The Feastday of our Holy Father Saint Nektarios of Pentapolis (Part III)

My beloved spiritual children in Christ Our Only True God and Our Only True Savior,
CHRIST IS IN OUR MIDST! HE WAS, IS AND EVER SHALL BE.

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THE LIFE OF OUR HOLY WONDERWORKING METROPOLITAN OF PENTAPOLIS NEKTARIOS (Part III)

The Saint's good fame flashed forth like lightning in all quarters. His popularity and genuine admiration among the people aroused the envy of a certain person in the Alexandrian Patriarchate. Rumors then arose that Metropolitan Nektarios wished to possess the Patriarchal throne, an ambition that never entered his mind. Many of his peers, not wishing to acknowledge his genuine virtue, slandered him to the Patriarch, saying that his popularity among the people was reaching such a pitch that Sophronios could easily be dethroned. Although the holy Nektarios discharged all his duties in a godly manner and sincerely showed love and reverence toward the Patriarch, whom he exceedingly honored as his benefactor, the Metropolitan's enemies swayed the Patriarch into thinking that his throne was in danger. As a man, the Patriarch feared and lost confidence; consequently, he compelled the holy Nektarios to leave his position. Metropolitan Nektarios, thus, on the 11th of July 1890, was removed from the Church of Egypt and told to go elsewhere. He was neither defrocked nor suspended from priestly functions, but he was removed from his throne and not given another.

The holy man accepted this injustice and bitter trial with much thanksgiving toward the Lord because he was accounted worthy to suffer calumny, unjust persecution and dismissal, without being responsible for the tiniest provocation. The majority of his persecutors, who drove him out, were the bishops of the Church--many who aspired to power and glory.

The meek, guileless, and humble holy father, without murmuring or speaking any word of reproof against his persecutors, much rather prayed for them. When he came out of Egypt, he was penniless, since whatever money he had gone either to the poor or toward his expenditures for printing religious writings. Indeed, many were making the following remarks: "With regard to the Metropolitan of Pentapolis and money, they are opposites." Though he lacked even pocket change to buy bread, he asked no one for assistance and hoped only in Divine intervention.

Saint Nektarios arrived in Athens in 1889 with the intention of going on to Mount Athos so as to lead the Monastic life, although many were pressing him to stay in Greece, especially the ever-memorable Bishop of Patras; for he knew the righteous man's holy life and his divinely inspired preaching. However, the holy Nektarios suffered much from both the Greek government and Church officials.  Saint Nektarios spent all his time in prayer and fasting.  

Phtiotis and Phokis

On the 19th of August, he was transferred to the prefecture of Phtiotis and Phokis, where he preached until 1894, having a holy ministry among the women and children. The area was filled with many widows, both young and old, who have lost their husbands to the sea.

At length, he fell ill with the flu. He was blessed with a visitation by the Ever-Virgin Mary. Upon beholding her, he said, "My Lady Theotokos, how could you condescend to see your servant?" She informed him that though the Angels were preparing to take him, the Lord decided that he should remain. "You shall continue on the sorrowful path." Saint Nektarios became afraid and told her as much. She replied, "Cease fearing. Keep struggling. The Lord shall stand by you." When the Saint recovered, he went on a preaching tour, though his health suffered.

The Rizarios School, Athens

Then, in the spring, he received news that he had been appointed Dean of the Rizarios Ecclesiastical School, established in 1844, for the training of men for the Priesthood. He departed amid a throng of grateful believers, including young girls bearing wildflowers and boy waving flags.

Saint Nektarios was made Director of the school on the 8th of March, 1894. When he was met by the ten-member governing committee, they beheld a man entering his 48th year, of average height, with a serene and pleasant countenance, bright blue eyes, and a beard beginning to turn grey.

When the holy man first entered the school, it was no easy task. The school was in turmoil regarding its direction, curriculum, and discipline. Furthermore, there were different attitudes, because some of the trustees wish to promote reforming the school to accommodate the modern world. The Saint, being a man of God with the kind of character that he possessed, put things in order with his peaceful and loving manner. The students developed a deep respect for him, and a profound honor and love grew in them for their ascetical Dean, whom they revered as a loving father.

When the custodian of the school failed in his duties on account of illness, the Dean, St. Nektarios, himself rose up at night and cleaned the student toilets lest that man should be fired. He frequently performed the chores of others that were left undone or forgotten. People from all over were coming to the school just to participate in the Divine Liturgy and hear his elevating and edifying sermons. The Chapel, filled to capacity, enjoined the school to have participants come by written invitation only.

His charities and fund-raising activities seemed never-ending. A catastrophic fire broke out in Sinope near the Black Sea. Saint Nektarios did not hesitate to gather funds, having in his mind's eye homeless and cold children. When he learned that there was poverty, no work, and a poor crop in Lithi on Chios, he again personally contacted those with the means to alleviate the disaster. If any students were suffering from sickness or tuition problems, he was a ready helper. During this time, he wrote a book, dedicating it to his students, entitled Christian Ethics of the Eastern Orthodox Church.

Many people were confessing to the Saint and coming to listen to his lectures. Some pious young women approached the Saint, and one of them, Crysanthe, was blind. The Saint was most impressed with her guilelessness and gifts of the Spirit. It was the women's desire to become nuns. He prayed for them and begged God to help him found a Women's Monastery near Athens. The young women found a place on the island of Aegina, not far from the port of Piraeus by ferry boat. There already was an old and deserted Monastery in ruins, dedicated to the Life-Giving Spring, the Theotokos. It was a difficult and thorny terrain to navigate, being some six and a half kilometers from where the ferry docked. A certain medical doctor, one Peppas, offered to assist the young women and donate the land. He was also the governor of the island and long had had the pious desire to see the Monastery flourish again.

Saint Nektarios first visited Aegina in the summer of 1904. The whole island was moved to meet him. The priest also went to greet him. Saint Nektarios spent the night at an inn, not wishing to inconvenience the priest, Father Michael. As he prepared to leave Xantos, a woman who had been hemorrhaging for six years knelt to kiss his rason (cassock). Saint Nektarios blessed her, and she sensed that her flow of blood had been stopped. She then gave glory to the Virgin Theotokos. All the people praised God.

When the Saint viewed the aspect of the future Women's Monastery (Convent), he was well pleased. However, at 58 years of age, he was concerned about the welfare and guidance of these young women who put their trust in him. The Saint committed the matter to God. The Saint wrote countless letters, pleading for assistance that the church and Women's Monastery in Aegina might be established. Finally, on the 1st of July, 1906, the groundbreaking ceremony took place. Saint Nektarios dedicated the new Monastery to the Holy Trinity. His fatherly love for the nuns knew no bounds. Every penny went for medicines and the other needs of those young women. At length he tonsured them, and Chrysanthe, the future Gerondissa (Abbess), became Mother Xene. The reverend Dean could not be absent from his duties as Director of the Rizarios Ecclesiastical School; so, in his absence from Aegina, Archimandrite Theodosios served the nuns. On Sundays, he would dispatch a priest to serve them. This arrangement would continue until 1908, when, in December, Dean Nektarios submitted his letter of resignation as Director of the Rizarios School. (Source: The Great Synaxaristes of the Orthodox Church)

(To be continued)

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"Glory Be To GOD For All Things!" -Saint John Chrysostomos

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With sincere agape in His Holy Diakonia (Ministry),
The sinner and unworthy servant of God

+Father George

The Feastday of our Holy Father Saint Nektarios of Pentapolis (Part II)

My beloved spiritual children in Christ Our Only True God and Our Only True Savior,
CHRIST IS IN OUR MIDST! HE WAS, IS, AND EVER SHALL BE.

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THE LIFE OF SAINT NEKTARIOS, METROPOLITAN OF PENTAPOLIS IN EGYPT (Part II)

After working at Themistocles' store, Anastasios eventually found employment as a youth instructor at a school, which was a possession under the jurisdiction of the Holy Sepulcher. When Anastasios Kephalas reached twenty years of age, he received a letter of recommendation from the director of the school. He also accepted an appointment from Metropolitan Gregory, as a teacher in the village of Lythion on the island of Chios, Greece.  His family had already moved to the island, so he prepared for his trip and a new post.

At Chios, he remained in that teaching position for seven years. He not only was teaching his pupils but also influenced and persuaded the villagers to pursue piety and virtue, which he was able to show them by his own example. His godly manner of life was simple, frugal, and rather ascetical, wherein he mastered self-control and governed his thoughts and diet. Whether inside the classroom or out, he emphasized the importance of schooling and studying the Holy Scripture. Anastasios was very much inspired by Saint Kosmas Aitolos, to whom he would often pray.

Being an ardent zealot and supporter of the Monastic life, he often visited the sacred Monastery of the Holy Fathers, where they were discussing the mystical progression of the Monastic life and spiritual philosophy according to Christ. At that time, the distinguished holy father and founder of the Monastery, the Elder (Geronda) Pachomios, who guided many upon the spiritual path, would engage in these spiritual talks with Anastasios. At length, Anastasios entered the Monastery of Neas Moni.

On the 7th of November, 1876, he was tonsured a monk. He was renamed, Lazarus. He stayed at the Monastery, where he undertook the obedience as secretary, at which he labored tirelessly. Then, on the 15th of January, 1877, Father Lazarus was ordained to the Diaconate by Metropolitan Gregory in the Church of Saints Menas, Victor, and Vikentios. It was then that the Metropolitan renamed him Nektarios.

Metropolitan Gregory invited Father Nektarios to his office. When he entered, he was introduced to John Horemis, a leading citizen of Chios. Upon meeting Father Nektarios, Horemis asked him how he came to Chios. Father Nektarios told him of his roots in Thrace and how he attempted to board a ship for the capital. He mentioned how the ship's engines stalled. He then spoke of how the ticket taker came while the captain was indisposed, leaving him with no one to vouch for his presence on the ship. "One kind gentleman," he said, "took pity on me and paid my fare." Tears then began welling up in Horemis' eyes. The Metropolitan thought something was wrong and went over to him. "So thou was the child," said Horemis. "We have often thought of you and longed to see you again, that is, my nephew and I." Horemis then disclosed that it was his nephew who helped him on the ship. Thank God we have found you. Now that you have been found, I shall ask his Eminence for a blessing that you might leave for Athens and complete your high school education at my expense. Father Nektarios gave glory to God and prepared to leave for Athens. Indeed, our God shall do the will of them that fear Him, and He hears their supplication, and He shall save them (Psalm 144:20).

Father Nektarios boarded a ship that was crossing the Aegean to the port of Athens, Piraeus. Divine Providence was at work here, and the blessed Nektarios knew it. Father Nektarios applied himself diligently day and night to his studies. He only knew two paths, the one leading to the school and the one going to church every Sunday and feast day. During his summer vacations, however, he did return to Chios.

Father Nektarios received his diploma, to the great pleasure of his benefactor. Horemis then recommended that Father Nektarios meet and visit with his personal friend, the Patriarch Sophronios of Alexandria. Father Nektarios fell in with his plans and embarked on a steamship for Egypt.

Patriarch Sophronios, nearly eighty, had previously been the Patriarch of Constantinople for three years. In 1870, he succeeded to the Alexandrian throne on account of unrest in the Balkans. The Patriarch took a liking of Father Nektarios, even as most did, and took him under his protection; but he advised Father Nektarios to enroll at the University of Athens.

Saint Nektarios then left again for Athens but was saddened upon his arrival when he learned of the death of his benefactor, John Horemis. Father Nektarios registered for theological studies in 1882 and finished his studies in 1885, receiving the degree in Theology. He then left for Alexandria and was welcomed again by Patriarch Sophronios. On Sunday, the 23rd of March, 1886, he was ordained Priest and confessor by the Patriarch, at the Patriarchal Church of Saint Savvas. Five months later he was given the title of Archimandrite at the Church of Saint Nicholas in Cairo, by the Metropolitan of Nubia. Shortly thereafter, he received the honor of being appointed preacher and secretary of the Patriarchate. Two months after receiving that post he was appointed a Patriarchal trustee.  These sudden elevations caused the holy man some consternation, as he feared the rapid promotions might compromise his principles and belief.

In January of 1889, Metropolitan Nilos reposed, leaving the see of Pentapolis widowed. Since this seat was under the jurisdiction of the Alexandrian Patriarchate, on the 15th of January that year, Nektarios was consecrated a bishop. This elevation was completely unexpected by the holy man. Together with the Patriarch Sophronios, Metropolitan Anthony of Corfu and Metropolitan Porphyrios of Sinai participated at the consecration at the Church of Saint Nicholas. With extreme humility, the holy Nektarios accepted the dignity of the episcopacy. His ardent heart was filled with compunction and reverence, as a grateful slave before the will of the Lord; for he attributed all to Him. Afterword, he would say with much humility, "Why, O Lord, hast Thou elevated me to such a high dignity? I only asked of Thee to become a theologian and not a Metropolitan. From my youth, I was asking Thee to vouchsafe me to become a simple laborer of Thy Divine word; and Thou, O Lord, now hast put me to the test with such things.  Nevertheless, I submit myself, O Lord, to Thy will, and I entreat that Thou wouldest cultivate in me humble-mindedness and the see of the rest of thy holy virtues, in a manner Thou knowest, and vouchsafe me to live the remainder of my days on this earth in symphony with the words of the blessed Paul who said, 'I have been crucified with Christ; and I no longer live, but Christ liveth in me; and the life that I now live in the flesh I live in faith, in that of the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me" (Galatians 2;20). (Source: The Great Synaxaristes of the Orthodox Church)

(To be continued)

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"Glory Be To GOD For All Things!"--Saint John Chrysostomos

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With sincere agape in His Holy Diakonia (Ministry),
The sinner and unworthy servant of God

+Father George

The Feastday of our Holy Father Saint Nektarios of Pentapolis

My beloved spiritual children in Christ Our Only True God and Our Only True Savior,
CHRIST IS IN OUR MIDST! HE WAS, IS, AND EVER SHALL BE.

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ON NOVEMBER 9th OUR HOLY ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN CHURCH COMMEMORATES OUR HOLY FATHER NEKTARIOS METROPOLITAN OF PENTAPOLIS.

The Holy Orthodox Christian Church shall not cease showing forth Saint until the completion of the age. This is undeniable proof that she is the depository of truth and Holy Tradition, which she observes and preserves free from adulteration, as a precious and sacred trust, and as "a fountain of water springing into eternal life" (Saint John 4:14). This water and bedews her pious children. The Holy Church, therefore, rejoices and speaks multitudinous achievements, virtues, and awesome wonders. Together with those Saints, she appeared luminaries who have become manifest in these times, especially committing sin. These newly-revealed holy ones, by their manner of life, have also shone forth abundantly in the virtues and in performing miracles, glorifying God. We ought to be following their example and imitating their faith, "observing attentively," says Saint Paul, who tread the heavens, "the end of their conduct; for Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, today and forever. Thus, let us cease being carried about by various and strange teachings (cf. Hebrews 13:7-8).

Such a newly-appeared star in the firmament of the Church and a Saint among the Saints is the renowned miracle-worker and illustrious hierarch, Saint Nektarios, Metropolitan of Pentapolis in Egypt. He is the special boast of godly Orthodox Christians, the sweetest nectar of the life of virtue, which gives joy and gladness, though its sanctifying grace, to reverent hearts, rendering them precious vessels of the Holy Spirit. Saint Nektarios is such a repository of grace, for he attained the heights and one preeminent in working miracles, we ardently beg his protection and intercession before God.

The God-bearing hierarch, Saint Nektarios, was born in Selyvria of Thrace. He was born to the pious Demos and Maria Kephalas, on the 1st of October, 1846, being the fifth of six children. In Holy Baptism he was name Anastasios. His father worked hard to provide for his family, laboring at times at sea. At that time Orthodoxy was enslaved by the Ottomans. The Saint's mother and grandmother exercised caution around the Turks, but always maintained hope for a better future. From his earliest youth, when his nails were still soft, he was manifesting how he would develop. He was prudent and wise and proved an obedient son to his parents, who nurtured him in the instruction and admonition of the Lord (Ephesians 6:4), together with all things reverent according to Christ. From his childhood, he avoided hurtful and evil pastimes, games, and associations. His soul, like a sponge, soaked up the streams of his parents' good guidance and instructions. He especially hearkened to the words of his extremely pious mother and grandmother, and to whatever was good and profitable for the soul. Characteristic of his yearning and eager disposition was his learning to recite the 50th (51) Psalm of David, "Have mercy on me, O God..." When he came to the verse which read, "I shall teach transgressors Thy ways, and the ungodly shall turn back unto Thee" (vs. 13), he would pronounce those words twice and even three times. He aspired early on to acquire theological knowledge that he might one day have as his mission the preaching of the Gospel, so that through teaching the law and will of the Lord, as many people as possible might be diverted from the path of lawlessness leading to perdition and be placed on the path of piety, virtue, and salvation.

When he reached the age of seven, he bought some paper and took pleasure in making books. Wishing to know what he was about, his mother inquired, "What art thou doing with the papers, son?" He answered, "I wish, mother, to make a book, that I might write down the words of God." His first lesson in general education was pursued in his hometown as an employee by a relation who had a shop in Constantinople. Since Anastasios' family was poor, he needed to have work in order to continue his education, so he accepted the position. Before his departure, his grandmother had given him a Cross to wear about his neck containing the holy relics of the Precious Cross of Jesus. The Saint left for the ship but had no fare for the ticket. The captain observed the lad, and asked, "Where art thou bound brave boy?" Anastasios replied, "To Constantinople, sir." The captain remarked, teasing, "Well, freeloaders are not welcome in the capital!" Anastasios answered nothing. The captain then gave the orders to put out to sea. The ship's engines, however, would not start. The crew was trying to ascertain the problem, while the captain was ready to break the wheel form his exasperation. Then, his eye caught the weeping Anastasios on the dock. The lad cried out, "Take me, captain, sir". The captain then motioned to him to get on board. The moment Anastasios' feet touched the deck, the engines started and the ship began to move. Later, before his arrival, when it came time for the passengers to show their tickets, Anastasios panicked. One of the passengers took pity on him and paid for his fare.

The man he was to see for his employment had left for Edessa, leaving Anastasios unemployed and homeless. He finally secured backbreaking work with a tobacco processing plant. His pay consisted mostly of his room and board. In the meantime, the young Anastasios' clothes and shoes were becoming worn and falling apart. When he asked his employer for assistance, he was told to write home to his parents. "But they are very poor, sir," Anastasios said. The employer had no time to listen to the youths' dilemma. He then thought he beheld the Lord Jesus Who was asking him why he was weeping. Anastasios attempted to speak to our Savior but was unable. When he arose, he decided to write a letter to Jesus Christ. He took up his pencil and wrote:

"My dearest Jesus: The reason that I am weeping continually is that my clothes and shoes are inadequate for winter. My employer turned me away. I cannot ask my poor family, to whom I have not been able to send even one coin. How shall I manage the deliveries in the bitter cold? I have mended my clothes many times, but they keep tearing. Forgive me for burdening Thee with this problem, but it is Thee Whom I worship and in Whom I have my hope. Thy faithful slave, Anastasios."

He addressed an envelope, writing: "To our Lord Jesus Christ in the Heavens." He then left early to post it. On the way, he was seen by the shop owner, Themistocles, whose store was opposite the tobacco establishment. "Where are you going so early, my Anastasios?" Themistocles asked, "To the post office, sir," Anastasios told him, "No need," said the man; "I shall post it for you. I see you are shivering in this cold, so return to the shop." Anastasios thanked him. The shop owner happened to look at Anastasios' envelope, and the name of the Addressee caught his immediate attention. Startled, he said, "O my! How can this be posted? In what desperate straits does that good lad find himself? He then took it upon himself to pause and open the envelope. He was so touched at the lad's words that he went and prepared a parcel with warm clothing, shoes, underwear, and some spending money. He then posted it, addressing it to Anastasios Kephalas at the tobacco shop. A note was placed inside, upon which was written the following message: "Christ to Anastasios." The parcel was delivered, to the boundless joy and gratitude of the child. His employer, however, suspected him of theft. He began beating him and calling him a thief. Anastasios kept trying to explain, but his boss kept striking him. The shopkeeper, who had received Anastasios' letter, happened to be passing by. He heard the commotion and came rushing to the boy's aid. The employer then desisted, fearing to create a fuss, which would certainly attract the attention of the Turkish authorities. Soon afterward, Anastasios was offered work at another shop, that of Themistocles, which he accepted. He stayed at his new establishment for a considerable time, finding decent conditions and time to study. (Source: The Great Synaxaristes of the Orthodox Church)

(To be continued)

DIVINE SERVICES FOR THE FEAST OF ST. NEKTARIOS:

Tonight, Friday, November 8th: Great Vespers and Holy Unction at 7:00 p.m.

Tomorrow, Saturday, November 9th:

Orthros at 9:00 a.m.
Divine Liturgy at 10:00 a.m.

Place of worship: Saint Nektarios Chapel

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"Glory Be To GOD For All Things!" -- Saint John Chrysostomos

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With sincere agape in His Holy Diakonia (Ministry),
The sinner and unworthy servant of God

+Father George

The Synaxis in Honor of the Chief Commanders Michael and Gabriel

My beloved spiritual children in Christ Our Only True God and Our Only True Savior,
CHRIST IS IN OUR MIDST! HE WAS, IS, AND EVER SHALL BE.

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THE SYNAXIS IN HONOR OF THE CHIEF COMMANDERS MICHAEL AND GABRIEL

HYMNS FROM THE DIVINE SERVICE OF GREAT VESPERS ON THE EVE OF THE HOLY FEAST

Stichera Prosomia (Mode 4)

As Commander-in-chief you stand by the Godhead and triple Sun, O Archangel Michael, most brilliant minister. And with the heavenly hosts on high rejoicing you cry aloud: You are Holy, O Father, You are Holy, O equally unoriginated Logos/Word; and Holy are You, O Holy Spirit, single glory, rule and nature and single Power and Divinity.

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Wholly fiery is your form and your beauty is wonderful. You are known to all as one in your strength. And in your bodiless nature you, O Archangel Michael, go everywhere throughout the world, executing the orders of God Who made all things. And the Church that was honored with your Holy Name made into a wellspring of cures and healings for everyone.

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You, O Lord, make Your messengers spirits, even as Scripture says, and you make Your ministers be a fiery flame. And You have made Michael who is Chief-Commander to be supreme in Your Archangelic ranks. He obediently submits unto Your commands. And with fear does he cry out in a loud voice the Thrice-Holy hymn, O Master, unto Your glory, O Logos/Word of God.

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Gabriel, the pre-eternal Mind set you as a second light, to illumine the whole wide world through participating in the grace of the Godhead, and also to make known to us the great and most Divine mystery which was from all eternity: that He Who had been bodiless assumed a body within the womb of a Virgin and thus became man to save all humanity.

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Standing as you do by the tri-solar Godhead's supernal Throne and illumined abundantly by the Divine splendor that from it without ceasing radiates Archagel, deliver from the passions of gloom those who on earth stand in chorus joyfully extolling you, O Gabriel the Chief-Commander.  And brighten them with divine lumination's light, and entreat that our souls be saved.

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Shatter all the insolence that sons of Hagar continually aim against us your humble flock. Captain of the Bodiless, stop the Church's schisms. Calm the swelling ocean of the temptations that we have. Also deliver us from calamity and circumstances fraught with danger, for with longing we honor you, who entreat on our souls' behalf, as our refuge, O Gabriel.

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Glory...

Rejoice with us, all you Commanders of the Angels, for our leader and our champion, the Great Chief Commander, wondrously appearing in his august temple, sanctifies this day. Therefore let us dutifully extol him and cry aloud:  Shelter us in the shelter of your wings, O Michael the Greatest Archangel.

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Both now...

Rejoice with us, all your choirs of virgins.  For our protection and mediatrix and shelter, and the great refuge, marvelously appearing in her august temple, sanctifies this day. Therefore let us dutifully extol her and cry aloud: Shelter us in the shelter of your wings, O Immaculate Lady Theotokos.

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Idiomelon 1.

Chief captains of the spiritual Powers, who ever stand beside the Master's Throne,implore the Lord to give peace to the world and to our souls His great mercy.

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Idiomelon 2.

The Commander of the Powers above, Michael, the Leader of the divine ranks, who goes with us every day and guards us all from every assault of the devil, has called us together today to a great festival.  Come then, lovers of feasts and lovers of Christ, let us pick the flowers of virtues and with pure thoughts and firm conscience, let us honor the Archangel's Assembly (Synaxis); for as he stands unceasingly next God and raises high the Thrice-Holy hymn, he intercedes that our souls may be saved.

Priest

Most Merciful Master, Lord Jesus Christ our God, through the intercessions of our Most Pure Lady the Theotokos and ever-Virgin Mary, the precious and Life-Giving Cross, the protection of the honorable, bodiless powers of heaven, whose synaxis we celebrate; the supplications of the honorable and glorious prophet, and Forerunner John the Baptist, the holy, glorious, and praiseworthy Apostles, our Fathers among the Saints, the great hierarchs and ecumenical teachers, Basil the Great, Gregory the Theologian and John Chrysostom, Athanasios, Cyril, and John the Merciful, patriarchs of Alexandria; Nicholas. bishop of Myra, Spyridon, bishop of Trimythous, Nektarios of Pentapolis, the wonder-workers; the holy, glorious great Martyrs George the Victorious, Demetrios the Myrovletes, Theodore the Teron, and Theodore the General, Menas the Wonderworker, the Hieromartyr Haralambos and Eleftherios; the holy, glorious, and victorious martyrs; the glorious great Martyr and all-laudable Efymia; the holy and glorious Martyrs Thecla, Varvara, Anastasia, Katherine, Kyriake, Fotene, Marina, Paraskeve and Irene; of our holy God-bearing Fathers, Saint Andrew the First-Called and Apostle Andreou; the holy and righteous ancestors of God Joachim and Anna, and of all your Saints.

Accept our prayer; grant us forgiveness of our transgressions; protect us under the shelter of your wings; drive away from us every enemy and adversary; grant peace to our life; Lord have mercy on us and on your world; and save our souls as a good and loving God.

Hymn to the Theotokos

O Virgin Theotokos rejoice, Mary full of grace. The Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb; for you have borne the Savior of our Souls.

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Apolytikion (Dismissal ) Hymn. Mode 4

O Chief Commanders of the heavenly armies, we the unworthy now entreat you in earnest, to fortify us by your supplications to the Lord, and shelter us beneath the wings of your spiritual glory, guarding us who run to you and fervently entreat you: As the Commanders of the hosts on high, rescue us faithful form dangers of every kind.

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Theotokion. Mode 4

O Theotokos, through you became manifest to us on earth the mystery, which was hid from eternity, and which the Angels themselves knew not: that God, uniting natures without confusion, becomes a man and accepts crucifixion for our salvation voluntarily. By virtue of this, resurrecting man whom He had first created, He saved our souls from death.

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HOLY ARCHANGELS INTERCEDE FOR THE SALVATION OF OUR SOULS.

With agape in Christ,

+Father George

Synaxis of the Archangels

My beloved spiritual children in Christ Our Only True God and Our Only True Savior,
CHRIST IS IN OUR MIDST HE WAS, IS, AND EVER SHALL BE.

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ON THE 8th OF NOVEMBER, THE HOLY CHURCH COMMEMORATES THE SYNAXIS OF THE ARCHANGELS MICHAEL AND GABRIEL, AND THE REST OF THE BODILESS AND HEAVENLY RANKS, the Seraphim, Cherubim, Thrones, Dominions, Authorities, Powers, Principalities, Archangels, and Angels.

Concerning Angels, Saint John of Damascus writes: "God is Himself the Maker and Creator of the Angels; for He brought them out of nothing into being and created them after His own image. They are an incorporeal race, a sort of spirit or immaterial fire, even as the divine David says that 'His Angels are spirits, and His ministers a flame of fire (Psalm 103:6).' By this, he has described their lightness and the ardor, heat, keenness, and sharpness with which they hunger for God and serve Him. He also has disclosed how they are borne to the regions above and are quite delivered from all material thought.

"An Angel, then, is an intelligent essence, in perpetual motion, with free will, incorporeal, ministering to God, having obtained by grace an immortal nature. The Creator alone knows the form and limitation of the Angelic essence, but all that we can understand is that it is incorporeal and immaterial. For all that is compared with God. Who alone is incomparable, we find to be dense and material. For, in reality, only the Deity is immaterial and incorporeal.

"The Angel's nature then is rational, and intelligent, and endowed with free-will, changeable in will, or fickle. For all that is created is changeable, and only that which is uncreated is unchangeable. Also, all that is rational is endowed with free-will. As the Angel is, then, rational and intelligent, this being is endowed with free will: and as this being is created, it is changeable, having power either to abide or progress in goodness or to turn toward evil.

"They are not susceptible of repentance because they are incorporeal. For it is owing to the weakness of his body that man comes to have repentance.

"They are immortal, not by nature but by grace. For all that has had beginning comes also to its natural end. But God alone is eternal, or rather, he is above the eternal: for He, the Creator of times, is not under the dominion of time, but above time.

"They are secondary intelligent lights derived from that first Light which is without beginning, for they have the power of illumination; they have no need of tongue or hearing, but without uttering words they communicate to each other their own thoughts and counsels.

"Through the Logos/Word, therefore, all the Angels were created, and through the sanctification by the Holy Spirit were they brought to perfection, sharing each in proportion to his worth and rank in brightness and grace.

"They are circumscribed: for when they are in the heavens, they are not on the earth. When they are sent by God down to the earth, they do not remain in the heavens. They are not hemmed in by walls and doors, and bars and seals, for they, are unlimited. Unlimited, I repeat, for it is not as they really are that they reveal themselves to the worthy men to whom God wishes them to appear, but in a changed form which the beholders are capable of seeing. For that alone is naturally and strictly unlimited which is uncreated. For every created thing is limited by God Who created it.

"Further, apart from their essence, they receive the sanctification from the Spirit. Through Divine grace, they prophesy. They have no need for marriage for they are immortal.

"Seeing that they are minds, they are in mental places and are not circumscribed after the fashion of a body. For they have not a bodily form by nature, nor are they extended in three dimensions. But to whatever post they may be assigned, there they are present, after the manner of a mind, and they energize, but they cannot be present and energize in various places at the same time.

"Whether they are equals in essence or differ from one another we know not. God, their Creator, Who knows all things, alone knows.  But they differ from each other in brightness and position, whether it is that their position is dependent on their brightness, or the brightness on the position. They also impart brightness to one another, because they excel one another in rank and nature; clearly, the higher share their brightness and knowledge with the lower.

"They are mighty and prompt to fulfill the will of the Deity, and their nature is endowed with such celerity that, wherever the Divine glance bids them, there they are straightway found. They are the guardians of the divisions of the earth. They are set over nations and regions, allotted to them by their Creator. They govern all our affairs and bring us succor.  The reason surely is because they are set over us by the divine will and command and are ever in the vicinity of God.

"With difficulty, they are moved to evil, yet they are not absolutely immovable. But now they are altogether immoveable, not by nature by grace and by their nearness to the Only God.

"They behold God according to their capacity, and this is their food.

"They are above us, for they are incorporeal, and are free of all bodily passion, yet are not passionless: for God alone is passionless.

"They take different forms at the bidding of their Master, God, and thus reveal themselves to men and unveil the divine mysteries to them.

"They have heaven for their dwelling-place and have one duty, to sing God's praises and carry out His Divine Will.

"Moreover, as that most holy, and sacred, and gifted theologian, Saint Dionysios the Areopagite, says, 'All theology, that is to say, the Holy Scripture, has nine different names for the heavenly essences. These essences, that divine master in sacred things, divides into three groups, each containing three. And the first group, he says, consists of those who are in God's presence and are said to be directly and immediately one with Him, namely, the Seraphim with their six wings, the many-eyed Cherubim, and those that sit in the holiest Thrones. The second group is that of the Dominions, and the Powers, and the Authorities; and the third, and last, is that of the Principalities and Archangels and Angels.'

"Some, indeed, like Saint Gregory the Theologian, says that these were before the creation of other things. He thinks that the Angelic and Heavenly Powers were first and that thought was their function. Others, again, hold that they were created after the first heaven was made.  But all are agreed that it was before the foundation of man. For myself, I am in harmony with the theologian. For it was fitting that the mental essence should be the first created, and then that which can be perceived, and finally man himself, in whose being both parts are united.

"But those who say that the Angels are creators of any kind of essence whatever are the mouth of their father, the devil. For since they are created, they are not creators. But He Who creates and provides for and maintains all things is god, who alone is uncreated and is praised and glorified in the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit." (Source: The Great Synaxaristes of the Orthodox Church)

(Next: Th Celestial Hierarchies)

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DIVINE SERVICES FOR THE FEAST:

Great Vespers 4:30 p.m. Thursday Evening at the Chapel of Saint Nektarios

Orthros (Matins) at 9:00 a.m.
Divine Liturgy at 10:00 a.m. 

Place of worship: At Saint Andrew

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"Glory Be To GOD For All Things!" -- Saint John Chrysostomos

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With sincere agape in Holy Diakonia (Ministry),
The sinner and unworthy servant of God

+Father George

The Gospel on Many Cares and Sudden Death (Part III)

My beloved spiritual children in Christ Our Only True God and Our Only True Savior,
CHRIST IS IN OUR MIDST! HE WAS, IS, AND EVER SHALL BE.

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THE GOSPEL ON MANY CARES AND SUDDEN DEATH (St. Luke 12:16-21) (Part III)
By Saint Nikolai Velimirovic

"But God said unto him: 'Thou fool; this night shall thy soul be required of thee; then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?"

Thus spoke the Lord of Life and of the world, the Commander of time and death, "in whose hand is the soul of every living thing, and the breath of all mankind" (Job 12:10). You foolish man, why do you not think with your mind instead of with your belly? As it was not in your power to determine the day of your birth, neither have you control over the day of your death. The Lord lit the candles of your earthly life when it seemed good to Him, and He will extinguish them when He so determines. As your riches could not hasten the hour of your coming into the world, so they cannot delay the hour of your leaving it. Do dawn and dusk depend on you? To the same degree does the span of your earthly life depend on you. And also your granaries and cellars, and your sheepfolds and enclosures. All this belongs to God, as your soul does. Every day and every hour, God can take what is His from you and give it to others.

All is His during your lifetime, and it will still be His after your death. Your life and your death are in his hands. Why, then, do you speak of many hears to come? Your life is counted to the minute, O man, and your last minute could tick away this very day. Do not, therefore, take thought for the morrow: what you will eat or drink, or what your wear; but take thought, far more thought, for the soul with which you come before God, your creator and Lord. Take more thought for the Kingdom of God, for this, is the food of your soul (St. Matthew 6:31-3).

The Lord ended this parable with the words: "So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich towards God." How shall it be for him? He shall suddenly be parted from his riches and his soul from his body. His riches will be given to others, his body to the earth and his soul to a place blacker than the earth, where there is "wailing and gnashing of teeth." No single good work will be there to welcome him into the heavenly Kingdom that his soul might find a place there. His name will not be found written in the book of life, and it will neither be known nor named among the blessed! He has received his reward on earth, and God's heavenly riches will not be revealed to his spirit.

Oh, how terrible is sudden death! When a man thinks himself to be firmly established on earth, it can suddenly open and swallow him up as it swallowed up Dathan and Abiram (Num 16:32). When a God-forgetting merrymaker makes ready to go on as such for many years, fire descends and devours him like Sodom and Gomorrah (Gen 19:24). When a man thinks he has well-insured himself with God and man, he will fall dead like Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5:5, 10).

A sinner sustains a twofold loss form a sudden death: to himself and to his family. To himself, for he dies unrepentant, and to his family, for it stuns his kinsfolk with an unexpected blow and he leaves unfinished work behind him. Blessed are they who experience sickness before their deaths, enduring pain, and suffering. Such a one is given the opportunity to look back over the whole of his life, to survey and count his sins, to repent of all the evil he has done and all the good he has not done, to weep with repentance and lament before God, cleansing his soul with tears, and to beg God for forgiveness; also to forgive all who have insulted or done evil to him during his lifetime, to bless all his friends and enemies, to remind his children to fear God, remember the hour of their death and enrich their souls betimes with faith, prayer and acts of charity.

Look how those pleasing to God, the righteous, died in the Old Testament: Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, and David. They were all sick before their deaths, and during their sickness, the name of God did not leave their lips. They all left good testaments to their descendants and blessed them. This is the death of a righteous person. But you will say: have not many of the righteous died unprepared in battle? No; the righteous never die unprepared. They always prepare for death and await from day to day their parting from this life. Their hearts are constantly filled with repentance and confession to God, and the glorifying of His name. The righteous do this in times of peace and prosperity; and even more in times of war, violence and temptation. Their whole life is a constant preparation for death, and so they never die unprepared.

To prepare oneself for death also means "enrich oneself in God." Only those who truly believe in God and in a life beyond this life prepare for death, for that other life. The unbelieving never prepare for death. They prepare for as long a life as possible here on earth. They are afraid of thinking about death and make little effort to enrich themselves in God. He who prepares for death prepares for eternal life, and the nature of this preparation for eternal life is known to every Christian.

A wise man (person) confirms his faith in god every day and guards his heart from unbelief, doubt, and malice, as a wise householder guards his vineyard form destructive midges (small flies) and grasshoppers. A wise man exercises himself every day in the fulfilling of God's Commandments by acts of forgiveness, charity, and love, and he is thus enriched in God....this most precious thing is his soul. It is his greatest possession; the only thing that does not decay and die. A wise man has his accounts with the world balanced every day, and he is ready to lie down and die with the firm faith that he will live and come before the face of God.

Saint Anthony the Great says: "Reflect within yourself and say: 'I shall not remain in this world longer than today', and you will never sin against God."

May God's will be done! We pray our all-seeing God not to send sudden death on us in the midst of our sins and misdeeds, but to spare us as He spared King Hezekiah (Isa 38:1-5), and give us time for repentance. By His mercy, may He give us some indication of our approaching death, that we may hasten to do some further good and save our soul from eternal fire; that our names may be found in the Book of Life, and that our faces may be seen among the righteous in the Kingdom of Christ our God  To Him be glory and praise, together with the Father and the Holy Spirit--the Trinity consubstantial and undivided, now and forever, through all time and all eternity. Amen. (Source: Orthodox Heritage)

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"Glory Be To GOD For All Things!" -- Saint John Chrysostomos

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With sincere agape in His Holy Diakonia (Ministry),
The sinner and unworthy servant of God

+Father George