENLY VISION.
 M A T T H E W 1 7 : 1 – 5 - The three Apostles of Christ
witnessed the Divine Light of God at OUR LORD’S
TRANSFIGURATION ON MOUNT TABOR.
“Darkness” refers to SPIRITUAL DARKNESS OR BLINDNESS DUE TO
UNREPENTED SIN. It is both Spiritual Ignorance and
Satanic opposition to the Divine Light and Truth of
Almighty God. THOSE WHO HATE TRUTH, PREFER IGNORANCE
FOR THEMSELVES AND THEY STRIVE TO KEEP OTHERS IGNORANT
AS WELL.
“Comprehend” means both “understand”
“overcome.” Thus SPIRITUAL DARKNESS CAN NEVER
OVERPOWER THE DIVINE LIGHT AND TRUTH OF OUR LORD JESUS
CHRIST, NOR CAN IT UNDERSTAND THE WAY OF DIVINE LOVE.
(AGAPE)
“John” is a reference to ST JOHN THE BAPTIST AND FORERUNNER
TO CHRIST – THE LAST AND GREATEST OF ALL THE OLD
COVENANT HOLY PROPHETS OF GOD, who not only
prepared the Hebrews on earth for the advent of
Christ the True Messiah, but after his Holy Martyrdom,
HE ALSO PREPARED THOSE WHO WERE IMPRISONED IN HADES.
(AFTER CHRIST’S DEATH AND HIS OWN DESCENT INTO HADES, OUR
LORD JESUS SET THE RIGHTEOUS SOULS FREE TO REPOSE IN
PARADISE UNTIL THE FINAL JUDGEMENT. THIS IS KNOWN AS “THE
HARROWING OF HADES.”)
Although OUR MOST MERCIFUL GOD HAS OFFERED HIS DIVINE
LIGHT TO EVERY HUMAN BEING, the fallen world and even
many of His chosen people refuse to receive Him.
Thus they can neither know nor recognise Him. THOSE
WHO ACCEPT CHRIST OUR SAVIOUR, ARE GRANTED HIS DIVINE
LIGHT.
After having heard the reading of the Holy Gospel and
having received the Holy Eucharist in Divine Liturgy,
we sing: “We have seen the True Light! We have
received the Heavenly Spirit!”
22. ST ATHANASIOS & ST CYRIL OF ALEXANDRIA
TO ST MATTHEW 5 : 14 – 19
CHRIST ARE THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD
 J O H N 8 : 1 2 - Our Lord Jesus said: “I Am the Light of
the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in
darkness, but have the Light of Life.”
Our Lord used these words in the context of the great
lamps that were lit at the conclusion of the Feast of
Tabernacles in the Outer Court of the Temple in
Jerusalem.
Consequently, CHRIST DECLARES HIMSELF AS THE FULFILMENT
AND THE DIVINE OBJECT OF ALL CELEBRATIONS OF LIGHT.
In Holy Scripture, God the Father is Light – a Divine
Attribute that He bestows upon His Faithful Flock.
(JOHN 1:4-9 & 1 JOHN 1:5 – MATTHEW 5:14 -
PHILIPPIANS 2:15)
Furthermore, OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST CONFIRMS HIS CLAIM BY
PERFORMING THE GREAT MIRACLE OF CREATING EYES FOR THE
MAN WHO WAS BORN WITHOUT ANY EYES AT ALL. ( J O H N 9 : 1 -
7 – ESPECIALLY 9:5)
1 JOHN 1 : 5 “... This is the message that we have heard
from Him and declare to you: that God is Light and in
Him is no darkness at all.”
For St John the Divine and Beloved Theologian and
Apostle of Christ “LIGHT” IS DIVINE ENERGY, WHICH
MANIFESTED (REVEALED) DIVINE TRUTH – I.E. TRUE TEACHING –
VIRTUE AND HOLINESS – I.E. TRUE BEHAVIOUR AND LIFESTYLE –
AND HOLY COMMUNION WITH GOD IN HIS HOLY CHURCH – I.E.
TRUE SPIRITUALITY.
✶✶ THE STRONGEST OF ALL WEAPONS AGAINST SPIRITUAL DARKNESS
AND SIN IS OUR LOVE FOR GOD, WHICH IS A STRONG, VIBRANT
AND CLOSE RELATIONSHIP WITH HIM.
Light is necessary for clear vision and for life itself.
✶✶ FAITH RELIES ON DIVINE LIGHT and FAITHFUL BELIEVERS
BECOME “SONS OF LIGHT,” WHO SHINE IN A DARKENED AND
PERVERSE WORLD. (JOHN 12:36 - 1 THESSALONIANS 5:5 – PHILIPPIANS 2 :
15)
At Holy Pascha the Divine Liturgy begins with the Priest
exiting the Holy Sanctuary and presenting a lit candle
into the darkened church - inviting the congregation
to “Come and receive the Light that is never
overtaken by night!” whereupon, one by one, our
candles are lit and the entire church is quickly
illuminated by the soft, golden light – a wonderful
way of REMINDING US HOW GOD’S DIVINE LIGHT OF TRUTH
AND LOVE SPREAD AND ENLIGHTENED THE ENTIRE WORLD
FOREVER!
CHRISTIAN VIRTUES HAVE BOTH A PERSONAL AND PUBLIC FUNCTION,
for it can bring others to Glorify God and to live in
Christ forever.
✶✶ OUR LORD JESUS FULFILLED THE LAW IN HIMSELF - IN HIS
WORDS AND IN HIS ACTIONS BY PERFORMING GOD’S WILL IN
ALL ITS FULLNESS, BY TRANSGRESSING NONE OF THE PRECEPTS
OF THE LAW, BY DECLARING THE PERFECT FULFILMENT OF THE
LAW, WHICH HE WAS ABOUT TO DELIVER TO THEM AND BY
GRANTING RIGHTEOUSNESS – THE ULTIMATE GOAL OF THE LAW
and – TO US.
✶✶ HE ALSO FULFILLED THE PROPHECIES OF ALL THE HOLY
PROPHETS OF GOD, by being and carrying out
everything they had foretold centuries before.
Our Lord Jesus often used the term “Truly” or “Assuredly”
which means “confirmed,” or “so be it” – “Amen” – as A
SOLEMN AFFIRMATION OR FORM OF OATH.
His use of this expression at the beginning of certain
Divine Proclamations (rather than at the end) is UNIQUE
AND AUTHORITATIVE: HE DECLARES HIS WORDS AFFIRMED
BEFORE THEY ARE EVEN SPOKEN!
“A JOT” – “IOTA” – IS THE SMALLEST LETTER IN THE GREEK ALPHABET
WHILE A “TITTLE” IS THE SMALLEST STROKE IN CERTAIN HEBREW
LETTERS.
✶✶ Thus, WITHOUT EXCEPTION, THE ENTIRE LAW OF GOD IS
AFFIRMED AS THE SACRED FOUNDATION OF CHRIST’S NEW
COVENANT TEACHING.
“All is fulfilled” is a reference to THE PASSION AND
RESURRECTION OF OUR LORD AND SAVIOUr.
✶✶ RIGHTEOUSNESS ACCORDING TO THE LAW IS A UNIFIED WHOLE.
THE OBSERVANCE OF ALL THE LEAST COMMANDMENTS OF GOD IS TO
OBSERVE OR KEEP OR OBEY THE WHOLE DIVINE LAW OF GOD,
WHILE THE VIOLATION OF THE LEAST COMMANDMENT IS
CONSIDERED BY GOD TO BE THE VIOLATION OF THE ENTIRE
DIVINE LAW OF GOD!
It could not be made more definitive or clear to us than
This!!
18 JANUARY 2018
 Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria & All Africa
Archdiocese of Good Hope
All Glory, Honour and Worship to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and
forever, and unto the Ages of ages. Amen. Remembering also our Most Holy, Most Pure, Most
Blessed and Glorious Lady, Maria, Theotokos, yet Ever Virgin, together with all the Saints. And let
us commit ourselves and one another and our whole Life to Christ our God. Amen.

Tone (8) Plagal 4 21 January 2018

Sunday After Pentecost – 15 Sunday of St Luke

rd th
33

Sunday of the Calling of St Zacchaeus

Also the Feast of St Maximos the Confessor of Constantinople – St Neophytos of Nicea,
Bithynia – St Eugene, St Candidos, St Valerian & St Aquila of Trebizond – St Agnes, Virgin
Martyr of Rome – St Anastasios, Disciple of St Maximos the Confessor – St Neophytos of
Vatopedi Monastery, Mount Athos – St Maximos the Venerable Greek – The Holy Icon of
our Lady Theotokos of Comfort/Consolation – Holy Icon of our Lady Theotokos Esphagmeni (Stabbed) – The Holy Icon of
our Lady, Theotokos the Xenophon Hodigitria – St Fructuosis the Bishop, St Augurios the Deacon & St Evlogios the
Deacon of Tarrogona, Spain – St George (John) the Archimandrite of Georgia
RESURRECTION GOSPEL 11: JOHN 21 : 14 - 25

RESURRECTION APOLYTIKION – TONE (8) PLAGAL 4

Ex ipsous katilthes O Efsplaghnos, tafin katedexo triimeron, Thou descended from on High, O Tender-hearted One;
ina imas elevtherosis ton Pathon. I Zoi ke i Anastasis Thou endured the three-days’ burial, so that Thou
imon, Kyrie, Doxa Si! might free us from our passions, O our Life and
Resurrection: Glory to Thee!
ST MAXIMOS THE CONFESSOR - TONE (8) PLAGAL 4
Orthodoxias Odige, evsevias Didaskale ke Semnotitos, tis O Guide of Orthodoxy and Sacred Teacher of Piety and
ikoumenis O Fostir, ton Monaston to Theopenefston Dignity, Luminary of the world, and God-Inspired Jewel
egkliopisma Maxime Sofe, tes didahes Sou pantas of Monastics, O Wise Maximos, the Spirit’s Instrument
efotisas, lira tou Pnevmatos. Presveve Hristo to Theo, – by Thy Teachings Thou Enlightened all. Intercede
sothine tas psihas imon. with Christ our God for the Salvation of our soul.
SEASONAL KONTAKION - THE PRESENTATION OF CHRIST - TONE 1
O Mitran Parthenikin Agiasas to Toko Sou, ke hiras tou Thy Birth Sanctified a Virgin’s Womb and properly
Symeon Evlogisas os eprepe, profthasas ke nin esosas Blessed the hands of Symeon. Having now come and
imas Hriste O Theos. All’ irinefson en polemis to Saved us O Christ, our God, grant Peace to Thy
politevma, ke krateoson Vasilis ous Igapisas, O Monos Commonwealth in troubled times and strengthen
Filanthropos those in authority, whom Thou Love, as the Only
Lover of mankind.
PROKEIMENON – PSALM 27/28 - TONE (6) PLAGAL 2
Soson, Kyrie, ton Laon Sou ke Evlogison tin Klironomian Save, O Lord, Thy People, and Bless Thine Inheritance.
Sou. Unto Thee, O Lord, shalt I cry: O my God!
Pros Se, Kyrie, kekraxome, O Theos mou.
THE FIRST EPISTLE OF ST PAUL TO ST TIMOTHY 4 : 9 – 15
Timothy, my Son: the saying is sure and worthy of full acceptance. For to this end we both Labour and suffer reproach
for we trust in the Living God, Who is the Saviour of all mankind, especially of those who believe.
These Things, command and teach. Let no one despise your youth, but be an Example to the Faithful in word, in
conduct, in Love, in spirit, in Faith, in Purity. Until I come, give attention to reading, to exhortation, to Doctrine.
Do not neglect the Gift that is in Thee, which was granted to Thee by Prophecy with the Laying On of the Hands of the
Elders. Meditate on these things; give Thyself entirely to them, so that Thy progress may be evident to all.

Although ST PAUL was no stranger to hard, physical work “... the Gift that is in Thee...” is a reference to ST TIMOTHY’S
and its benefits, he PREFERRED SPIRITUAL EXERCISE FOR IT ORDINATION AS PRESBYTER (PRIEST OR ELDER) which was
LEADS TO ETERNAL LIFE. CONFERRED UPON HIM BY THE OTHER HOLY APOSTLES of Christ,
WE ARE ENCOURAGED TO “...give attention to reading...” – as it is performed by our Bishops to this very day.
whether personal or public reading of Holy Scripture St Paul gave St Timothy instructions concerning
during Communal Worship, which is COMBINED WITH Ordination. (1 TIMOTHY 5:22)
“EXHORTATION” (PREACHING) AND DOCTRINE (TEACHING). IN CONTINUITY WITH THE NEW COVENANT, ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN
THE EARLY CHRISTIAN CHURCH HAD A STRUCTURED LITURGICAL ORDINATION TO THE HOLY DIACONATE AND PRIESTHOOD
FORM OF WORSHIP, INCLUDING THE READINGS OF HOLY COMES THROUGH THE LAYING ON OF HANDS BY THE BISHOP.
SCRIPTURE, FOLLOWED IMMEDIATELY BY THE SERMON OR
HOMILY – the roots of which were in the Synagogues.
THE HOLY GOSPEL OF ST LUKE 19 : 1 – 10
THE CALLING OF ST ZACCHAEUS
At that time, Jesus passed through Jericho. And behold! There was a man named ‘Zacchaeus.’ And he was Chief of
the Publicans, and he was rich. And he wanted to see Who Jesus was, and was unable due to the crowd, for he
was short of stature. And he ran ahead and climbed up into a Sycamore tree to see Him, for He was to pass that
way.
And when Jesus got to that place, He looked up and saw him, and said to him: “Zacchaeus, make haste and come
down. Today I must stay at your house.” And he hastily climbed down, and received Him joyfully.

31ST SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST – 15TH SUNDAY OF ST LUKE – THE CALLING OF ST ZACCHAEUS- 21 JANUARY 2018 23.
 And seeing, they all complained, saying: “He has gone to be a Guest of a man who is a sinner!” Standing, Zacchaeus
said to Jesus: “Behold! to the poor, my Lord, half my goods I shall give. And if I have taken anything from anyone
by false accusation, I shall restore it fourfold!”
Jesus said to him: “Today Salvation has come to this house, because he also is a son of Abraham. The Son of Man
has come to seek and to Save what was lost!”
JERICHO WAS NOTORIOUS AS A CITY OF WICKEDNESS and was
commonly associated with CORRUPTION AND IMMORALITY.
(LUKE 10:30)
The comment “...he was rich...” is a reference to the
earlier Teaching of Christ Who had told the Rich
Young Man that THE ONLY WAY HE COULD GAIN ETERNAL
LIFE WAS TO SELL ALL HIS GOODS, DISTRIBUTE THE MONEY TO
THE POOR AND THEN FOLLOW CHRIST.
This specific advice to the Rich Young Man was followed
by the quotation: “It is easier for a camel to pass
through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to
enter the Kingdom of God.”
When the Disciples asked our Lord Jesus Christ who then
would be able to be Saved under such conditions, He
had assured them that “...the things which are
impossible for men are possible with God!”
✶✶ This Encounter between Christ and Zacchaeus
demonstrates clearly that DIVINE GRACE CAN ACCOMPLISH
ANYTHING AT ALL – ESPECIALLY THOSE THINGS THAT ARE
IMPOSSIBLE FOR US TO DO.
There are many Spiritual Interpretations expressing the
Universal significance of this particular Encounter:
➤ St Theophylact regarded THE CROWD THAT FOLLOWED
CHRIST OUT OF CURIOSITY AS SYMBOLISING OUR
INNUMERABLE SINS: “...crowded in by a multitude of
passions and worldly affairs, Zacchaeus was not
able to see our Lord Jesus.”
St Ambrose saw several parallels: the fact that ...
➤ Zacchaeus was “...short in stature...” was indicative of
his being SHORT IN FAITH AND VIRTUE AS WELL
➤ Zacchaeus had to climb a tree shows that NO ONE
ATTACHED TO EARTHLY MATTERS IS ABLE TO SEE OUR
SAVIOUR CLEARLY (unless we make a determined
effort!)
➤ our Lord intentionally passed that way reveals that
CHRIST APPROACHES ANYONE WHO IS WILLING TO REPENT
AND TO BELIEVE – HE WILL GO OUT OF HIS WAY TO MEET
33RD SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST – 15TH SUNDAY
✞ In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the
Holy Spirit...
Dearly Beloved: perhaps one of the reasons some do not
take the Christian Faith seriously today is that THOSE
WHO PROFESS TO BE ‘CHRISTIANS’ DO NOT ALWAYS LIVE THEIR
FAITH WITH INTEGRITY.
Many who profess to be followers of Christ give more
time, energy, support and attention to their favourite
athletic teams, politicians, hobbies, entertainment,
and self-centred desires of every kind instead of living
Faithfully as Christ has taught us, and nurturing their
Relationships to God and each other!
When our lifestyle is no better nor more virtuous than
those who are unbelievers or ungodly, others have
little interest in nor respect for our Orthodox Faith.
That is precisely why WE HAVE A LOT TO LEARN FROM THE
CALLING OF ST ZACCHAEUS, WHOSE LIFE WAS CHANGED SO
PROFOUNDLY BY HIS ENCOUNTER WITH OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST.
There were no illusions about what kind of person St
Zacchaeus was before he met our Lord and
welcomed Him and His Apostles to his home.
Zacchaeus had been a conniving, self-serving traitor to
his fellow Judeans because he not only collected
taxes for the Roman Empire that oppressed his people
and occupied their country, but he also robbed them
by demanding more than was required of them!
As a Chief Tax Collector Zacchaeus had become very
wealthy and lived in ill-gotten luxury.
However, although his lifestyle was as far from God’s
Commandments as one could get, ZACCHAEUS REALLY
WANTED TO SEE OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, having heard
about Him. Being a short, little man, he had had to
climb a Sycamore tree in order to be above the crowd
and get a good view of our approaching Divine
Saviour - ignoring the indignity of his actions.
There were, no doubt, several citizens in the crowd who
would have liked to see him fall out of that tree and
24 31ST SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST – 15TH SUNDAY OF ST LUKE –
REPENTANT SINNERS AND SPEND TIME WITH THEM. (but
God never forces Himself on us.)
✶ St Zacchaeus had used the term “GIVE” FOR HIS FREE AND
GENEROUS OFFERING TO THE POOR AND “RESTORE” FOR WHAT HE
OWED TO THOSE WHOM HE HAD CHEATED (AND ROBBED) as it
was not a gift but RATHER REQUIRED BY MOSAIC LAW.
 EXODUS 22:1 “If a thief is found breaking in at
night and is killed, there shall be no guilt for his
blood. But if the sun rises on the thief, there shall
be guilt if his blood is shed. However, he should
make full restitution; but if he has nothing, then
he shall be sold for his theft. If the thing stolen
from a donkey to a sheep, is found alive in his
possession, he shall restore double...”
BY GIVING GENEROUSLY TO THE POOR AND RESTORING WHAT HE
OWED AND MORE TO THOSE WHOM HE HAD ROBBED, ST
ZACCHAEUS NOT ONLY FULFILLED THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE
LAW BUT DEMONSTRATED HIS LOVE OF GOD AND HIS HOLY
GOSPEL.
The title “son of Abraham” indicates that Zacchaeus had
become like this particular Patriarch of Israel for he
was counted as being RIGHTEOUS BY HIS SINCERE FAITH,
he became GENEROUS AND COMPASSIONATE towards the
poor and destitute, and he was UNITED TO THE PEOPLE OF
GOD.
✶✶ ZACCHAEUS, THE SINFUL CHIEF TAX COLLECTOR BECAME “SAINT
ZACCHAEUS” - A FAITHFUL DISCIPLE OF CHRIST AND WAS LATER
ELECTED AS BISHOP of His Holy Church, serving God
devoutly until his repose in Christ Jesus.
The immense significance of THIS REPENTANT SINNER IS
evident from the fact that St Zacchaeus has not only
been COMMEMORATED EVERY YEAR THROUGHOUT THE AGES,
but THE LAST SUNDAY BEFORE THE BEGINNING OF THE
TRIODION PERIOD IS IN HONOUR OF HIM, and reminds us
and encourages us that NO MATTER HOW SINFUL ANYONE
IS, THROUGH SINCERE AND DETERMINED REPENTANCE, WE TOO
CAN BECOME HEIRS OF THE KINGDOM OF GOD AND ENJOY
ETERNAL LIFE.
OF ST LUKE – THE CALLING OF ST ZACCHAEUS
break his neck. Zacchaeus certainly knew what
people thought of him.
How shocked everyone must have been when the Great
Messiah of Israel called out to this wicked man:
“Zacchaeus, make haste and come down. Today I
must stay at your house...” whereupon that despised
little Tax-collector “... hastily climbed down, and
received Him joyfully.”
Those who witnessed that incredible scene grumbled
bitterly about what had occurred, for they believed
that it was strictly forbidden for any Righteous Judean
– let alone the Holy Messiah – to enter the house of
such a wicked, notorious traitor and criminal!
They believed that our Lord Jesus Christ and His Apostles
would be defiled by going into the home of such a
person and presumably dining with him!
By doing so, the outraged observers thought He was
either ignoring or endorsing Zacchaeus’ theft, greed,
and betrayal of his people, and even the occupation
and oppression of the Roman Empire!
THEY REGARDED THIS GREAT SPIRITUAL EVENT AS A SOCIAL AND
RELIGIOUS SCANDAL THAT WOULD CALL INTO QUESTION THE
INTEGRITY OF HIS SACRED MINISTRY, AND GIVE HIS ENEMIES
ANOTHER EXCUSE TO PERSECUTE HIM AND PLOT HIS DEATH.
In that very stressful moment, just when the crowd was
seething in anger at Christ and at Zacchaeus, the Tax-
Collector did something they would never have
expected - HE REPENTED HIS SINS AND PLEDGED THE
PAYMENT OF ALL HIS DEBTS TO THOSE WHOM HE HAD CHEATED
AND ROBBED OVER THE YEARS!
Before our Lord Jesus Christ said or did anything else, St
Zacchaeus Repented! HE ACKNOWLEDGED THE TRUTH
ABOUT HIMSELF - that he was a criminal exploiter of the
needy. HE IMMEDIATELY CORRECTED HIS SINFUL DEEDS by
giving half of what he owned to the poor, and
restored four-fold what he had stolen from others.
THE CALLING OF ST ZACCHAEUS- 21 JANUARY 2018
 AT THAT VERY MOMENT, THAT HATED, FEARED AND W RETCHED
SINNER COMPLETELY TRANSFORMED HIMSELF AND HIS
LIFESTYLE!
Our Lord Jesus Christ accepted the sincere Repentance of
St Zacchaeus, proclaiming “..Today Salvation has
come to this house..” – . to that “...son of Abraham..” –
for OUR DIVINE SAVIOUR HAD INDEED COME TO SEEK AND FIND
AND SAVE THOSE WHO ARE LOST..
This Event – the Calling of St Zacchaeus – clearly shows us
THE IMMENSE DIFFERENCE AND SPIRITUAL TRANSFORMATION
THAT OCCURS WHEN WE ENCOUNTER OUR LORD GOD.
ST ZACCHAEUS’ CALLING AND ENCOUNTER WITH CHRIST IS THE
SAME FOR EVERY ONE OF US, FOR WE CANNOT COME FACE TO
FACE WITH GOD AND REMAIN IN A STATE OF SPIRITUAL DEATH
AND UNREPENTED SIN!
AN ENCOUNTER WITH OUR LORD IS ALWAYS LIFE-CHANGING – no
matter who or what we are!
Our Divine Saviour has Appeared in our world. Just like
us He was born as an Infant and was Baptized for our
Eternal Salvation – for the Salvation of all mankind.
Christ our God has entered our world and our humanity
in general, to commune ‘up close and personal’ with
every one of us who are created in His Divine Image
and Likeness, even though we “...all have sinned and
fall short of the Glory of God.” ( R O M A N S 3 : 2 3 )
He has told us clearly and concisely: “Behold, I stand at
the door and knock. If anyone hears My Voice and
opens the door, I will come in to him and will dine
with him, and he with Me.” ( R E V E L A T I O N 3 : 2 0 )
OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST CAME TO FULFILL THE PURPOSES FOR
WHICH HE CREATED FOOD AND FELLOWSHIP – i.e. to share
Himself with us, TO MAKE US WORTHY PARTICIPANTS IN HIS
ETERNAL, BLESSED, AND HOLY LIFE that conquers all forms
of human corruption - and even Death itself.
This is His Divine Plan for each and every human being.
Our present existence concerns far more than our
emotions, so THE LIFE THAT CHRIST SHARES WITH US IS NOT
SIMPLY ABOUT HOW WE FEEL.
Our Life in Christ consists of far more than the few hours a
week we spend at Church, so the Life that Christ
shares with us is NOT SIMPLY ABOUT THE TIME WE SET ASIDE
FOR PRAYER AND WORSHIP.
OUR DIVINE SAVIOUR HAS BROUGHT US ETERNAL SALVATION,
HEALING AND FULFILMENT, TO EVERY DIMENSION OF OUR LIFE
AS HIS ADOPTED SONS AND DAUGHTERS.
That is why He became fully Man - one of us - so that we
could PARTICIPATE FULLY IN THE LIFE OF GOD BY DIVINE
GRACE.
Of particular significance, is the fact that St Zacchaeus
did not Repent his sins by proclaiming to have had a
kind of ‘religious experience’ nor did he promise that
he would change his wicked habits for ‘one day a
week!’
TO HIS EVERLASTING CREDIT, ST ZACCHAEUS IMMEDIATELY ACTED
MOST DEFINITELY, PRACTICALLY AND VISIBLY BY SACRIFICING –
FREELY GIVING AWAY - WHAT HE HAD LOVED THE MOST - his
financial wealth, possessions and self-indulgent
comfort.
HE DID EVEN MORE THAN WHAT JUSTICE REQUIRED OF HIM for the
victims of his crimes by returning four times as much
as he had taken from them.
IN ADDITION, HE GAVE HALF OF WHAT HE HAD ACCUMULATED TO
THE POOR AND DESTITUTE, REGARDLESS OF WHETHER HE HAD
STOLEN FROM THEM.
In response to our All Wise Redeemer’s overwhelming
Love and Great Mercy, ST ZACCHAEUS JOYFULLY AND
MOST GRATEFULLY WELCOMED OUR GRACIOUS LORD INTO HIS
HOUSE – AND INTO HIS HEART AND SOUL, FOREVER.
Could the same be said of you and me?
WE COMMUNE WITH CHRIST IN THE HOLY EUCHARIST AT EVERY
DIVINE LITURGY - partaking of His Most Precious and
ASCETIC REFLECTIONS – ST JOSEPH
The Ascetic Heart knows itself, and knows that it is good.
For all that may darken and stain its surface, the
handiwork of a Craftsman is still beloved, and what
was once made Divine can only be sullied and
perverted, but never wholly destroyed.
The Ascetic Heart looks within, and knows of a great
Beauty to be found inside its own walls.
Yet this same Ascetic Heart also knows of Darkness.
As much as it has rejoiced over its Light and Fullness, so
much has it bewailed its void and emptiness.
31ST SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST – 15TH SUNDAY OF ST LUKE –
Life-giving Body and Blood - thereby WELCOMING HIS
PRESENCE IN OUR HEART AND SOUL BY THE POWER OF THE HOLY
SPIRIT.
We partake of His Heavenly Banquet and WE RECEIVE HIM
INTO OUR BODY AND SOUL “...for the forgiveness of sins
and Life Everlasting.”
If we think for one moment that Communing with Christ
our Lord is simply ‘an ancient religious ritual’ or
something that has merely an emotional or invisible
significance, then we must think again.
For TO BE UNITED INTIMATELY WITH OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST - to
be Nourished by Him for the Healing of our soul - MUST
IMPACT EVERY DIMENSION OF WHO WE ARE in this world.
SALVATION IS not ‘an escape’ from life as we know it, but its
COMPLETE FULFILMENT.
SALVATION MUST BE WELCOMED into our home just as tangibly
as It was welcomed by St Zacchaeus, FOR THROUGH
FAITH IN OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, WE, TOO, ARE
“...Abraham’s Seed, and Heirs according to the
Promise.” (GALATIANS 3:29)
One way of applying these Sacred Lessons to our Life in
Christ is to ask in what ways WE NEED TO OPEN OURSELVES
TO FULLER COMMUNION WITH CHRIST - to a deeper and
healthier Relationship with Him.
OUR TREATMENT AND ATTITUDE TOWARDS OUR NEIGHBOURS ALSO
APPLIES TO AND IS MOST SIGNIFICANT TO OUR RELATIONSHIP
WITH THE LORD OUR GOD.
CONSEQUENTLY, WE SHOULD ASK OURSELVES WITH WHOM WE NEED
TO MAKE AMENDS ACCORDING TO TRUE JUSTICE - AND THEN DO
EVEN MORE FOR THEM AND FOR OTHERS. (MATTHEW 25:33FF.)
WHEN WE HAVE DENIED our spouses, children, and other
family members THE FULLNESS OF OUR LOVE, WE MUST MAKE
UP FOR THAT ALSO.
WE SHOULD CONSIDER - AND BE EVER WATCHFUL - CONCERNING
WHATEVER WE HAVE TAKEN SELFISHLY, CARELESSLY,
THOUGHTLESSLY OR UNGRATEFULLY FROM OUR FAMILY, FRIENDS
AND NEIGHBOURS - WHETHER MONEY, TIME, ATTENTION, OR
ANYTHING ELSE, AND RETURN IT IN ABUNDANCE.
Like St Zacchaeus, we should LOOK FOR OPPORTUNITIES TO
HELP THE POOR, THE NEEDY AND THE DESTITUTE AS MUCH AS
POSSIBLE - regardless of whether their poverty is one of
friendship, encouragement, or the resources
necessary to buy food, clothing, and shelter.
We must PRAYERFULLY CONSIDER WHAT CHANGES AND
REPENTANCE IS REQUIRED of us so that we are worthy to
EAGERLY AND JOYFULLY INVITE OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST’S
GRACIOUS ENTRANCE INTO OUR HEART AND SOUL.
ST ZACCHAEUS is such a wonderful example of a Repentant
sinner who SO JOYFULLY AND THANKFULLY RECEIVED OUR
LORD AND BECAME ONE OF HIS SHINING BEACONS OF
HOLINESS.
He did so BY DEEP, GENUINE, PERSONAL REPENTANCE that went
to the heart of who he was before God and UTTERLY
CHANGED HOW HE RELATED TO OTHER PEOPLE IN PRACTICAL
WAYS.
If we FOLLOW HIS GOOD EXAMPLE, then we will also be able
to intimately BE IN COMMUNION WITH OUR LORD JESUS BY
OFFERING OURSELVES TO HIM IN EVERY THOUGHT, WORD, AND
DEED.
We will BECOME A CHANNEL OF BLESSINGS TO OTHERS - and
even sceptics will notice that Salvation has come to
our house. And then they may be so curious about
what has happened that they will even ‘ climb a
Sycamore tree’ in order to get a better view of our
approaching Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ!
Amen.
REVEREND PHILIP LEMASTERS, PROFESSOR OF CHRISTIAN ETHICS – ST VLADIMIR’S
ORTHODOX THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY, NEW YORK, USA (2016)
HTTPS://BLOGS.ANCIENTFAITH.COM
OF MOUNT ATHOS
A Brilliant Light that cannot be seen, suffers not always
from its source, but rather from its surroundings.
The Ascetic Heart is Pure, but its Purity is covered in
shame.
It is the unique Gift of the Ascetic to know this, and Her
Divine Blessing that such Knowledge wells up tears of
grief like none the world can call forth.
To gaze deep within and see the Sun darkened with
stains is to be pained in soul, to see nature Perfected
and destroyed at once and in the same breath.
THE CALLING OF ST ZACCHAEUS- 21 JANUARY 2018 25.
 Unbridled Joy and soul wrenching agony collide; and if
their collision be Perfect, the Ascetic Heart is born
A boy once approached his Father and asked him:
‘Father, why do you Fast?’
The Father stood silent, bringing his heart and mind
together, and then he said: ‘Beloved Son, I Fast to
know what it is I lack. For day by day I sit in
abundance, and all is well before me. I want not, I
suffer not, and I lack but that for which I invent a
need.
But my heart is empty of True Joy, filled, yet overflowing
with dry waters. There is no room left for Love.
I have no needs, and so my needs are never met, no
longings, and so my desires are never fulfilled. Where
all the fruits of the earth could dwell, I have filled the
house with dust and clouds. It is full, so I am content—
But it is empty, and so I weep.
‘Thus I Fast, Beloved, to know the dust in which I dwell.
I take not from that which I might take, for in its absence I
am left empty, and what is empty stands ready to be
filled.
ELDER JOSEPH OF VATOPEDI MONASTERY, MOUNT ATHOS – ON REPENTANCE
When one describes our sinful nature, using humble
words, one truly expresses the pitiful and miserable
state to which we have been drawn into because of
the perversion of the law of sin.
Therefore as St Paul says, we constitute a hideous “...body
of death...” since we are “...wretched because of the
law of sin at work within our members.” ( ROMANS 7:24).
This is as far as we are concerned.
However “... Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord
Jesus Christ, Who has Blessed us in the Heavenly
Realms with every Spiritual Blessing in Christ.
For He chose us in Him before the Creation of the world to
be Holy and Blameless in His Sight.
In Love He predestined us to be Adopted as His sons
through Jesus Christ, in accordance with His Pleasure
and Will - to the Praise of His Glorious Grace, which He
has freely granted us in the One He Loves.”
We brag about this selection and we experience our
Heavenly Father as “... He Who Lives in
Unapproachable Light.” ( 1 TIMOTHY 6:16)
Yet this Secret Mystery remains with us untouched, not just
when we find ourselves in a state of Contemplation
but even when we are inundated with its proximity.
Is it not, however, our initial value as created beings in
“ ...His Image and Likeness” another Great Divine
Mystery?
We must therefore, quickly endeavour to increase our
Thirst and dwell deeper and deeper unto Himself
through our Struggle, and into the Magnificence of
our Predestination since the beginning of time.
He is, after all, the Absolute “ Being,” the Beginning of
everything, the One Who has Revealed Himself as a
Person and as an Existence - “I Am”!
THE ETERNAL, INSPIRED WISDOM OF OUR HOLY FATHERS
ST IGNATIOS OF ANTIOCH
“Only request in my behalf both inward and outward
Strength, that I may not only speak, but [truly] will, so
that I may not merely be called ‘a Christian,’ but
really be found to be one.
For if I be truly found [a Christian], I may also be called
one, and be then deemed Faithful, when I shall no
longer appear to the world.
Nothing visible is Eternal, “...for the things that are seen
are temporal, but the Things that are not seen are
Eternal.” [2 Corinthians 4:18]
A True Christian is not the result of persuasion, but of
Power. When we are hated by the world, we are
Beloved of God. For, as our Lord Jesus Christ said:
“...If you were of this world, the world would love its
own; but now you are not of the world, but I have
chosen you out of it: continue in Fellowship with Me.’
[JOHN 15:19]
26 31ST SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST – 15TH SUNDAY OF ST LUKE –
I turn from what I love, for my love is barren, and by it I
curse the Earth. I turn from what I love, that I may
Purify my loving, and move from curse to Blessing.
‘From my abundance I turn to want, as the soldier leaves
the comfort of home, of family and Love, to know the
barrenness of war.
For it is only amongst the fight, in the torture of loss, in the
fire of battle, that lives are lost and the blind man
clearly sees.
In hunger of body and mind, I see the vanity of food, for I
have loved food as food, and have never been fed.
In weary, waking Vigil I see the vanity of sleep, for I have
embraced sleep as desire, and have never found rest.
In sorrow, with eyes of tears I see the vanity of pleasure,
for I have treasured happiness above all, and have
never known Joy.
‘I Fast, Beloved Child, to crush the wall that is my self; For I
am not who I am, just as these passions are not
treasures of gold but of clay.
I Fast to die, for it is not the living who are raised, but the
dead.
I Fast to crucify my desires, for He Who was crucified was
He Who Lived, and He Who Conquered, and He Who
Lives Forever.’
We have just now come to know Him through His Only
Consubstantial Son.
“No one has ever seen God, but God the Only Begotten
Son, Who is at the Father’s Side, has made Him
known.” ( JOHN 1:18)
We have also come to know God the Father through the
Holy Spirit.
“...the Comforter, the Holy Spirit, Whom the Father will
send in My Name, will teach you all things and will
remind you of everything that I have said to you.”
(JOHN 14:26)
The Incarnate Word of God, Who is Co-Ruler and Co-
Eternal with the Father and the Holy Spirit, began His
Gospel saying: “Repent! The Kingdom of Heaven is
at hand!” (MATHEW 4:17)
Our Sweetest Jesus, our Saviour, the Path, has become our
Path towards the Father and the Holy Spirit.
And They have also connected us with Him.
Therefore, the Ultimate in the Knowledge of God is our
True Faith and our Hope.
Many Psalms of St David constitute a Confession of
Repentance.
“My God, my God! Why hast Thou forsaken me? Why art
Thou so far from Saving me? So far from the words of
my groaning? O my God! I cry out by day, but Thou
dost not answer by night and I am not silent. Yet Thou
art Enthroned as the Holy One; Thou art the Praise of
Israel. In Thee our Fathers put their trust; they trusted
and Thou Delivered them. They cried to Thee and
were Saved; in Thee they trusted and were not
disappointed.” ( PSALMS 22: 1-6)
HTTP://PEMPTOUSIA.COM/2017/01/TESTIMONY -
FROM-MOUNT-ATHOS-ON-REPENTANCE/
ST MAXIMOS THE CONFESSOR
Those who Love God cannot help Loving every one else
as themselves - even though they are grieved by the
passions of those who are not yet Purified. But when
they amend their life, their Delight is indescribable
and knows no bounds.
Those who Love God value Knowledge of God more than
anything created by God, and they pursue such
Knowledge ardently and ceaselessly.
Sometimes we are tested by pleasure, sometimes by
distress or by physical suffering. By means of His
Prescriptions, the Divine Physician of souls administers
the Remedy according to the cause of the passions
lying hidden in the soul.
Even if the whole universe holds communion with the
(Latinising) Patriarch, I will not communicate with
him, for I know from the writings of the Holy Apostle
Paul that the Holy Spirit declares that even the Angels
would be anathema if they should begin to preach
another Gospel, introducing some new teachings!
THE CALLING OF ST ZACCHAEUS- 21 JANUARY 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.

25 January 2018

St Gregory the Theologian of Constantinople

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

SMALL ENTRANCE HYMNS

FESTAL APOLYTIKION – ST GREGORY THE THEOLOGIAN – TONE 1

O Pimenikos ailos tis Theologias Sou, tas ton ritoron The pastoral flute of Thy Theology conquered the
enikise salpingas: os gar ta vathi tou Pnevmatos trumpets of orators. For it called upon the depths of
ekzitisanti, ke ta kalli tou fthegmatos prosetethi Si. Alla the Spirit and Thou were enriched with the beauty of
presveve Hristo to Theo, Pater Grigorie, sothine tas words. Intercede to Christ our God, O Father Gregory,
psihas imon.. that our souls may be Saved.
FESTAL KONTAKION – ST GREGORY THE THEOLOGIAN
Theologo glotti Sou, tas simplokoas ton ritoron, dialisas O Glorious One, Thou dispelled the complexities of
endoxe, orthodoxias hitona, anothen exifanthenta tin orators with the words of Thy Theology. Thou has
Ekklisian, estolisas: on ke forousa, sin imin krazi, tis sis adorned the Church with the Vesture of Orthodoxy
teknis: Heris Pater, Theologias O nous O akrotatos. woven from on High. Clothed in this, the Church now
cries out with us to Thy children: "Hail Father, the
Consummate Theological Mind."
FESTAL KONTAKION - THE PRESENTATION OF CHRIST - TONE 1
O Mitran Parthenikin Agiasas to Toko Sou, ke hiras tou Thy Birth Sanctified a Virgin’s Womb and properly
Symeon Evlogisas os eprepe, profthasas ke nin esosas Blessed the hands of Symeon. Having now come and
imas Hriste O Theos. All’ irinefson en polemis to Saved us O Christ, our God, grant Peace to Thy
politevma, ke krateoson Vasilis ous igapisas, O Monos Commonwealth in troubled times and strengthen
Filanthropos those in authority, whom Thou Love, as the Only
Lover of mankind.
FESTAL MATINS GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST JOHN 10 : 1 - 9
THE HOLY SHEEPFOLD, THE DIVINE SHEPHERD AND THE REASON-ENDOWED FLOCK
At that time, our Lord Jesus said to the Judeans: “Truly, truly, I say you, he who does not enter the Sheepfold by the
Door, but climbs up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. He Who enters by the Door is the
Shepherd of the Sheep. To Him the Doorkeeper opens, and the Sheep hear His Voice. And He Calls His own
Sheep by name and leads them out. And when He brings out His own Sheep, He goes before them. And the
Sheep follow Him, for they know His Voice. Yet they will by no means follow a stranger, but will flee from him, for
they do not know the voice of strangers.”
This illustration was used by Jesus, but they did not understand the things which He spoke to them. Jesus said to them
again: “Truly, truly, I say to you: I Am the Door of the Sheep. All who ever came before Me are thieves and
robbers, but the Sheep did not heed them. I Am the Door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be Saved and will go
in and out and find Pasture.”
PROKEIMENON –PSALM 48/49 - TONE 1
My mouth shall speak Wisdom; and the meditation of my heart, Understanding.
Hear this, all you people!
THE EPISTLE OF ST PAUL TO THE HEBREWS 7 : 26 – 8 : 2
THE RULES OF PRIESTLY ORDERS
Brethren: ... such a High Priest was fitting for us, Who is Holy, Harmless, Undefiled, separate from sinners, and has
become Higher than the Heavens – Who does not need daily – as those High Priests – to offer up sacrifices, first for
His own sins and then for those of the people. This He did once for all when He offered up Himself.
The Law appoints as High Priests men who have weaknesses, but the Word of the Oath, which came after the Law,
appoints the Son Who has been Perfected forever.
This is the main point of the things we are saying: We have such a High Priest, Who is seated at the right Hand of the
Throne of the Majesty in the Heavens – a Minister of the Sanctuary and of the True Tabernacle, which the Lord
erected, and not mankind.
✶✶ NOT ONLY IS THE DIVINE FOUNDER OF THE NEW COVENANT Thus it is utterly significant that NOT ONE IOTA OR TITTLE OF
PRIESTHOOD SUPERIOR TO THAT OF THE OLD COVENANT, THE DIVINE TRUTH CAN BE ALTERED OR MISINTERPRETED for then it
RULES OF THE NEW COVENANT’S PRIESTLY ORDER ARE ALSO is no longer the Perfect, Absolute Divine Truth of
SUPERIOR. Almighty God but a mere shadow or poor imitation
✶✶ THE HOLY PRIESTHOOD IS SO INTERTWINED WITH A COVENANT that is misguiding and Spiritually Dangerous.
that if the Priesthood is changed in any way at all, SO THE MYSTERIOUS HOLY PRIESTHOOD OF MELCHIZEDEK IS FULFILLED
IS THE HOLY COVENANT. IN CHRIST JESUS.
Furthermore, ABSOLUTE PERFECTION CANNOT BE ALTERED BY ANY As Melchizedek was without earthly genealogy, so is
MEANS FOR THEN IT WOULD NO LONGER BE PERFECT!! Christ by virtue of His Virgin Conception and Birth.

ST GREGORY THE THEOLOGIAN OF CONSTANTINOPLE 25 JANUARY 27

✶✶ HE IS GOD INCARNATE, IMMORTAL AND SINLESS. THEREFORE ✶✶ GOD THE FATHER HIMSELF ORDAINS GOD THE SON AS OUR ONLY
HIS HOLY PRIESTHOOD IS ABLE TO TRANSFORM HUMANITY. TRUE HIGH PRIEST.
The Power that is bestowed upon candidates at their Since CHRIST IS IMMORTAL, THE HOLY PRIESTHOOD OF
Ordination is immensely Strong and Effective. MELCHIZEDEK REQUIRES ONLY ONE, ETERNAL HIGH PRIEST.
✶✶THE POWER OF CHRIST’S HOLY PRIESTHOOD IS PERFECT BECAUSE The requirement of Perfect Holiness is met in our Lord
IT DRAWS US CLOSER TO ALMIGHTY GOD AND GUIDES US Jesus Christ for His is TRULY THE ONLY SINLESS ONE.
TOWARDS OUR SPIRITUAL PERFECTION – regaining our lost Furthermore, OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST is so much more than
Likeness to Christ. a mere human being – He IS GOD-MAN – The Eternal,
OUR LORD JESUS’ ULTIMATE BLOOD SACRIFICE was offered once Only Begotten Son of God the Father Who became
only but IS EFFECTIVE FOREVER - for all humanity Man by assuming our human Nature.
throughout the ages.
THE HOLY GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST JOHN 10 : 9 – 16
OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST IS THE ONLY WAY
At that time, our Lord Jesus Christ said: “I Am the Door: by Me if anyone enters in, he shall be Saved, and shall go in
and out, and find pasture. The thief comes to steal and to kill, and to destroy.
“I Am come so that they might have Life, and so that they might have it more abundantly. I Am the Good Shepherd.
“The Good Shepherd gives His Life for the Sheep. But he that is a hireling, and not the Shepherd, whose own the
sheep are not, sees the wolf coming, and leaves the Sheep, and flees. And the wolf catches them, and scatters
the sheep.
“For the hireling flees, because he is a hireling, and does not care for the Sheep. I Am the Good Shepherd, and
know My Sheep, and Am known by My own.
“As the Father knows Me even so know I the Father; and I lay down My Life for the Sheep. And other Sheep I have
that are not of this Fold; them also I must bring, and they will hear My Voice; and there will be one Flock and
one Shepherd.”
✶✶ THE ULTIMATE ‘THIEF’ IS SATAN, who always spreads lies PASSION – AND FULFILLED ALL THAT WAS REQUIRED BY GOD FOR
and encourages heresies and blasphemy among the THE REDEMPTION AND RECONCILIATION OF ALL HUMANITY.
People of God – both the Old Israel and the New Israel ✶✶ The “Other Sheep” of our Lord WERE THE GENTILES – THE
- luring away the deceived, ignorant leaders and PAGANS AND NON JUDAIC TRIBES, who would be brought
people. together into ONE HOLY FLOCK WITH THE JUDEANS, UNDER
✶✶ “Life” means that WE LIVE BY DIVINE GRACE on Earth ONE HOLY SHEPHERD.
during this short, preparatory period before we enter ✶✶ Those of us who accept His Divine Truth – His True
Eternity. Teachings and Commandments - STRIVE CONTINUOUSLY
✶✶ The “more abundant” Life refers to ETERNAL LIFE IN AS HIS FAITHFUL DISCIPLES, TO FULFIL THEM TO THE BEST OF
GOD’S HEAVENLY KINGDOM OF LOVE – Agape. OUR ABILITY. THIS IS OUR LIFE IN CHRIST.
✶✶ OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST REVEALS HIMSELF AS OUR GOOD ✶✶✶ Consequently, THE HOLY CHURCH OF CHRIST TRANSCENDS
SHEPHERD, FOR WE ARE HIS ‘REASON-ENDOWED SHEEP” – HIS ALL ETHNIC OR RACIAL DIVISIONS.
HOLY FLOCK. It has been the Orthodox Christian Teaching since the
He is THE DIVINE DOOR – THE DIVINE ENTRANCE INTO HIS beginning that there be ONE BISHOP SERVING A CITY, a
HEAVENLY KINGDOM of Eternal Love. principle that was affirmed in every generation.
CHRIST IS THE FULFILMENT OF ALL HOLY SCRIPTURE – all Divinely (CANON 8 OF 1 NICAEA)
Inspired Holy Prophecy – concerning our Divine ✶✶ St Ignatios wrote a cautionary Epistle to a second
Saviour. century Church that held separate Divine Liturgies for
✶✶ Our Lord is THE ETERNAL, ONLY BEGOTTEN WORD AND SON the Hebrew and the Gentile Christians, saying: “Be
OF GOD, WHO OBVIOUSLY KNOWS GOD THE FATHER AND HIS careful to observe a single Eucharist, for there is
HEAVENLY FATHER KNOWS HIS ETERNAL SON WHO BECAME ONE Flesh of our Lord Jesus Christ, and ONE Cup of
INCARNATE FOR THE SAKE OF OUR SALVATION. His Blood that makes us one, and ONE Altar, just as
AS OUR CREATOR, OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST KNOWS EVERY HUMAN there is ONE Bishop... this is in line with God’s Will!”
BEING, and THOSE OF US WHO HAVE “PUT ON CHRIST” ALSO Our Lord Jesus stated clearly: “I lay down My Life...”
KNOW AND RECOGNISE HIM AS OUR LORD AND SAVIOUR. which obviously meant that HE VOLUNTARILY LAID
Furthermore, we know His beautiful Voice because WE DOWN HIS LIFE FOR US – i.e. He offered Himself AS THE
KNOW HIS WORD – HIS DIVINE TRUTH – His Teachings and ULTIMATE, MOST PERFECT AND FULFILLING SACRIFICE FOR ALL
Commandments. Thus we should not be misguided SINS OF ALL HUMANITY FOR ALL TIME!
nor deceived by the evil one’s lies and deceptions. ✶✶✶ OUR LORD NEVER SETS ANYTHING APART FROM THE DIVINE
OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST OFFERED HIS LIFE FOR THE SAKE OF OUR WILL OF GOD THE FATHER – everything is and must be
ETERNAL SALVATION. done ACCORDING TO THE WILL OF GOD THE FATHER,
✶✶ HE WAS THE OFFERER AND THE OFFERING of the Ultimate, THROUGH GOD THE SON, BY THE POWER AND ENERGY OF GOD
Most Perfect and Fulfilling Blood Sacrifice of all time, THE HOLY SPIRIT.
which makes it NO LONGER NECESSARY FOR BLOOD Just as our Lord Jesus Christ laid down His Life for us, so,
SACRIFICES for the forgiveness of sins. too, must WE LAY OUR LIVES DOWN FOR HIM AND FOR OUR
✶✶ However, WE STILL NEED TO CONSTANTLY PLUCK OUT AND FELLOW HUMAN BEINGS.
REPENT OUR SINS, WHICH ARE CONTINUOUS AND HABITUAL, By the end of the ages, THERE WILL ONLY BE ONE SHEPHERD –
which is why our Salvation is a continuous Spiritual OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST – AND ONE HOLY FLOCK – HIS HOLY
Process until we draw our final breath. CHURCH.
OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST gave His Life for the sake of His
Beloved Flock, which FULFILLED THE PROPHECY OF HIS
ELDER JOSEPH OF VATOPEDI MONASTERY – MOUNT ATHOS – ON REPENTANCE
THE GREATEST BENEFIT THAT GOD HAS GRANTED OUR FALLEN According to the Spiritual Judgement of our Fathers, the
NATURE IS NONE OTHER THAN REPENTANCE. whole HUMAN ACTIVITY ORIGINATES IN THE MIND.
WITHOUT IT NONE OF US WOULD EVER SECURE SALVATION, no This is where EVERY THOUGHT IS CAPTURED AS AN IMAGE AND IS
matter how Perfect God’s Plan to Save the world is. GRADUALLY ACTED OUT.
because our “...every inclination of (our) heart is evil Saint Maximos the Confessor advised: “Do not misuse the
from childhood.” (GENESIS 9:21) thoughts, so that you do not abuse things with your
Given that our inclination towards sin is therefore natural, actions out of necessity. Because, if one does not sin
NO ONE IS ABLE TO REMAIN WITHOUT SIN, “...even if his life is in his thoughts he will never sin with deeds.
only one day” WHEN WE MISUSE OUR THOUGHTS, THE ABUSE OF THINGS WILL
REPENTANCE IS DUAL IN ESSENCE AND BOTH OF ITS FORMS ARE FOLLOW.
BENEFICIAL TO OUR LIFE. REPENTANCE MEANS LITERALLY RECALLING THE MIND TO ITS
Its initial stage takes the form of REGRET FOR OUR PAST SINS, FORMER POSITION, WHEREBY THINGS ARE PROPERLY RANKED.
followed by the RECTIFICATION OF THE WRONG DEED, which In our generation however, Repentance takes more the
brought about the sin. form of begging God for Forgiveness.
http://pemptousia.com/2017/01

28. ST GREGORY THE THEOLOGIAN OF CONSTANTINOPLE 25 JANUARY

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

27 January 2018

St John Chrysostom of Constantinople

TRANSLATION OF HOLY RELICS TO CONSTANTINOPLE
Also the Feast of St Marciana the Queen – St Peter the Righteous of Egypt – St Demetrios the New
Holy Martyr of Constantinople – St Titos of the Caves Monastery, Kiev

FESTAL APOLYTIKION – ST JOHN CHRYSOSTOM – TONE (8) PLAGAL 4

I tou stomatos Sou kathaper pirsos eklampsasa Haris, tin The Grace that from Thy mouth shone forth like a Torch,
ikoumenin efotisen. Afilargirias to kosmo Thisafrous Illuminated the Universe. It deposited in the world, the
enapetheto. To ipsos imin tis tapinofrosinis ipedixen. Treasures of the absence of avarice. It showed us the
Alla Sis Logis pedevon, Pater Ioanni Hrisostome, Height that is attained by Humility. Now Thou instruct
presveve to Logo Hristo to Theo, Sothine tas psihas us by Thy Words, O Father John Chrysostom.
imon. Intercede with Christ our God, the Word Himself,
Entreating Him to Save our soul.
SEASONAL KONTAKION – THE MEETING/PRESENTATION OF CHRIST - TONE 1
O Mitran Parthenikin Agiasas to Toko Sou, ke hiras tou Thy Birth Sanctified a Virgin’s Womb and properly
Symeon Evlogisas os eprepe, profthasas ke nin esosas Blessed the hands of Symeon. Having now come and
imas Hriste O Theos. All’ irinefson en polemis to Saved us O Christ, our God, grant Peace to Thy
politevma, ke krateoson Vasilis ous igapisas, O Monos Commonwealth in troubled times and strengthen
Filanthropos those in authority, whom Thou Love, as the Only
Lover of mankind.
FESTAL MATINS GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST JOHN 10 : 1 - 9
THE DOOR & THE GOOD SHEPHERD
At that time, our Lord Jesus said to the Judeans: “Truly, truly, I say you, he who does not enter the Sheepfold by the
Door, but climbs up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. He Who enters by the Door is the
Shepherd of the Sheep. To Him the Doorkeeper opens, and the Sheep hear His Voice. And He Calls His own
Sheep by name and leads them out. And when He brings out His own Sheep, He goes before them. And the
Sheep follow Him, for they know His Voice. Yet they will by no means follow a stranger, but will flee from him, for
they do not know the voice of strangers.”
This illustration was used by Jesus, but they did not understand the things which He spoke to them. Jesus said to them
again: “Truly, truly, I say to you: I Am the Door of the Sheep. All who ever came before Me are thieves and
robbers, but the Sheep did not heed them. I Am the Door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be Saved and will go
in and out and find Pasture.”
FESTAL PROKEIMENON –PSALM 48/49 - TONE 1
My mouth shall speak Wisdom; the meditation of my heart, Understanding.
Hear this, all you Nations! Hearken all you inhabitants of the world!
THE EPISTLE OF ST PAUL TO THE HEBREWS 7 : 26 – 8 : 2
THE RULES OF PRIESTLY ORDERS
Brethren: ... such a High Priest was fitting for us, Who is Holy, Harmless, Undefiled, separate from sinners, and has
become Higher than the Heavens – Who does not need daily – as those High Priests – to offer up sacrifices, first for
His own sins and then for those of the people. This He did once for all when He offered up Himself.
The Law appoints as High Priests men who have weaknesses, but the Word of the Oath, which came after the Law,
appoints the Son Who has been Perfected forever. This is the main point of the things we are saying: We have such
a High Priest, Who is seated at the right Hand of the Throne of the Majesty in the Heavens – a Minister of the
Sanctuary and of the True Tabernacle, which the Lord erected, and not mankind.
✶✶ NOT ONLY IS THE DIVINE FOUNDER OF THE NEW COVENANT The Power that is bestowed upon candidates at their
PRIESTHOOD SUPERIOR TO THAT OF THE OLD COVENANT, THE Ordination is immensely Strong and Effective.
RULES OF THE NEW COVENANT’S PRIESTLY ORDER ARE ALSO ✶✶THE POWER OF CHRIST’S HOLY PRIESTHOOD IS PERFECT BECAUSE IT
SUPERIOR. DRAWS US CLOSER TO ALMIGHTY GOD AND GUIDES US TOWARDS
✶✶ THE HOLY PRIESTHOOD IS SO INTERTWINED WITH A COVENANT OUR SPIRITUAL PERFECTION – regaining our lost Likeness to
that if the Priesthood is changed in any way at all, SO IS Christ.
THE HOLY COVENANT. OUR LORD JESUS’ ULTIMATE BLOOD SACRIFICE was offered once
Furthermore, ABSOLUTE PERFECTION CANNOT BE ALTERED BY ANY only but IS EFFECTIVE FOREVER - for all humanity
MEANS FOR THEN IT WOULD NO LONGER BE PERFECT!! throughout the ages.
Thus it is utterly significant that NOT ONE IOTA OR TITTLE OF ✶✶ GOD THE FATHER HIMSELF ORDAINS GOD THE SON AS OUR ONLY
DIVINE TRUTH CAN BE ALTERED OR MISINTERPRETED for then it is TRUE HIGH PRIEST.
no longer the Perfect, Absolute Divine Truth of Almighty Since CHRIST IS IMMORTAL, THE HOLY PRIESTHOOD OF
God but a mere shadow or poor imitation that is MELCHIZEDEK REQUIRES ONLY ONE, ETERNAL HIGH PRIEST.
misguiding and Spiritually Dangerous. The requirement of Perfect Holiness is met in our Lord Jesus
THE MYSTERIOUS HOLY PRIESTHOOD OF MELCHIZEDEK IS FULFILLED Christ for His is TRULY THE ONLY SINLESS ONE.
IN CHRIST JESUS. Furthermore, OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST is so much more than a
As Melchizedek was without earthly genealogy, so is Christ mere human being – He IS GOD-MAN – The Eternal, Only
by virtue of His Virgin Conception and Birth. Begotten Son of God the Father Who became Man by
✶✶ HE IS GOD INCARNATE, IMMORTAL AND SINLESS. THEREFORE HIS assuming our human Nature.
HOLY PRIESTHOOD IS ABLE TO TRANSFORM HUMANITY.

ST JOHN CHRYSOSTOM – TRANSLATION OF HOLY RELICS TO CONSTANTINOPLE – 27 JANUARY 29

 THE HOLY GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST JOHN 10 : 9 – 16
OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST IS THE ONLY WAY
At that time, our Lord Jesus Christ said: “I Am the Door: by Me if anyone enters in, he shall be Saved, and shall go in
and out, and find pasture. The thief comes to steal and to kill, and to destroy.
“I Am come so that they might have Life, and so that they might have it more abundantly. I Am the Good Shepherd.
The Good Shepherd gives His Life for the Sheep. But he that is a Hireling, and not the Shepherd, whose own the
Sheep are not, sees the Wolf coming, and leaves the Sheep, and flees. And the Wolf catches them, and scatters
the Sheep. For the Hireling flees, because he is a Hireling, and does not care for the Sheep. I Am the Good
Shepherd, and know My Sheep, and Am known by My own. As the Father knows Me even so know I the Father;
and I lay down My Life for the Sheep. And other Sheep I have that are not of this Fold; them also I must bring,
and they will hear My Voice; and there will be one Flock and one Shepherd.”
ST JOHN CHRYSOSTOM – TRANSLATION OF HIS HOLY RELICS
✞ In the Name of the Father, and of the Son and of the completely beyond our rational understanding, we
Holy Spirit... encounter in these Miraculous Events, Signs of our
Dearly Beloved – with the exception of only a few Salvation - a Foreshadowing of the Resurrection of
Sundays of the year, we celebrate the Divine Liturgy our body - because there is One Church - in Heaven
of St. John Chrysostom. In a few days’ time we will and on Earth.
celebrate him as one of the Three Holy Hierarchs Contemplate the type of people whom God has
together with St. Basil the Great and St Gregory the Magnified in these ways in the Memory and
Theologian, while today we commemorate the return Experience of the Church.
of his Holy Relics to Constantinople in 438 - thirty years St John Chrysostom did not make it easy on himself nor
after his Repose in exile due to his prophetic criticism on others. He did not water down nor compromise
of the abuses of the Empress Eudoxia. our True Faith so that it would fit easily with a
St John plays such a prominent role in the history of the conventional life and please the people. He did not
Church because his Ministry combined bold seek power, fame, nor wealth. He was not afraid to
preaching, faithful biblical interpretation and give his own life for the sake of God’s Kingdom or to
Doctrinal Teaching, Asceticism, rigorous oversight of go against the dominant trends of his society.
the Clergy, Liturgical Reform, Love for the poor, and His Homilies still speak to us with clarity and challenge us
fearless opposition to evil in high places. to live a Holy Life in a world that has not really
Being a very popular Preacher in Antioch where he was changed that much morally and spiritually since his
not afraid to expose the tension between God’s day.
Requirements and popular forms of behaviour, he Too often, we commemorate our Holy Saints merely with
was essentially forced to become the Archbishop of a few minutes of chanting and reading or with a
Constantinople. good meal, and although there is nothing wrong with
St John Chrysostom imposed strict discipline in Church those sorts of commemorations, they should be just the
and continued to speak the Word of our Lord without beginning, for the Cloud of Witnesses that surrounds
compromise, which is a dangerous thing to do us is not simply ‘an interesting part’ of our Festal
around powerful people. Calendar, but a vital dimension of our Life in Christ.
He was first deposed and banished for offending Together with all the Saints, we are members of the same
Empress Eudoxia and certain Church leaders, but was One Body of Christ and we not only Benefit from their
then allowed to return after they took an earthquake fine examples and their contributions in Theology,
to be a Sign of Divine Wrath! Liturgy, and Hymns, but also from their Intercessory
St John Chrysostom denounced the celebrations Prayers on our behalf, as mentioned in the Book of
surrounding the dedication of a silver statue of Revelation.
Empress Eudoxia near his Cathedral so she once Those whose Life has so clearly manifested the Holiness of
again exiled him and due to his very rough God are not simply ‘dead and gone,’ but are very
treatment by her disrespectful soldier, he became much Alive in Christ - worshipping Him constantly -
seriously ill until he Reposed in Christ. and praying that we will join them, which we already
During the reign of the Empress’ son, Theodosios the do in the worship of the Church.
Younger, St John Chrysostom’s Holy Relics were The Divine Liturgy is our collective participation in the
reverently returned to Constantinople. Heavenly Banquet together with all the Saints and the
St Proklos praised St John Chrysostom in his Sermon, in Heavenly Hosts, but oure Christian Life does not end
which he said, “O John, Thy Life was filled with there.
sorrow, but Thy Death was Glorious! Thy grave is As those who have entered into the Heavenly Worship
Blessed and Thy Reward is great, by the Grace and and have been Nourished by the Body and Blood of
Mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ, O Graced One, our Divine Saviour, every dimension of our Life should
having conquered the bounds of time and place!” manifest the Holiness of God - seven days a week!
At the request of the people, St Proklos had received the Although we cannot do everything and no two people
approval of Emperor Theodosios to transfer St John’s are identical, as St John Chrysostom displayed
Holy Relics to Constantinople, but those who had Faithfulness in so many ways, we, too, are Called to
been sent to carry the casket back to Constantinople offer ourselves totally to our Lord.
were unable to lift it up to remove it until a letter of In other words, we cannot pretend that Holiness is for
apology from the Emperor was placed on it. selected parts of our Life but not for others. We cannot
When the casket was opened, his remains were incorrupt, compartmentalize who we are, for Christ came to
which in the Experience of the Holy Church is a Sign bring us—body and soul– into His – wanting us all to
of Holiness, for the bodies of the Saints already share become incorrupt, to be Healed from the decay of sin
in Christ’s Victory over Death and decay. (The Old and evil in all its forms.
Testament mentions that a dead man returned to life When we proclaim belief in the Resurrection of the dead
after contact with the Sanctified bones of St Elisha, the and the Life of the Age to come, we surely want our
Holy Prophet.) Lord to remember us as entire beings in His Kingdom,
Emperor Theodosios spoke on behalf of his mother, - every dimension of who we are. We cannot
Eudoxia, begging St John’s forgiveness and asking for understand it rationally, but Eternal Life encompasses
his Intercessions for her soul. When St. John’s body our whole being, and even the whole Creation.
was placed on his Episcopal Throne, the people St. John Chrysostom taught us how to participate in that
clearly heard him say: “Peace be with you all!” as he all-encompassing Blessedness, not limiting our Faith
Blessed them. but Living in Christ in Humble Obedience to God in
It may be difficult for us to process such an astounding thought, word, and deed.
account, but we must understand that those who Amen
have Reposed in Christ are Alive in Him, and we are
surrounded by “...a Great Cloud of Witnesses.” FATHER PHILIP LE MASTERS
HTTPS://BLOGS.ANCIENTFAITH.COM
Furthermore, we look for the Resurrection of the dead
and the Life of the Age to come, and despite it being

30. ST JOHN CHRYSOSTOM – TRANSLATION OF HOLY RELICS TO CONSTANTINOPLE – 27 JANUARY

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

Tone 1 28 January 2018

Sunday After Pentecost – 1 Sunday of the Lenten Triodion

th st
34

Sunday of the Publican and the Pharisee

The Feast of the New Holy Martyrs & Confessors of Russia – St Ephraim the Syrian – St
Theodosios, Abbot of Totma Monastery, Vologda – St Ephraim Wonderworking Abbot of St Boris
& St Gleb Monastery, Novy Torg – St Ephraim, Bishop of Pereyaslavl, Kiev Caves, Far Caves – St Palladios the Holy
Hermit of Antioch – St Isaac the Syrian, Bishop of Ninevah – The Holy Icon of our Lady, Theotokos of Sumorin-Totma –
St Archilios & St Luarsaab of Georgia

RESURRECTION GOSPEL 1 - MATTHEW 28:16-20

HYMNS OF THE SMALL ENTRANCE

RESURRECTION APOLYTIKION – TONE 1

Tou lithou sfragisthentos ipo ton Ioudeon, ke Stratioton The stone had been secured with a seal by the Judeans,
filassonton to ahranton Sou Soma, Anestis Triimeros and a pair of soldier guarded Thine Immaculate Body.
Sotir, doroumenos to kosmo tin Zoin. Dia touto e Thou Rose on the Third Day, O Lord and Saviour,
Dinamis ton Ouranon evoon Si Zoodota. ✞ Doxa ti granting Life to the world. Wherefore the Powers of
Anastasi Sou, Hriste! ✞ Doxa ti Vasilia Sou! ✞ Doxa ti Heaven cried to Thee, O Life-giver: ✞ Glory to Thy
Ikonomia Sou, Mone Filanthrope! Resurrection, O Christ! ✞ Glory to Thy Kingdom! ✞
Glory to Thy Dispensation, O Only Lover of mankind!
SEASONAL KONTAKION – THE MEETING/PRESENTATION OF CHRIST - TONE 1
O Mitran Parthenikin Agiasas to Toko Sou, ke hiras tou Thy Birth Sanctified a Virgin’s Womb and properly
Symeon Evlogisas os eprepe, profthasas ke nin esosas Blessed the hands of Symeon. Having now come and
imas Hriste O Theos. All’ irinefson en polemis to Saved us O Christ, our God, grant Peace to Thy
politevma, ke krateoson Vasilis ous igapisas, O Monos Commonwealth in troubled times and strengthen
Filanthropos those in authority, whom Thou Love, as the Only
Lover of mankind.
PROKEIMENON – PSALM 32/33 – TONE 1
Let Thy Mercy, O Lord, be upon us, as we Hope in Thee.
Rejoice greatly in the Lord, O Righteous Ones! Praise is fitting for the Upright.
THE SECOND EPISTLE OF ST PAUL TO ST TIMOTHY 3: 10 - 15
Timothy my Son: you have carefully followed my Doctrine, manner of Life, Purpose, Faith, Longsuffering, Love,
Perseverance, persecutions, afflictions, which happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra – what persecutions
I endured! And out of them all the Lord Delivered me. And all who desire to Live Godly in Christ Jesus will suffer
persecution.
Evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived. But you must continue in the
Things that you have learnt and been assured of – knowing from whom you have learnt them, and that from
childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you Wise for Salvation through Faith, which
is in Christ Jesus.
THE LIFE OF ST PAUL EXHIBITED EVERYTHING THAT OUR LORD WHICH CONSISTS OF BOTH OLD AND NEW COVENANT
JESUS CHRIST HAD TAUGHT, especially that in this SCRIPTURE.
temporary, earthly world of ours GODLINESS ELICITS ✶✶WE CANNOT PROFESS TO UNDERSTAND THE TEACHINGS OF
PERSECUTION. CHRIST BASED SOLELY ON THE NEW TESTAMENT, WITHOUT
 J O H N 1 5 : 2 0 : Our Lord Jesus Christ said to His KNOWING AND PRACTISING THE ORAL TRADITION OF HIS
Faithful Disciples and Apostles: “...Remember HOLY CHURCH.
the Word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not The Old Testament prophesied and attested to the
greater than his Master.’ If they persecuted Divine Truth of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ,
Me, they will also persecute you. If they kept but WITHOUT PROPER INSTRUCTION AND UNDERSTANDING, WE
My Word, they will keep yours also.” WILL NOT FULLY APPRECIATE NOR COMPREHEND THE DIVINE
Having exhorted St Timothy with the example of his own TRUTH THAT CHRIST HIMSELF TAUGHT US.
Steadfastness, St Paul reminded him of the depth of Furthermore, it is important to STUDY THE WRITINGS AND LIFE
his training, which combined BOTH ORAL AND WRITTEN OF ALL OUR HOLY CHURCH FATHERS (AND MOTHERS) WHO
HOLY TRADITION. ARE INSPIRED SPIRITUAL TEACHERS AND GUIDES WHOM WE
✶✶✶To this day, FAITHFUL DISCIPLES OF CHRIST ARE PROPERLY CAN TRUST AND STRIVE TO IMITATE.
TAUGHT BY WORD OF MOUTH – THE ORAL TRADITION OF As Orthodox Christians, we are truly Blessed to have so
CHRIST’S HOLY CHURCH, which teaches a vast amount much Beneficial Material at our disposal, which our
of SACRED KNOWLEDGE PERTAINING TO OUR LIFE IN CHRIST – Christian forebears did not have, yet their Faith was
such as all the Holy Mysteries and THE PROPER MANNER unwavering and they were utterly committed to
OF WORSHIP – AS WELL AS THE WRITTEN HOLY TRADITION, God.

34TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST -1ST OF THE TRIODION – THE PUBLICAN & THE PHARISEE – 28 JANUARY 2018
31.
 THE HOLY GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST LUKE 18 : 10 – 14
THE ARROGANT, SELF-RIGHTEOUS PHARISEE & THE REPENTANT, HUMBLE PUBLICAN (TAX COLLECTOR)
At that time, our Lord Jesus Christ narrated this Parable:
“Two men went up to the Temple to pray – one was a Pharisee and the other a Tax Collector. The Pharisee stood
and prayed thus with himself: ‘God, I thank Thee that I am not like other men – extortionists, unjust, adulterers,
or even like this Tax Collector. I Fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I possess...’
“And the Tax Collector, standing afar off, would not so much as raise his eyes to Heaven, but beat his breast,
saying: ‘O God, be Merciful to me, a sinner!’
“I tell you, this man went down to his house Justified rather than the other: For everyone who exalts himself will be
humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”
T HE P HARISEE WAS HIGHLY RESPECTED AND A CAREFUL F URTHERMORE , THE REFRAIN “ L ORD, HAVE M ERCY ” – “KYRIE
OBSERVER OF THE O LD C OVENANT L AW , WHEREAS THE T AX E LEISON ” – PERMEATES O RTHODOX CHRISTIAN W ORSHIP
C OLLECTOR (P UBLICAN) WAS DESPISED AS A TREACHEROUS AND P RAYER .
SINNER who collaborated with the occupying Roman ✶✶ TO BE “J USTIFIED ” MEANS TO BE F ORGIVEN AND SET RIGHT
forces, betraying and cheating his own Hebrew BY G OD , FOR INWARD H UMILITY IS TRULY B LESSED WHILE
people. ARROGANCE AND PRIDE IN OUTWARD DEEDS IS CONDEMNED .
The practises of the Pharisee were worthy examples to ✶✶ OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST IS OUR CREATOR AND OUR JUDGE – SO
follow. His Good Deeds (Fasting and giving Tithes) WHATEVER HE TEACHES US OR CAUTIONS US AGAINST, WE MUST
are indeed the primary Weapons against the passions PAY VERY CAREFUL ATTENTION AND STRIVE TO APPLY HIS DIVINE
of lust and greed (adultery and extortion). PRINCIPLES TO OUR OWN WORDS, THOUGHTS AND DEEDS, FOR
✶✶ However, WITHOUT A HUMBLE AND REPENTANT HEART , THESE WILL JUDGE US – CONSEQUENTLY, THEY WILL EITHER
THESE OUTWARD PRACTISES ARE WORTHLESS AND LEAD CONDEMN US OR BLESS US.
ONLY TO PRIDE AND JUDGEMENT OF OTHERS . Our Saviour has given us ALL THE SPIRITUAL TOOLS NECESSARY
It is noteworthy that the Pharisee smugly ‘... prayed thus – INDEED, VITAL – FOR OUR ETERNAL SALVATION.
with himself...’ for GOD IS ABSENT WHERE THERE IS PRIDE , ✶✶HOWEVER, IT IS ENTIRELY UP TO OUR OWN CHOICES – our own
BOASTING AND ARROGANCE . free will – whether we will receive Eternal Life in God’s
On the contrary: THE P UBLICAN OR T AX C OLLECTOR SHOWS Heavenly Kingdom, or be Eternally alienated and
BY HIS ENTIRE POSTURE A SINCERE AWARENESS OF THE exiled from God and all His Wonderful Goodness.
SINFUL STATE OF HIS SOUL . Because of God’s infinite Love for us, WHILE WE ARE STILL IN
He stands “... afar off...” with eyes downcast – NOT DARING THIS PREPARATORY PERIOD BEFORE ETERNITY, OUR ERRORS ARE
TO LOOK HEAVENWARDS. ABLE TO BE CORRECTED THROUGH HUMILITY AND OBEDIENCE,
✶✶ HIS HEARTFELT PRAYER OF CONTRITION “O God, be Merciful WHICH LEADS US TO SINCERE REPENTANCE AND ETERNAL LIFE.
to me, a sinner” is the foundation of the Orthodox May we all root out our sins and THROUGH CONSTANT
‘Jesus Prayer:’ “O Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God: have WATCHFULNESS AND PRAYER GROW EVER CLOSER TO THE
MERCY ON ME, A SINNER!” LOVING EMBRACE AND PRESENCE OF OUR LORD GOD..
34TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST – 1ST SUNDAY OF THE TRIODION – THE PUBLICAN AND THE PHARISEE
✞ In the Name of the Father, and of the Son and of the He went even further by comparing himself to other
Holy Spirit... people such as the Publican - thanking God that he
Dearly Beloved: Today we enter into the period of the was not like them - as though he had avoided these
Lenten Triodion, which includes the three weeks sins by his own arrogant efforts!
before Lent and continues up to Holy and Great His pride became still more apparent when he praised
Saturday – the Raising of St Lazaros. his own Virtues of Tithing and Fasting.
The purpose of everything that takes place during this St. John Klimakos explained: “This passion [of pride]
period is to “...recollect the entire Work of God’s often draws strength initially from the giving of
Benevolence towards us.” thanks, and at first, it does not shamelessly urge us
These first three weeks instruct us and prepare us to renounce God. I have seen people who speak
spiritually for the Great Lenten Fast. aloud their thanks to God but who in their hearts are
On each of the Sundays before Lent, we are taught about glorifying themselves - something demonstrated by
a certain aspects of Spiritual Life. that Pharisee with his ‘O God, I thank Thee...’” (THE
Today‘s Sacred Lesson concerns Humility and LADDER OF DIVINE ASCENT)
Repentance. St. Gregory Palamas saw in this passage that the Pharisee
From today, until the fifth week of Lent after the Hymn, set himself apart from all other men, vainly thinking
“Having beheld the Resurrection of Christ…”, that “...God saw fit to grant Virtue to him alone.”
Penitential Troparia are sung instructing us about Moreover, by the Pharisee comparing himself to others,
Humility, which is the most vital beginning of our St. Cyril of Alexandria noted that even if he were
Christian Life, and also, the beginning of Great Holy better than many a bad man this does “...not
Lent. necessarily… prove him to be worthy of admiration.”
REPENTANCE IS THE DOORWAY TO THE FAST AND HUMILITY IS THE Instead, as St. John Chrysostom commented: “Even if we
FOUNDATION ON WHICH REPENTANCE IS BUILT. should have mounted the very pinnacle of Virtue, let
As Abba Dorotheos teaches us, WE NEED HUMILITY MORE THAN us consider ourselves least of all… because… even
ANYTHING ELSE, for NO OTHER VIRTUE CAN BE ACQUIRED if he was removed from [the] greed of gain and
WITHOUT HUMILITY.
robbery he had rooted over his soul the mother of all
This is demonstrated through the Holy Services as we evils – vain-glory and pride.”
prepare ourselves for the Great Lenten Fast by looking The Publican, in contrast, prayed with these words: “O
to the humble, repentant Publican as an example of God, be Merciful to me, a sinner!”
how we are to advance. St Gregory Palamas pointed out: “Without any other
In today’s Gospel Lesson we are shown the difference intention or thought, he paid attention only to
between a proud, self-righteous Pharisee and a himself and God, turning over and repeating the
humble repentant Publican. Supplication of a single thought - the most effective
Both offer Prayers to God, but only the Publican’s Prayer is of all Prayers.”
accepted. The Publican revealed his Humility not only by his words
At the end of the Parable, we learn that the Publican is but also by “...standing afar off...” and that he
Justified because of his Humility, and the Pharisee is “...would not lift up his eyes...” and with sincere
Condemned because of his pride. contrition he “...smote his breast.”
The Pharisee said: “O God, I thank Thee, that I am not as BY HIS POSTURE, PRESENCE AND SPEECH, THE PUBLICAN SHOWS US
other men are - extortioners, unjust, adulterers - or HUMILITY - but what is True Humility and how do we
even like that Publican.” acquire it?
Of course, we should be thankful that we have not fallen In the Gerontikon, we read: “Humility has often Saved
into any of the sins mentioned by the Pharisee, but it is many, even without effort; this is demonstrated by
not by our own strength that this was done, which the the Publican, who said only a few words and was
Pharisee failed to acknowledge. Saved.”

32. 3 4 T H S U N D A Y A F T E R P E N T E C O S T - 1 S T OF THE TRIODION – THE PUBLICAN & THE PHARISEE – 28 JANUARY 2018
 St. John Klimakos taught us that “...Those who possess
[Humility] have won the whole battle.”
Elder Dorotheos explained “...what the nature of Humility
is and how the soul obtains it... none found nor
could understand, except the soul who became
worthy to learn about it by actions - by hard bodily
labour accomplished with the full knowledge of
what is being done, considering oneself under all,
and ceaseless Prayer.
“’Hard bodily labour’ because since the Fall our bodies
tend toward pleasures and the love of bodily
comforts instead of the enjoyment of Spiritual
Pleasures...”
We must always consider ourselves as being “...under
all...” because we must OVERCOME PRIDE BY NEVER
THINKING THAT WE ARE MORE IMPORTANT THAN OUR BRETHREN.
By our “...ceaseless Prayer...” to God, we “...ascribe every
achievement to God, always thanking Him, calling
upon His Help, and trembling in case we might lose
His Help.”
Concerning the Humility of the Publican - that Spiritual
Perfection towards which we must constantly strive - St
John Cassian cautions us:
“...For however much effort may have been spent in
Fasting, keeping Vigil, reading, Solitude, and
withdrawal for the sake of laying hold of the Prizes
of Purity and Integrity, which are so magnificent
and so lofty, this diligence and toil cannot of itself
be sufficient to obtain them.
For never will our own effort and human diligence be
equal to the Divine Gift, if it has not been granted by
the Divine Compassion to the one who desires it.
ASCETIC REFLECTIONS
How captive are we, we fallen children, to the pleasures
and passions that rule our life.
How we treasure the chains that imprison us, bestowing
upon them garlands and wreaths, adorning them as
friends.
We sit bound by our desires, a lamentable state, yet we
rejoice, for our eyes are shut fast; and as in a dream
we see our confinement as ‘freedom,’ our chains as
‘wings.’
The Ascetic Heart knows the Darkness of this cell that is
our fallen state, the chill of the stone walls that
barricade us as if in tombs while yet we walk alive.
And this Ascetic Heart knows, too, the cunning poison that
is our ‘joy,’ when founded in these walls—a poison as
sweet as honey, which dries the blood even as it
tickles the tongue.
The Ascetic Heart knows the deep Reality of Bondage, of
the Lament of all Creation when someone is bound to
Death, and recognizes the Truth of the Chains that
bind him.
Yet for the Ascetic, the Chains lose their appeal, their
draw—for he knows that only the Yoke offered by
Christ can lead upward, inward, forward to Life.
One might feel pity, when seeing the Ascetic, for he
whose heart is borne aloft to God is the very man
whose tears flow more freely than most, who weeps in
time of rejoicing and sorrows at the Festivals of the
day.
Yet how absent from the need for pity is the one who
knows the sorrow of the world, for it is only he who
knows its Joy!
THE PROBLEM WITH PROCRASTINATION – FATHER ALEXIOS KARAKALLINOS
In our fast-paced society that prizes productivity and
efficiency, PROCRASTINATION IS CLEARLY A PROBLEM THAT
CAN SABOTAGE CAREER AND ADVANCEMENT.
In a world preoccupied with high stress and low self-
esteem, PROCRASTINATION CAN BE A SERIOUS ISSUE
CONTRIBUTING TO MORE FREQUENT PHYSICAL ILLNESS AS WELL
MOOD DISORDERS SUCH AS ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION.
And even in Christian circles, PROCRASTINATION CAN BE A
SPIRITUAL SNARE, FOR PROCRASTINATION IN REPENTANCE AND
THE KEEPING OF GOD’S COMMANDMENTS CAN DESTROY OUR
VERY SOULS.
Even though FAILING TO FOLLOW THROUGH AND COMPLETE AN
INTENDED TASK UNTIL THE LAST MINUTE CAN KEEP US FROM OUR
GOALS AT EVERY LEVEL, leaving us anxious, depressed
34TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST -1ST OF THE TRIODION – THE PUBLICAN &
33.
I do not say this in order to nullify human effort or in an
attempt to turn anyone away from diligence and
intense toil.
Rather I declare clearly and most firmly – not by my
own say-so but by that of the Elders – that without
these things, Perfection cannot be grasped at all,
and no one can attain these things alone and
without God’s Grace...”
“...And so it is apparent that we cannot attain the end of
Perfection and Purity except by True Humility… in
the belief that, unless [God] offers us His Protection
and Help at every moment, we cannot ever reach
the Perfection that we desire and after which we are
running with all our might.”
Elder Ambrose of Optina who was a “...strict Ascetic and
precise keeper of the Rules of the Church...” quoted St.
John Klimakos as saying: “David did not say, ‘I have
Fasted,’ ‘I have kept Vigil,’ or ‘I have lain on the bare
earth,’ but ‘I humbled myself, and straightaway the
Lord Saved me.’”
This is the reason we do not Fast this week so that we
would lay the groundwork of Humility before all of the
bodily and Spiritual Labours, which will follow during
Great Lent.
May God help us to make a good beginning.
Through the Prayers of our Holy Fathers, O Lord Jesus
Christ our God, have Mercy on us.
Amen
Sermon delivered at the Holy Cross Hermitage (2016)
https://www.holycross-hermitage.com/blogs
Only when the illusion of ‘life’ is seen for all its empty
Reality, can the space within one’s vision that so long
it occupied be filled—at long last—with the vision of
Truth.
The Sorrow of the Ascetic is not a hopeless sadness, but a
Hope-filled Lament for all that is distant from God.
It is the heart weeping for its loss, even in the same breath
that it receives its gain, just as the Father wept for his
Prodigal Son even as the latter rushed with longing
into his Father’s arms.
The Tears wept in this Divine Sorrow are Tears of
Purification, the Divine Waters of Baptismal Grace
welling up anew from the depths of the heart,
Purifying flesh and soul as they ascend upward and
outward, finally to fall to the waiting Earth.
It is in Sorrow that the Ascetic heart finds the Doorway to
Joy.
A heart petrified so long by the dry passions and fleeting
winds of worldly desires becomes hardened,
parched, incapable of change or growth.
It is this parched Earth that the Ascetic waters with her
Tears, pained at her heart’s barrenness, but stirred
with profoundest Joy at the Knowledge that each
drop of water Transforms the very Earth itself.
As Sorrow gives rise to Tears, so is the hardened heart
softened.
As the heart is softened, Holiness is born.
As Holiness is born, so Divine Transformation occurs.
And where God Transforms life, there all Joy and Hope,
Love and Peace are found.
Thus does the Ascetic Sorrow, for in Sorrow is the Door to
Life.
and even seemingly far from God, we still
procrastinate.
Psychologists often view the problem of procrastination as
A PROBLEM OF DISCONNECT BETWEEN INTENTION AND
BEHAVIOUR.
For instance, in his thesis entitled “Ruminating About
Procrastination,” Brett W. Guidry noted that
PROCRASTINATION IS A “...delay of some sort, needless,
and counterproductive… The idea of delaying an
intended behaviour seems to be crucial in defining
procrastination. Without this intention-behaviour
gap, it is difficult to claim that procrastination has
occurred.”
THE PHARISEE – 28 JANUARY 2018
 In procrastination, the discrepancy between intention
and behaviour is also experienced as TRANSGRESSION
OF AN INNER LAW THAT THE SELF HAS SET.
Procrastination can be viewed as A PERSONAL MORAL FAILURE
OFTEN EXPRESSED BY SO-CALLED “SHOULD” STATEMENTS such
as, “I should have started this by now” or “I should
have already completed this.”
Such realizations not only CAN LOWER SELF-ESTEEM, but also
CAN LEAD TO ANXIETY, STRESS, AND ENSUING HEALTH
PROBLEMS.
Brett Guidry goes on to point out that procrastination
represents A BREAKDOWN IN SELF-REGULATION OR SELF-
DISCIPLINE, in part due to the fact that PROCRASTINATORS
ARE ALSO MORE IMPULSIVE BY NATURE WITH AN INABILITY TO
STICK TO A GIVEN TASK.
Joseph R. Ferrari examined the relationship between
impulsivity and procrastination and found that
procrastinators “...spend less preparation time on
tasks that were likely to succeed and more time on
projects likely to fail. They also tend to
underestimate the time required to complete tasks.”
Joseph Ferrari concludes “... frequent procrastination
(e.g., indecisiveness and pronounced tendencies to
avoid threatening situations) is related to
dysfunctional impulsiveness (high speed-high
error)… To the extent that these procrastinators
possess deficits in cognitive processing abilities,
tendencies to speed up and work faster to complete
a task by deadline will likely result in poor
performance because of the subsequent lack of
sufficient time and ability to perform efficiently.”
In other words, PROCRASTINATION, THE GUILTY FEELINGS ABOUT
FAILING TO DO WHAT WE INTENDED TO DO, ARISE FROM POOR
JUDGMENT, POOR SELF-CONTROL, AND A FAILURE TO FACE
SQUARELY OUR OWN PROBLEMS.
In Spiritual Terms, we could say there is A LACK OF
DISCERNMENT, ASCETICISM, AND COURAGE.
Procrastinators are like the man whom Christ mentioned,
who failed to plan and estimate the cost of building
a tower. (LUKE 14:28)
They resemble Eve who saw that the Forbidden Fruit was
pleasant to the eyes, took it and ate it, without
considering the consequences. (GENESIS 3:6)
ABBOT TRYPHON – ON CHANGING
Elder Sophronios of Essex said he believed in CHANGING
THE WORLD, ONE PERSON AT A TIME.
These words are in agreement with those of Saint
Seraphim of Sarov, who said ACQUIRING INNER PEACE
CAUSES A THOUSAND AROUND US TO BE SAVED.
AS LONG AS WE CONCENTRATE ON THE FAILINGS OF OTHERS, INNER
TRANSFORMATION WILL ELUDE US, AND THE WORLD WILL
REMAIN IN DARKNESS.
When we remain stuck in the quagmire of sin and
focused on the failings of others, WE FAIL IN THE WORK OF
CONFORMING OURSELVES TO THE WILL OF GOD.
THE LENTEN TRIODION
Great Lent, as it exists today in the Eastern Orthodox
Church, is the result of a long historical development,
of which no more than a brief summary can be
offered here.
The portion of the Church's Year covered by the Lenten
Triodion falls into three periods:
(1) THE PRE-LENTEN PERIOD: three preparatory Sundays -
the Publican and the Pharisee [today]; the Prodigal
Son [next Sunday], and the Last Judgment/Meatfare
(the following Sunday), followed by a preliminary
week of partial Fasting, ending with the Sunday of
Forgiveness/Cheesefare.
(2) THE FORTY DAYS OF THE GREAT FAST, beginning on
Monday in the first week (or, more exactly, at Sunday
Vespers on the evening before), and ending with the
Ninth Hour on Friday in the sixth week.
ST SYMEON
I know that the Immovable comes down; I know that the
Invisible Appears to me; I know that He Who is outside
the whole Creation takes me within Himself and hides
me in His Embrace, and then I find myself outside the
whole world.
34. 3 4 T H S U N D A Y A F T E R P E N T E C O S T - 1 S T OF THE
They view their project or problem, much like the
anxious Disciples who were too afraid to face a storm
or even a young girl warming herself by fire. (MARK
14:69).
In Patristic terms, PROCRASTINATION INVOLVES A TYPE OF
PERSONAL WEAKNESS IN THE THREE PARTS OF THE SOUL - THE
REASONING, THE DESIRING, AND THE AGGRESSIVE FACULTIES.
In particular, there is A LACK OF PLANNING IN THE REASONING
FACULTY, SHIFTING FANCIES IN THE DESIRING FACULTY, AND
APPREHENSION IN THE AGGRESSIVE FACULTY.
Fortunately, our Holy Fathers have time-tested methods
for dealing with Spiritual Sickness in each of these
areas.
And THE BASIC METHOD IN ALL CASES INVOLVES PRAYER.
The three-fold ailment of procrastination can be HEALED
BY ACTIVELY TURNING TO GOD ON A DAILY BASIS, SEEKING HIS
WISDOM, HIS STRENGTH, AND HIS ASSISTANCE IN THE TASKS OF
THE DAY.
It means ASKING GOD’S HELP TO STRENGTHEN OUR GOOD
INTENTIONS, BY FAITH PROCEEDING TO IMPLEMENT THOSE
INTENTIONS, AND BY CALLING ON HIS NAME DISREGARDING THE
DISTRACTIONS AND TEMPTATIONS that get in our way.
We must heed our Lord’s words: “... what I say to you I
say to all: Watch!”
We must ever Watchful of our plans, our desires, and our
courage all in the light of His Victory over every foe.
If we apply this to our Spiritual Life, we can also learn to
apply it to all other areas of our daily life.
Encouraging Watchfulness in his Monks, Elder Ephraim
would urge: “Compel yourselves; say the Prayer;
stop idle talk; close your mouths to criticism; place
doors and locks against unnecessary words; time
passes and does not come back, and woe to us if
time goes by without Spiritual Profit!”
Putting the Kingdom of God and His Righteousness first,
let us be Watchful in our Spiritual Life by turning to
God Who Help us overcome this obstacle of
procrastination in all the areas of our life for His Glory,
Honour and Worship.
Amen.
HTTP://ANCIENTCHRISTIANWISDOM.COM
THE WORLD
It is, of course, much more personally comfortable to
notice the failings and the sins of others, but IF WE DO
NOT TAKE STOCK OF OURSELVES, WE WILL DO GREAT HARM TO
OUR SOUL.
JUDGING OTHERS OPENS WIDE THE GATES FOR EVIL SPIRITS TO
ENTER, whereby laying waste and destroying the
Grace of Baptism that resides within our heart.
WE ARE IN A BATTLE AGAINST EVIL FORCES, AND WE HAD BETTER BE
ON GUARD.
OUR ETERNAL LIFE DEPENDS ON IT.
THE MORNING OFFERING - HTTPS://BLOGS.ANCIENTFAITH.COM
(3) HOLY AND GREAT WEEK, preceded by the Saturday of
Lazaros and Palm Sunday.
The third of these three periods, the Paschal Fast of Holy
and Great Week, is the most ancient, for it was
already in existence during the second and third
centuries.
The Fast of forty days is mentioned in sources from the
first half of the 4th century onwards.
The pre-Lenten period developed latest of all - the
earliest references to a preliminary week of partial
Fasting are in the 6th or even 7th century, but the
observance of the other preparatory Sundays did not
become universal in the Greek East until the 10th
century.
ST ANDREW GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH
http://saintandrewgoc.org
THE NEW THEOLOGIAN
I, a frail, small mortal in the world, behold the Creator of
the world, all of Him, within myself and I know that I
shall not die, for I am within the Life - I have the whole
of Life springing up as a Fountain within me.
He is in my heart, He is in Heaven - both there and here
He shows Himself to me with equal Glory.
TRIODION – THE PUBLICAN & THE PHARISEE – 28 JANUARY 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.

30 January 2018

The Three Holy Hierarchs

St Basil the Great, St John Chrysostom & St Gregory the Theologian

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

FESTAL APOLYTIKION - THE THREE HOLY HIERARCHS – TONE 1

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

THREE HOLY HIERARCHS: ST BASIL THE GREAT, ST JOHN CHRYSOSTOM & ST GREGORY THE THEOLOGIAN 30 JANUARY 2018 35.
 “Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfil. Truly, therefore, I
say to you: until Heaven and Earth pass away, not one jot nor one tittle will by any means pass from the Law
until all is fulfilled. Whoever breaks one of the least of these Commandments, and teaches others to do so, shall
be called least in the Kingdom of Heaven! Whoever does and teaches them, shall be called ‘Great’ in the
Kingdom of Heaven.
✶✶ ALMIGHTY GOD IS THE TRUE AND UNCREATED LIGHT.
In the Old Testament LIGHT WAS SYMBOLIC OF ALMIGHTY GOD,
HIS DIVINE LAW AND ISRAEL in contrast to all other
Nations.
 ISAIAH 60: 1 – 3 “Shine, shine, O Jerusalem, for your Light
has come, and the Glory of the Lord has risen
upon you. Behold: darkness and gloom shall
cover the earth upon the Nations, but the Lord
will shine on you and His Glory shall be seen
upon you. Kings shall come to your Light, and
the Gentiles to your Brightness...”
This is the Hymn that we sing during Holy Pascha in
the Liturgical Services – for, as St John of
Damascus expressed it: “... the whole Creation
rejoices and exults, for Christ is Risen and Hades
despoiled.”
 PSALM 118:105 - “Thy Word is a Lamp to my feet and a
Light to my paths.”
In the New Testament, THE SON OF GOD IS “LIGHT” – HE IS
UNCREATED LIGHT OF UNCREATED LIGHT – TRUE GOD OF
TRUE GOD!
 JOHN 1: 4 – 9 “... In Him is Life, and the Life is the Light
of mankind. And the Light shines in the
darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend
It. There was a man sent from God, whose name
was John. This man came as a Witness, to bear
witness of the Light, that all – through him –
might believe. He was not that Light, but was
sent to bear witness of that Light. That was the
True Light, which gives Light to everyone coming
into the world...”
✶✶ONLY GOD HAS LIFE IN HIMSELF, THUS OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST,
BEING GOD, IS THE SOURCE OF LIFE, TOGETHER WITH THE
FATHER AND THE HOLY SPIRIT.
“The Life was the Light of mankind...” St John now
introduces MANKIND AS SANCTIFIED RECEIVERS OF THE
DIVINE LIGHT OF GOD, WHO, BY LIVING IN CHRIST, BECOME
CHILDREN OF THE LIGHT OF GOD. (JOHN 12:36 – EPHESIANS 5:8 – 1
THESSALONIANS 5:5)
 (EXODUS 3: 2 & 13 :21) St Moses, our ancient Patriarch, saw
the Divine Light in THE MYSTERIOUS BURNING BUSH and
the whole Nation of Israel witnessed It at THE
PARTING OF THE RED SEA.
 (ISAIAH 6: 1 – 5) - St Isaiah beheld the Divine Light of God
IN HIS HEAVENLY VISION. (
 (MATTHEW 17 : 1 – 5) The three Apostles of Christ witnessed
the Divine Light of God at OUR LORD’S
TRANSFIGURATION ON MOUNT TABOR.
“Darkness” refers to SPIRITUAL DARKNESS OR BLINDNESS DUE TO
UNREPENTED SIN. It is both Spiritual Ignorance and
Satanic opposition to the Divine Light and Truth of
Almighty God. THOSE WHO HATE TRUTH, PREFER IGNORANCE
FOR THEMSELVES AND THEY STRIVE TO KEEP OTHERS IGNORANT
AS WELL.
“Comprehend” means both “understand” and “overcome.”
Thus SPIRITUAL DARKNESS CAN NEVER OVERPOWER THE DIVINE
LIGHT AND TRUTH OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, NOR CAN IT
UNDERSTAND THE WAY OF DIVINE LOVE. (AGAPE)
“John” is a reference to ST JOHN THE BAPTIST AND FORERUNNER
TO CHRIST – THE LAST AND GREATEST OF ALL THE OLD
COVENANT HOLY PROPHETS OF GOD, who not only
prepared the Hebrews on earth for the advent of
Christ the True Messiah, but after his Holy Martyrdom,
HE ALSO PREPARED THOSE WHO WERE IMPRISONED IN HADES.
(after Christ’s Death and His own descent into Hades, our Lord
Jesus set the Righteous souls free to Repose in Paradise until
the Final Judgement. This is known as “The Harrowing of
Hades.”)
Although OUR MOST MERCIFUL GOD HAS OFFERED HIS DIVINE
LIGHT TO EVERY HUMAN BEING, the fallen world and even
many of His chosen people refuse to receive Him.
Thus they can neither know nor recognise Him. THOSE
WHO ACCEPT CHRIST OUR SAVIOUR, ARE GRANTED HIS DIVINE
LIGHT.
After having heard the reading of the Holy Gospel and
having received the Holy Eucharist in Divine Liturgy,
we sing: “We have seen the True Light! We have
received the Heavenly Spirit!”
36. T H R E E H O L Y H I E R A R C H S : S T B A S I L THE GREAT, ST JOHN CHRYSOSTOM & ST GREGORY
 John 8: 12 Our Lord Jesus said: “I Am the Light of the
world. He who follows Me shall not walk in
darkness, but have the Light of Life.”
Our Lord used these words in the context of the great
lamps that were lit at the conclusion of the Feast of
Tabernacles in the Outer Court of the Temple in
Jerusalem.
Consequently, CHRIST DECLARES HIMSELF AS THE FULFILMENT
AND THE DIVINE OBJECT OF ALL CELEBRATIONS OF LIGHT.
In Holy Scripture, God the Father is Light – a Divine
Attribute that He bestows upon His Faithful Flock. (JOHN
1:4-9 & 1 JOHN 1:5 – MATTHEW 5:14 - PHILIPPIANS 2:15)
Furthermore, OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST CONFIRMS HIS CLAIM BY
PERFORMING THE GREAT MIRACLE OF CREATING EYES FOR THE
MAN WHO WAS BORN WITHOUT ANY EYES AT ALL. (JOHN 9 : 1-7 –
ESPECIALLY 9:5)
 1 JOHN 1 : 5 “... This is the message that we have heard
from Him and declare to you: that God is Light
and in Him is no darkness at all.”
For St John the Divine and Beloved Theologian and
Apostle of Christ “LIGHT” IS DIVINE ENERGY, WHICH
MANIFESTED (REVEALED) DIVINE TRUTH – I.E. TRUE TEACHING –
VIRTUE AND HOLINESS – I.E. TRUE BEHAVIOUR AND LIFESTYLE –
AND HOLY COMMUNION WITH GOD IN HIS HOLY CHURCH – I.E.
TRUE SPIRITUALITY.
✶✶ THE STRONGEST OF ALL WEAPONS AGAINST SPIRITUAL DARKNESS
AND SIN IS OUR LOVE FOR GOD, WHICH IS A STRONG, VIBRANT
AND CLOSE RELATIONSHIP WITH HIM.
Light is necessary for clear vision and for life itself.
✶✶ FAITH RELIES ON DIVINE LIGHT and FAITHFUL BELIEVERS
BECOME “SONS OF LIGHT,” WHO SHINE IN A DARKENED AND
PERVERSE WORLD. (JOHN 12:36 - 1 THESSALONIANS 5:5 – PHILIPPIANS 2 :
15)
At Holy Pascha the Divine Liturgy begins with the Priest
exiting the Holy Sanctuary and presenting a lit candle
into the darkened church - inviting the congregation
to “Come and receive the Light that is never
overtaken by night!” whereupon, one by one, our
candles are lit and the entire church is quickly
illuminated by the soft, golden light – a wonderful
way of REMINDING US HOW GOD’S DIVINE LIGHT OF TRUTH
AND LOVE SPREAD AND ENLIGHTENED THE ENTIRE WORLD
FOREVER!
CHRISTIAN VIRTUES HAVE BOTH A PERSONAL AND PUBLIC FUNCTION,
for it can bring others to Glorify God and to live in
Christ forever.
✶✶OUR LORD JESUS FULFILLED THE LAW IN HIMSELF - IN HIS
WORDS AND IN HIS ACTIONS BY PERFORMING GOD’S WILL IN
ALL ITS FULLNESS, BY TRANSGRESSING NONE OF THE PRECEPTS
OF THE LAW, BY DECLARING THE PERFECT FULFILMENT OF THE
LAW, WHICH HE WAS ABOUT TO DELIVER TO THEM AND BY
GRANTING RIGHTEOUSNESS – THE ULTIMATE GOAL OF THE LAW
– TO US.
✶✶HE ALSO FULFILLED THE PROPHECIES OF ALL THE HOLY PROPHETS
OF GOD, by being and carrying out everything they
had foretold centuries before.
Our Lord Jesus often used the term “Truly” or “Assuredly”
which means “confirmed,” or “so be it” – “Amen” – as A
SOLEMN AFFIRMATION OR FORM OF OATH.
His use of this expression at the beginning of certain
Divine Proclamations (rather than at the end) is UNIQUE
AND AUTHORITATIVE: HE DECLARES HIS WORDS AFFIRMED
BEFORE THEY ARE EVEN SPOKEN!
“A JOT” – “IOTA” – IS THE SMALLEST LETTER IN THE GREEK ALPHABET
WHILE A “TITTLE” IS THE SMALLEST STROKE IN CERTAIN HEBREW
LETTERS.
✶✶Thus, WITHOUT EXCEPTION, THE ENTIRE LAW OF GOD IS
AFFIRMED AS THE SACRED FOUNDATION OF CHRIST’S NEW
COVENANT TEACHING.
“All is fulfilled” is a reference to THE PASSION AND
RESURRECTION OF OUR LORD AND SAVIOUr.
✶✶RIGHTEOUSNESS ACCORDING TO THE LAW IS A UNIFIED WHOLE.
 THE OBSERVANCE OF ALL THE LEAST COMMANDMENTS OF
GOD IS TO OBSERVE OR KEEP OR OBEY THE WHOLE
DIVINE LAW OF GOD,
 WHILE THE VIOLATION OF THE LEAST COMMANDMENT IS
CONSIDERED BY GOD TO BE THE VIOLATION OF THE
ENTIRE DIVINE LAW OF GOD!
It could not be made more definitive or clear to us than
this!!
THE THEOLOGIAN 30 JANUARY 2018