The Proselyte (Part IV)

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.

+

THE PROSELYTE (Part IV)

The Holy Tradition of the Church

"We believe that the collective wisdom and understanding of God handed down through the generations is a vital part of our faith--and no less important than Scripture. In addition to Scripture, our faith is understood and celebrated in the Eucharist, through the teaching of the Church Fathers and the Saints, through the doctrines established at the Ecumenical Councils, and through private and communal prayer."

The Divine Revelation, God Himself came to earth incarnate in the Son of God, our Lord Jesus Christ, and spread the revelation to the whole earth through His Apostles and Disciples.

This Divine Revelation and its dissemination among people are preserved in the True, Holy Orthodox Church in two ways: by means of Holy Tradition and Holy Scripture.

The primary means of dissemination of Divine Revelation is Holy Tradition. From the beginning of the world until Moses there were no holy books. Teaching about belief in God was handed down by tradition, that is, by word of mouth and example, from one to another, from ancestor to descendant. Jesus Christ, Himself conveyed His Divine teaching and precepts to His Disciples by word of mouth, by preaching, and by the example of His life, not by books (scripture). By preaching and example, the Apostles first spread the faith and maintained the Christian Church.

Holy Tradition always precedes Holy Scripture. This is obvious because books are not useful for all people, but tradition is accessible to all without exception.

Eventually, so that God's revelation might be kept in complete faithfulness, by the inspiration of the Lord, several holy people wrote the most important aspects of tradition in books. The Holy Spirit helped them invisibly so that everything in these written books would be correct and true. All these books, written by the Spirit of God through people sanctified by God, Prophets, Apostles, and others, are called Holy Scripture, or the Bible.

The word "Bible" comes from the Greek word "Vivlos", and means "book." This name shows that the holy books, as coming from God Himself, surpass all other books.

"Hold on to the traditions which you have been taught, whether orally or through an epistle of ours." Also, Scripture says: "At the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word, be established" (Deut. 19:15, cf., Matthew 18:16).

In the original precise meaning of the word, Sacred Tradition is the tradition which comes from the ancient Church of Apostolic times. In the second to the fourth centuries, this was called "The Apostolic Tradition."

One must keep in mind that the ancient Church carefully guarded the inward life of the Church from those outside of her; her Holy Mysteries (Sacraments) were profound--Baptism or the Eucharist--those outside the Church were not present; the order of the services was not written down, but was only transmitted orally; and in what was preserved in secret was contained the essential side of the faith. Saint Cyril of Jerusalem (4th century) presents this to us especially clearly. In undertaking Christians instruction for those who had not yet expressed a final decision to become Christians, the hierarchy precedes his teachings with these following words: "When the catechetical teachings with the following catechumens should ask you, 'What did the instructors say?' you are to repeat nothing to those who are without (the church). For we are giving to you the mystery and hope of the future age. Keep the Mystery of Him Who is the Giver of rewards. May no one say to you, 'What harm is it if I shall find out also?' Sick people also ask for wine, but if it is given at the wrong times it produces disorder to the mind, and there are two evil consequences; the sick one dies, and the physician is slandered" (Prologue to the Catechetical Lectures, Ch. 12).

In the following words Saint Basil the Greater gives us a clear understanding of the Sacred Apostolic Tradition: "Of the dogmas and sermons preserved in the Church, certain ones we have from written instructions, and certain ones we have received from the Apostolic Tradition, handed down in secret. Both the one and the other have one and the same authority for piety, and no one who is even the least informed in the decrees of the Church will contradict this. For if we dare to overthrow the unwritten customs as if they did not have great importance, we shall thereby imperceptively do harm to the Gospel in its most important points. And even more, we shall be left with the empty name of the Apostolic preaching without content. For example, let us especially make note of the first commonest thing: that those who hope in the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ should sign themselves with the Sign of the Cross. Who taught this in Scripture? Which of the saints left us in written form the words of invocation during the transformation of the bread of the Eucharist and the Chalice of blessing? For we are not satisfied with the words which are mentioned in the Epistles or the Gospels, but both before them and after them we pronounce others also as having great authority for the Mystery, having received them from the unwritten teaching. By what Scripture, likewise, do we bless the water of Baptism and the oil of the anointing and, indeed, the one being baptized himself? Is this not the silent and secret traditions? And what more? What written word has taught us this anointing with oil itself? Where is the triple immersion and all the rest that has to do with Baptism, the renunciation of Satan and his angels to be found? What Scripture are these taken from? Is it not from this unpublished and unspoken teaching which our Fathers have preserved in a silence inaccessible to curiosity and scrutiny, because they were thoroughly instructed to preserve in silence the sanctity of the Mysteries (Sacraments)? For what propriety would there be to proclaim in writing a teaching concerning that which it is not allowed for the unbaptized even to behold?" (On the Holy Spirit, Ch. 27).

From these words of Saint Basil the Great we may conclude first, that the Sacred Tradition of the teaching of faith is that which may be traced back to the earliest period of the Church, and, second, that it was carefully preserved and unanimously acknowledged among the Fathers and teachers of the Church during the epoch of the great Fathers and the beginning of the Ecumenical Councils. (Source: Orthodox Dogmatic Theology)

(To be continued)

____________________________

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

+++

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

+Father George

The Proselyte (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.

+

THE PROSELYTE (Part III)

The Holy Orthodox Christian Church was founded by our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and maintains an unbroken continuity of faith that began with the Holy Apostles on the day of Pentecost. Throughout its two-thousand-year history, the Church has maintained, defended, and protected the doctrine and worship which was first established by the Holy Apostles and witnessed by their successors.

A proselyte to the Orthodox Church not only understands that as an Orthodox Christian he or she inherits all the spiritual benefits of a believer but also certain responsibilities. One of the many responsibilities is to adhere and to conform to the sacred teachings of the One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church of Christ. All Orthodox Christians should have a strong knowledge of the Faith so as to teach it to others, to openly confess it, to be able to defend the Truth of the Gospel (Evaggelion), to protect its integrity from falsehood.

Historically countless Christian men and women of the Church not only fought to keep the faith pure and undefiled but gave their very lives to preserve it against heresy. The Seven Ecumenical and other Local Synods did just that. The Seven Ecumenical Synods of the Church held between the years 323 and 787 A.D. The Synods were comprised of the holy, God-inspired, brilliant Fathers and theologians of Christendom who under the guidance of the Holy Spirit formulated the doctrines and practices of our Holy Church. Toward the end of the first century and on into the second century, numerous heretical teachings about our Lord Christ were spread threatening the unity and stability of the Church.

An early brilliant and holy Father, Saint Irenaeus, Bishop of Lyons, wrote a most powerful work called Against Heresies which refuted the different forms of Gnosticism. The Holy Father and Bishop pointed out the crucial ways by which to distinguish heretical groups form true Christian Churches. The true Churches held always the same basic doctrines, known as the rule of faith. Where the heretical groups could not agree on what they believed among themselves.

Next, all the true Churches traced their origins back to one of the Holy Apostles, with their bishops coming down in direct descent from that Holy Apostle; this is known as apostolic succession. The heretics cannot make the same claim.

Finally, whereas the different Gnostic groups individually had their own scripture which they followed, the True (Orthodox) Churches only adopted the Gospels according to the Evangelists Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John to be divinely inspired.  

The Holy Ecumenical Synods reflected the structure of the Church that is still in place today. All major decisions concerning Orthodox doctrine and liturgical tradition are conciliar in nature. That means they must be discussed and agreed upon within the setting of a Synod that involves all sister Churches with the understanding that the outcome is guided by the Holy Spirit. Originally it was a council of the Holy Apostles. Also, "conciliarity" means that the supreme authority in the Church lies in the Ecumenical Synod.

The Holy Orthodox Church is known as the Church of the Seven Ecumenical Councils (Synods). That means that our doctrine is unchanged from the pronouncements of these councils. The One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church remains true to the wisdom of these Seven Councils. This is why we claim that Orthodox Christianity preserves the Truth of the Christian faith in its fullest.

A true and most unfortunate fact is that a significant number of Christians, Orthodox or not, know very little of Church history. It is absolutely necessary for all Christians to be aware and to know very well the authentic history of our Christian faith. We must, however, be alert and careful about the legitimacy and validity of the historical sources that we use. Especially in more recent times, there are those who we referred to as revisionists of history. The revisionists have their own agenda which is to change the facts of history and including the theology of the Church so as to undermine the authenticity of the Church and cause fragmentation and confusion among the Christian faithful. We see this specifically among the thousands of Protestant denominations throughout the world that cannot agree among themselves on matters of faith and Gospel message.

One very important development and a blessed gift to our Holy Church is the formulation of the Nicene-Constantinopolitan Creed ("Symbol of faith") which reveals and confesses the authentic dogma and Theology of the Christian Church. It is the Creed that is recited by the Orthodox faithful at every Divine Liturgy.  If one, a none-Orthodox Christian, desires to know what the Orthodox Church believes and teaches is to turn to the Creed. According to the Holy Fathers and Synods no one can either add or subtract anything from it and if one attempts to do it becomes anathema and a heretic.

__________________

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

+++

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

+Father George

The Proselyte (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.

+

THE PROSELYTE (Part II)

Those interested in converting to the Holy Orthodox Church hunger for sound doctrine, for the authentic Church of Christ. They desire to return to the Mother Church with the unbroken continuity for over the last two thousand years. They are looking for substance and beauty. They want their children to become Orthodox and a Church that will give them a living faith that they will want to follow.

All who embrace the Orthodox Christian faith grow into the conviction of Truth as revealed by our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and embrace the faith in Christ in its fullness. It is imperative, however, crucial to know what the Orthodox Church teaches and to acquire an "Orthodox mindset" or "phronema". One's understanding of Orthodox Christianity can be realized with the help of the sacred writings of the Holy Fathers of the Church.

One cannot, of course, attain a clear understanding of the Holy Church without having adequate knowledge of the Sacred Canons. 

"The Holy Orthodox Eastern Church of Christ resembles a large ship. Just as a ship has its captain, crew, and helm by which it is directed and guided safely to its destination, so in like manner the Holy Church of Christ has her captain, crew, and helm by which she is guided to the desired spiritual harbor of eternal salvation. The Church can no more do without these than a ship at sea. She is likely to meet her eternal destruction without them in the same way that a ship runs the danger of disaster when deprived of them.

Her Captain is Jesus Christ and her crew the clergy and the laity; but what is her help or rudder? It is this sacred book which embodies the Holy Tradition of the Church, namely the Sacred Canons of the holy glorious Apostles, of the Seven Ecumenical and Local Councils (Synods), and of the God-bearing Fathers, as well as the invaluable interpretation and commentary of the most holy Nicodemus of the Holy Mountain. "This book," he states, "comes after the Sacred Scripture, the Old and New Testaments. It is a book of inspired limits set by our Holy Fathers and of the laws existing unto eternity and above all laws."

This sacred book is truly the "Pedalion" ("Rudder"), or helm of the One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church of Christ which throughout the ages guides her faithful members to the haven of God's Heavenly Kingdom and to the inheritance and enjoyment of eternal blessings. All members of the Holy Orthodox Church must (in the words of the Seventh Ecumenical Council) "embrace these divine canons and adhere to them tenaciously, as expounded by the trumpets of the Spirit of the laudable Apostles, of the Holy Ecumenical and Local Councils, which have assembled for the promulgation of such precepts, and of those of our Holy Fathers. Illumined by the same Spirit, they have all enacted what is profitable to us."

Since Holy Tradition is equally authoritative in Orthodoxy as Holy Scripture, then truly acquaintance with the "Pedalion" ("Rudder") is of utmost importance for the practicing Orthodox Christian." (The Rudder)

The criterion is the unconditional love of Orthodox Christianity, generated by a strong commitment to the Orthodox way of life and be willing to remain faithful to her no matter what threats or conditions may exist in the world. Only if this love and belief is true can the spiritual journey to Orthodoxy can be successful.

True proselytes can learn from the words and actions of Ruth the Moabite who pledged the following:

"Where you go, I will go; and where you lodge for the night, I will lodge". "Your people will be my people and your God will be my God. Where you die, I will die, and there shall I be buried" (Ruth 1:16-17).

May our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ guide you as you travel the path to Orthodoxy.

With much love and respect,

+Father George

The Proselyte

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

+

THE PROSELYTE

We find the word "proselytism" in the Greek Septuagint translation of the Old Testament.  A non-Christian in the early Church who wished to become a Christian and went through religious instruction for three years was known a proselyte. In the Septuagint and the New Testament, it referred to pagan converts to Judaism.

"Proselytism" according to the World Council of Churches is "a corruption of Christian witness" that uses bribery, undue pressure, or intimidation, subtly or openly, to bring about seeming conversion." Vatican II defined proselytism as "a corruption of the Christian witness by appeal to hidden forms of coercion or by a style of propaganda unworthy of the Gospel. It is not the use but the abuse of the right to religious freedom."

Today the more frequent word used is "convert". A "convert" to the Orthodox Church is one who after receiving the proper religious catechism freely and without any coercion or persuasion enters the Church. 

As the authentic Christian Church of Christ, the Holy Orthodox Church welcomes those who genuinely wish to enter it for the right reasons. A candidate and future convert to the Orthodox Church must first examine his motives on why he/she wishes to become an Orthodox Christian. It is imperative that he/she must free himself/herself from all which he adhered to for most of his life and be willing to assume a new Christian identity and a way of life. It is not an easy task. However, when one is accepted in the Church he or she no longer bears the label "convert" but "Orthodox Christian". No different than a "cradle" Orthodox Christian.

Orthodox Christianity is not a theory but a way of life. Although one continues learning through his or her life as a member of the Holy Church it is not enough to increase or enrich one's knowledge of the Faith but to also live and grow in the faith, in Christ. The criterion is the unconditional love of Orthodox Christianity. An interested person can read numerous books on Orthodox Christianity, but that which he/she actually encounters is the Church as the "holy people of God." Becoming an Orthodox Christian is not an intellectual exercise but an internal and personal conversation that must take place before one is received into the Church. 

Whether a convert or a cradle Orthodox Christian our commitment is to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, Who is known in and through the Church. This is expressed through the divine services which invite us to "commit ourselves, one another, and our whole life unto Christ our God." The essence and principle purpose of worship is to be united to Christ God through the Dine Eucharist. Through Holy Communion, the Orthodox Christian believer becomes one with Christ and one with one another.

A potential candidate to Orthodoxy must know full well that are many non-negotiable Orthodox teachings i.e., dogma, Holy Tradition, interpretation of the Holy Scripture, worship, ethics, values, Christ's Eucharistic presence, Saints, icons, and morality. The Orthodox Church possesses the fullness of the Divine Revelation and Truth. It is complete in every aspect and does not need to be revised or "updated" by anyone. Just because one has read a few theological books does not make him or her a "theologian." We must all avoid becoming arrogant and egotistical believing that we know all that one needs to know about the Church. Learn from the Holy Fathers and Mothers of the Church who were not only great theologians but were meek and humble. One needs to acquire by the grace of God an Orthodox Phronema or "mindset." To view everything in our Faith through the inspiration and guidance of the Holy Spirit. Also, to strive for "theosis" or "deification". 

It is wrong to desire to enter into the Orthodox Church not because of what it represents and is but for the challenge for one to change the Church from within. We have seen in other Christian groups and denominations the result of people who were able to enter them with sinister intent and in time to introduce various views so as to create division, confusion, and the destruction of that denomination. 

One must not hurry to join the Orthodox Church but must be patient and to have a profound understanding of the Faith and to enter it through personal conviction and knowledge. It is said that when one enters the Church quickly that he or she also leaves the Church quickly. It is not enough to enter the Church but to also stay in the Church. Too often a convert to Orthodoxy who lacks true commitment will not think twice to abandon it and move on to another religion.

Each of us is unique and blessed by God the Holy Spirit with different gifts and vocations; therefore our commitments to our Lord Christ will be expressed in different ways. As Orthodox Christians, we constantly struggle against evil by living a virtuous life, faith, charity, worship, prayer, repentance, obedience, asceticism, and participation in the Divine Eucharist. Through these actions, we are transformed by the grace of God, grow closer to Him, and find salvation in Him.

If one is to be embraced by the Church he/she must also be willing to embrace her unconditionally. Entering the Holy Orthodox Church is a life-long spiritual journey. At the end of our journey are the Kingdom of God and eternal life. Saint Paul, the Apostle of the Nations, writes: "so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another" (Romans 12:5; Ephesians 4:25). 

________________________

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

+++

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

+Father George

November 25 - Great Martyr Katherine of Alexandria (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.

+

THE MARTYRDOM OF SAINT KATHERINE, THE WISE VIRGIN (Part III)

The Emperor could think of nothing but how he might bring Saint Katherine to accept his impious beliefs. Unable to accomplish it he commanded that Katherine be stripped of her purple robe, left naked, and beaten mercilessly with leather straps. For two hours the servants lashed the martyr upon the shoulders and belly until the whole of her virginal body was covered with stripes. The Saint endured with such bravery that those who beheld her could only marvel. After this, that beast ordered that Katherine be cast into prison, permitting her neither food nor drink while he pondered how to put her to death.

The next morning, the Emperor sat upon his judgment seat and commanded that Katherine be brought before him. She shone with such spiritual grace and sweet light that all those present were astonished by the radiance of her beauty. The Emperor also marveled greatly. He sought to tempt Katherine with flattery. "I am earth and dust, " answered the Saint. "Beauty wilts like a flower, vanishing like a dream by corruption after death. Therefore, O Emperor, take no thought for my beauty." 

As the Saint was speaking the Eparch Khursaden, a cruel man and a merciless persecutor, wishing to gain Maxentius' good will, said, "I know a torture, O Emperor, that will enable you to prevail over this maiden. Command that four wooden wheels be fixed to a single axle, and have spearheaded and other sharp weapons of iron driven through their rims. Order two wheels turned to the right and two to the left. Have the maiden tied down beneath them, and the turning wheels will tear apart her flesh. But first, show the wheels to her! Having seen them, I believe she will consent to obey you. If she refuses, then deliver her to a cruel death."

The Emperor was pleased with the Eparch's counsel and ordered that the wheels be prepared. The Saint was led to the place of torture, and the wheels were spun before her with great force so that she would be frightened. The persecutor said to her, "Do you see the torments prepared for you? Bitter will be your death if you do not worship the gods!"

"I have told you many times that I intend to remain a Christian. Waste no more time and do as you wish," the Saint replied.

Seeing that he could neither frighten her nor turn her from Christ, the Emperor commanded that Katherine be tied down and the wheels turned vigorously so that her members would be severed by the sharp instruments and she would perish cruelly. But as soon as the torture began, an Angel descended from heaven and loosed the Saint from her bonds, preventing her from being injured. The wheels he broke into pieces, which flew in every direction from the force of the blows, killing numerous unbelievers. Seeing this glorious rescue, the crowd cried out, "Great is the God of the Christians!"

Seeing that neither flattery, nor promises, nor threats and tortures could prevail over her whose will was stronger than adamant, the Emperor pronounced his sentence, condemning her to be beheaded outside the city. When she reached the place of execution, Katherine prayed thus: "O Lord Jesus Christ my God, I thank Thee that Thou hast set my feet upon the rock of patience and has guided my steps. Stretch forth now Thy hands, which Thou did once stretch out upon the Cross, and receive my soul, which I have offered in sacrifice for the sake of Thy love. Remember, O Lord, that I am flesh and blood, and do not permit the cruel inquisitors to bring to light before Thy dread judgment seat the sins I have committed in ignorance, but do Thou wash them in my blood. Make my body, wounded by torments and condemned to beheading, invisible to the eyes of Thine enemies who persecute me. Look down also from the heights, O Lord, upon the people who stand here, and guide them to the Light of Thy knowledge. Grant whatever they request to those who, through me, come to call upon Thy Holy Name, if their petitions would be to their benefit, that they may hymn Thy Majesty unto the ages."

Completing her prayer, Katherine said to the executioner, "Do as you have been commanded."

He raised his sword, and when he cut off the martyr's head, milk flowed from her neck instead of blood. Such of the faithful as were worthy beheld how an Angel came at that moment and reverently took her holy relics away, leaving them on Mount Sinai. Unto Christ God, Who reigns with the Father and the Holy Spirit in One Godhead, be glory unto the ages. Amen. (Source: The Great Collection of the Lives of the Saints)

________________________

DIVINE SERVICES ON MONDAY:

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

_______________________

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

+++

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

+Father George

November 25 - Great Martyr Katherine of Alexandria (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.

+

THE LIFE AND PASSION OF THE HOLY GREAT MARTYR KATHERINE, THE WISE VIRGIN (Part II)

Saint Katherine awoke, marveling at what she had seen and heard in the dream. The next morning, she went with a number of her maids to the cell of the holy elder and fell down in tears at his feet. She told him what she had seen in the dream and asked him what she must do to gain the love of Him Whom she so desired. The godly elder (geronda) spoke to her at length of the mysteries of the True Christian faith, beginning with the creation of the world and our forefather Adam and continuing up to the Second Coming of the Master Christ. He told her of the ineffable glory of Paradise and the terrible and eternal torments of hell, and she, being an educated and wise maiden, straightway understood and believed with her whole heart. Then she received Holy Baptism at the elder's hands, and he instructed her to pray fervently to the Most Holy Theotokos as before.

Having thus put off the old man and clothed herself with the robe of the renewal of the spirit, Katherine returned home and passed the night in fasting and tearful prayer until she again fell asleep. Once more, she beheld the Queen of Heaven holding the Divine Infant, Who looked upon Katherine calmly and with great compassion. The Mother of God asked her Son, "Is this maiden acceptable to Thee, my Son?"

Christ answered, "She pleases Me greatly, for she is now as fair and delightful as she once was black and unsightly, as wealthy and wise as she was formerly poor and foolish. I truly love her, and wish to take her as My bride forever."

Katherine fell to the floor and cried, "O Most glorious Master, I am unworthy to behold Thy Kingdom! I ask Thee only to number me among Thy servants!"

Offering her hand to the maiden, the Most Holy Theotokos said to her Son, "Give her my Child, a ring as a token of Thy betrothal to her, granting her a place in Thy Kingdom."

The Master (Lord) Christ then gave Katherine a most beautiful ring, saying, "Lo, today I choose you to be My betrothed for all eternity. Take care to keep this trust inviolate, and promise yourself to no earthly bridegroom." With this, He became invisible, and the vision came to an end. When the maiden awoke, she saw on her right hand a wondrous ring and felt such joy and gladness that from that hour her heart was a prisoner of Divine love. So great was the change which came upon her that she gave heed no more to worldly things, thinking only of her beloved Bridegroom day and night.

At that time an impious emperor came to Alexandria, full of blind zeal for his lifeless gods, he was himself, as it were, without heart or mind. Wishing to celebrate a splendid feast in honor of the gods, he sent word to every nearby city and land, commanding the people to bring a sacrifice and to come worship together. A multitude of people assembled, some bringing oxen, others sheep, while the poor among them brought birds. The right-believing and virtuous Katherine saw how the souls of men were being deceived and let to perdition, and her heart was grievously wounded because she felt compassion for them.

Stirred up by divine zeal, she took some of her servants and went to the temple where the useless oblations were being offered. As she entered it, the gaze of all was caught by her indescribable beauty, which testified to the comeliness of her soul. "Tell the Emperor," she said, "that I have something of great importance to say to him."

The Emperor commanded that Katherine be brought before him. Entering his presence, she prostrated herself, rendering him due homage. Then she said boldly, "Know, O Emperor, that you have been led astray by the demons, for the idols you serve are lifeless and subject to corruption...O Emperor do not make yourself guilty of the perdition of many souls. In this way, you may escape the eternal torment that awaits you. Come to know the One, True God, Who is ever-existent, unoriginate, and immortal, and became man in the last times for our salvation. By Him, kings reign and nations are ruled, and the whole world is sustained. He created and upholds all things by His word, for He is the Almighty and All-good God, Who has no need of your sacrifices and takes no delight in the slaughter of innocent beasts but commands only that we steadfastly keep His Commandments."

Hearing this, the Emperor was greatly enraged, remaining speechless for a long time. After his vile festival had come to an end, the impious Emperor commanded that Katherine be brought to his palace. He said to her, "Tell us, maiden, who you are, and repeat what you said before."

"I am the daughter of one of the previous Emperors, "the Saint replied, "and my name is Katherine. Formerly I was engaged in the study of rhetoric, philosophy, geometry, and the other sciences, but now I have abandoned these things as vain and useless and have betrothed myself to the Master Christ, Who said through the Prophet, "I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and do away with the understanding of the prudent" (Isaiah, Ch. 29).

Afraid to be overcome and put to shame by the maiden's bold and wise words, the Emperor replied, "It is not proper for the Emperor to dispute with women. Instead, I will assemble learned philosophers to debate you. Thus you will learn how groundless are your speculations and accept our beliefs."

Fifty chosen rhetoricians, skilled in debate and mighty in declamation, assembled in Alexandria. The Emperor addressed them thus: "Prepare yourselves, diligently and carefully to contend with the maiden and to prevail in dispute with her concerning the gods...Display all your learning, for I have tried her and found her to be wiser than Plato; strive your best in the debate against her, sparing no exertion. If you prevail over her, I will bestow upon you rich gifts, but if you are vanquished, you shall be rewarded only with a bitter death."

Katherine was led before the Emperor and the philosophers to be made a spectacle unto all. Following the long debate with the philosophers, Katherine was not only able to silence them all but to convert them to Christianity. The Emperor was moved to wrath and ordered that a great fire be prepared in the middle of the city to burn alive all the philosophers and orators. When they learned of the sentence pronounced upon them, they fell at the Saint's feet, beseeching her to pray for them to the One True God so that He might forgive them the sins they had committed in ignorance and deem them worthy of Holy Baptism and the gift of the Holy Spirit.

The Saint responded joyfully, "Truly you are blessed, for you have abandoned darkness and come to know the True Light! Having forsaken an earthly emperor, subject to corruption, you have come unto the King of Heaven, Who knows no corruption...While saying this, Saint Katherine traced over each of the philosophers and orators the sign of Christ's sacred cross. Full of hope and gladness, they went joyfully to their martyrdom. It was the 17th day of November when the soldiers cast them into the fire. That evening, pious Christians collected their bodies (holy relics), which remained whole: even their hair was untouched by the fire. Many turned to the Truth because of this miracle, and the holy relics were reverently buried in a fitting place. (Source: The Great Collection of the Lives of the Saints)

(To be continued)

__________________________

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

+++

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

+Father George