Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria & All Africa

Archdiocese of Good Hope

All Glory, Honour and Worship to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and
forever, and unto the Ages of ages. Amen. Remembering also our Most Holy, Most Pure, Most
Blessed and Glorious Lady, Maria, Theotokos, yet Ever Virgin, together with all the Saints. And
let us commit ourselves and one another and our whole Life to Christ our God. Amen.
TONE 4 1 NOVEMBER 2020

21ST SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

5TH SUNDAY OF ST LUKE – THE RICH MAN & POOR LAZAROS
The Feast of St Kosmas & St Damianos, Unmercenary Physicians and St Theodotos, their
Righteous of Asia Minor - St John, Bishop & St James the Presbyter of Persia – St Cyrenia & St
Juliana of Cilicia – St Hermeningilda the Goth of Spain – St Caesarios, St Adrian, St Dacios,
St Savvas, St Sabinian, St Agrippa, & St Thomas of Damascus – St James of Kastoria, St
James the Deacon, & St Dionysios, Monk Martyrs of Mount Athos

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

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

The Saints that are in His Land, the Lord has Magnified.
I have set the Lord always before me.
T H E F IR ST EP ISTLE OF S T P AUL THE C OR INTH IANS 12 : 27 – 13 : 8
Brethren: …you are the Body of Christ, and members individually. And God has appointed these in the
Church: first Apostles, second Prophets, third Teachers, after that Miracles, then Gifts of Healings,
Helps, Administrations, varieties of Tongues.
Are all Apostles? Are all Prophets? Are all Teachers? Are all Workers of Miracles? Do all have Gifts of
Healings? Do all speak with Tongues? Do all interpret? Earnestly desire the best Gifts.
And yet I show you a more excellent Way: Although I speak with the Tongues of men and of Angels, but
have not Love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. And although I have the Gift of
Prophecy, and understand all Mysteries and all Knowledge, and although I have all Faith, so that I
could remove mountains, but have not Love, I am nothing! And although I bestow all my goods to
feed the poor, and although I give my body to be burnt, but have not Love, it profits me nothing!
Love suffers long and is kind. Love does not envy. Love does not parade itself, is not puffed up, does not
behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil, does not rejoice in iniquity, but
rejoices in the Truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
Love never fails.
✳ “...you are the Body of Christ, and members individually...” Healings? Do all speak with Tongues? Do all interpret?
 Altogether we form the ONE, HOLY, UNIVERSAL Earnestly desire the best Gifts…”
ORTHODOX CHURCH OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST.  These are ALL ACCORDING TO THE WILL AND
 Each of us is a SEPARATE SANCTIFIED MEMBER of His EMPOWERMENT OF OUR LORD GOD FOR SPECIFIC
Holy Church WHO FROM BAPTISM TO REPOSE DIVINE PURPOSES, BUT ESPECIALLY FOR MANKIND’S
STRUGGLE AGAINST TEMPTATIONS AND SIN, WHILE RESTORATION AND SALVATION.
STRIVING TO ACQUIRE SPIRITUAL PERFECTION,  APOSTLES WERE TAUGHT DIRECTLY AND SENT OUT BY
DEIFICATION OR THEOSIS. CHRIST to spread the New Covenant Holy
 In order for the Holy Church of Christ to fulfil our Gospel to all Nations as God commanded:
Lord’s Divine, Salvific Mission on Earth, WE (MATTHEW 28 : 16 – 20)
MUST WORK TOGETHER IN PERFECT SPIRITUAL 1. To MAKE DISCIPLES of Christ and His Divine
HARMONY, UNITY AND LOVE. Truth OF ALL NATIONS – without exception
✳“... And God has appointed these in the Church: first nor discrimination.
Apostles, second Prophets, third Teachers, after that 2. To BAPTISE THEM in the Names of the Holy
Miracles, then Gifts of Healings, Helps, Trinity – IN THE DIVINE NAMES OF THE THREE
Administrations, varieties of Tongues…” DIVINE PERSONS OF OUR ONE, TRIUNE GOD as
 A HIERARCHY OF HONOUR that oversees, guides and revealed to us by our Heavenly Father
teaches the Faithful Disciples of Christ, and our Lord Jesus Christ, which we are
ENSURING THE CORRECT, CAREFUL PROTECTION AND able to comprehend by the Power of God
MAINTENANCE OF OUR LORD’S DIVINE TRUTH – all His the Life-giving All Holy Spirit.
Commandments and Teachings. 3. To TEACH THEM EVERYTHING that our Lord
 THE HOLY, ORTHODOX CHURCH OF CHRIST IS STRICTLY Jesus has Revealed and directly taught
ACCORDING TO HIS DIVINE TEACHINGS AND us, which His Apostles and their
COMMANDMENTS – both the VERBAL AND WRITTEN successors have very carefully preserved
HOLY TRADITION – that is PERFECT AND intact and passed down to us so that we,
UNCHANGEABLE. too, continue His Divine Mission of Eternal
 THE APOSTOLIC WORK OF OUR BISHOPS SETS THE PACE AND Salvation until the end of these Last Days
STANDARD for everyone under their – i.e. until time ends – yesterday, today,
Jurisdiction and Authority. tomorrow; now and then - and we enter
 WHEN THE OVERSIGHT OF BISHOPS ARE IN ORDER – i.e. Eternity – forever present, now.
the supervision of each  PROPHETS WERE CHOSEN BY GOD WHO DIVINELY INSPIRED
Metropolitan/Archdiocese – THE HOLY CHURCH AND ENLIGHTENED THEM SO THAT THEY COULD
OF CHRIST FUNCTIONS AT OPTIMAL LEVEL. PROPERLY LEAD, GUIDE, TEACH AND PREPARE GOD’S
✳ “…Are all Apostles? Are all Prophets? Are all Teachers? CHOSEN PEOPLE for the Great Divine Messiah
Are all Workers of Miracles? Do all have Gifts of

21 S T
SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST – 5 T H
OF ST LUKE – RICH MAN & POOR LAZAROS 1 NOVEMBER 1.
 Who would Deliver them from the evil one
and Save their immortal souls forever.
 MANY GENERATIONS PASSED BEFORE the final, greatest
Holy Prophet of God - ST JOHN THE BAPTIST AND
FORERUNNER TO CHRIST - APPEARED AND EXHORTED
GOD’S PEOPLE TO REPENT THEIR SINS AND OBEY THE
DIVINE LAWS because the Kingdom of God and
our Great Messiah/Divine Saviour had come
as God had Promised.
 Teaching, Miracle-working, Healings and
speaking or understanding foreign
languages or dialects are DIVINE GIFTS THAT
ARE BESTOWED UPON ORDINARY HUMAN BEINGS FOR THE
SOLE PURPOSE OF SPIRITUAL ENLIGHTENMENT, FIRMLY
ESTABLISHING FAITH IN GOD, AND BEING ABLE TO
TEACH GOD’S DIVINE TRUTH OTHERS AND TO ENABLE US
TO FULFIL HIS DIVINE WILL.
 Speaking in tongues was INITIALLY ESSENTIAL TO
PREACH AND TEACH the New Covenant Holy
Gospel of Christ to everyone IN THEIR OWN
SPECIFIC LANGUAGE OR DIALECT.
 Speaking in tongues means SUDDENLY BEING ABLE
TO SPEAK OR UNDERSTAND ONE ANOTHER’S LANGUAGE
in order TO COMMUNICATE Divine Truth AND
FULFIL whatever is required for our Salvation.
 Speaking in tongues is CERTAINLY NOT GARBLED
NOISES THAT REQUIRE AN ‘INTERPRETER’ – for that is
usually the evil one making A TERRIBLE
MOCKERY OF THE DIVINE POWERS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT!
 It is certainly not a “party trick” PERFORMED AT WILL
when AMONGST PEOPLE WHO HAVE A COMMON
LANGUAGE - being able to clearly
communicate and understand each other!!
NEITHER DOES IT “PROVE” NOR IS IT ESSENTIAL TO OUR
CHRISTIAN FAITH as some insist - for this is A
DANGEROUS DELUSION TO BE AVOIDED AT ALL COSTS.
 To any church that is preoccupied with ‘the
speaking of tongues’ ‘ ST PAUL URGES THEM TO
RATHER ACQUIRE THE ULTIMATE DIVINE GIFT – THAT OF
DIVINE LOVE – AGAPE.
✳ “…And yet I show you a more excellent Way: Although I
speak with the Tongues of men and of Angels, but have not
Love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal.
And although I have the Gift of Prophecy, and understand
all Mysteries and all Knowledge, and although I have all
Faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not Love,
I am nothing! And although I bestow all my goods to feed
the poor, and although I give my body to be burnt, but have
not Love, it profits me nothing!...”
 THE MOST SPIRITUALLY ESSENTIAL AND EXCELLENT
ACQUISITION IS AGAPE – Absolute, Perfect, Divine
Love – THE TRUE SIGN OF THE PRESENCE OF GOD THE
LIFE-GIVING, ALL HOLY SPIRIT.
 ST BASIL THE GREAT TAUGHT US THREE REASONS – all
Biblical and all God-given – FOR FOLLOWING
OUR LORD:
 PROVERBS 1:7 “The Fear of God is the beginning of
Wisdom.”
1. FEAR - DUE TO OUR DEEPEST RESPECT AND LOVE OF GOD
whose Will we strive to fulfil – WE ALWAYS FEAR
OUR OWN FAILURE TO PLEASE OUR HEAVENLY FATHER
Who infinitely Loves us.
 ACTS 5:29 “... we ought to obey God rather than
men...’
2. OBEDIENCE – We fully understand and
acknowledge that OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST IS
INDEED ALMIGHTY GOD WHO IS ALL WISE AND ALL
KNOWING so we EAGERLY AND CONFIDENTLY FOLLOW
HIM WITH HUMILITY AND OBEDIENCE IN ALL
CIRCUMSTANCES.
 1 JOHN 4:19 “We Love Him (God) because He first
Loved us.”
3. LOVE – All Creation responds to Love and we
who are wretched, Struggling sinners, are
COMPELLED BY THE INTENSITY OF OUR LOVE FOR GOD
TO FULFIL HIS DIVINE WILL TO THE BEST OF OUR
2. 21 S T
SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST – 5 T H
OF ST LUKE – RICH MAN & POOR LAZAROS
ABILITY because He Loves and Blesses us so
abundantly, despite our sinful condition.
 WITHOUT THE ACQUISITION OF DIVINE LOVE – AGAPE –
the Greatest Divine Gift and Holy Virtue that
encapsulates all the other Divine Gifts and
Virtues – WE HAVE NOTHING AT ALL!
 AGAPE OUTSHINES EVERYTHING ELSE because it has THE
GREATEST ETERNAL VALUE AND SPIRITUAL BENEFIT
than any other ability!
 “ ... give my body to be burnt...” means BEING
MARTYRED BY OUR ENEMIES FOR THE SAKE OF OUR FAITH
- certainly not voluntarily cremating our
body and crushing the bones to powder to
then be discarded and forgotten like
garbage.
Cremation is forbidden by our Orthodox Faith because it is
the wilful, voluntary desecration and destruction of God’s
Holy, Sanctified Temple that belongs to Him alone.
From our Holy Baptism until our Repose we continually
Sanctify, Cleanse, Renew and Restore both our body and
soul, so our body must be returned to Earth whence it
originated while our soul Reposes in Peace until both the
body and soul are Resurrected and Reunited as our Lord
Jesus Christ showed us with His own Resurrection.
There is no acceptable excuse for cremation so Faithful
Disciples of Christ must avoid this great sin at all costs!
Even after Martyrs were desecrated, dismembered and burnt,
all mortal remains – Holy Relics - were collected and
buried with respect.
✳ “...Love suffers long and is kind. Love does not envy. Love
does not parade itself, is not puffed up, does not behave
rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no
evil, does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the Truth;
bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things,
endures all things. Love never fails…”
St Paul listed the SPECIFIC CHARACTERISTICS OF DIVINE
LOVE - AGAPE - which is
1. ABSOLUTELY PERFECT
2. ABSOLUTELY REAL AND TRUE
3. THE VERY CORE OF DIVINE LIKENESS, which we are
Striving to acquire before we enter Eternity.
 AGAPE - Divine Love - IS ETERNAL, COMPLETE AND
FULFILLING, and continues as ETERNAL LIFE
 As wonderful as all THE DIVINE GIFTS ARE, they are
only
1. TEMPORARY AND INCOMPLETE –
2. SERVING THE VARIOUS PURPOSES AND REQUIREMENTS of
this temporary, preparatory period of life
3. TO ENABLE AND ASSIST US.
 We are still SPIRITUALLY IMMATURE
 As the adopted CHILDREN OF OUR HEAVENLY FATHER
we continuously
1. STRUGGLE against the grievous passions and
temptations
2. STRIVE CEASELESSLY for Spiritual Perfection
 EVERYTHING WE STRIVE FOR CONCERNS THE ULTIMATE
ACQUISITION OF AGAPE, which ‘qualifies’ us as
worthy Heavenly Citizens and Co-Heirs with
Christ.
 GOD IS LOVE and “Love never fails!”
DIVINE LOVE – AGAPE – IS ALWAYS
1. Truthful
2. Sincere
3. Genuine
4. Long-suffering
5. Kind
6. Unselfish
7. Disciplined
8. Humble
9. Self-sacrificing
10. Respectful
11. Peaceful
12. Reconciliatory
13. Patient
1 NOVEMBER
 14. Observes, seeks and Rejoices in the c) Courage
Goodness of all Creation and in all d) Perseverance
circumstances e) Endurance
15. Rejoices, Believes and Glorifies the Truth and f) Determination
Great Mercy of God which grants us g) Motivation
a) Optimism h) Confidence
b) Hope
T H E H OLY G OSPEL ACCO RD ING T O S T LU KE 16 : 19 – 31
At that time, our Lord Jesus Christ said: “…“There was a certain Rich Man who was clothed in purple and
fine linen, and fare sumptuously every day. There was a certain Beggar, named ‘Lazaros,’ covered
with sores, who lay at his gate, and desired to be fed with the crumbs that fell from the table of the
Rich Man. All the dogs came and licked his sores.
“The Beggar died, and was carried by the Angels to Abraham’s Bosom. The Rich Man also died, and
was buried. And being in Torments in Hades, He lifted up his eyes and beheld Abraham afar off,
and Lazaros in his Bosom.
“And he cried out and said: ‘Father Abraham, have Mercy on me and send Lazaros that he may dip the
tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue, for I am tormented in this flame!’ Abraham said: ‘Son,
remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, and likewise, Lazaros, evil things.
“’Now he is comforted - you are tormented. ’And furthermore, between us and you there is a Great
Chasm fixed, so that those who want to pass from here to you cannot, nor can those from there pass
to us.’
“He said: ‘I beg Thee, therefore, Father, to send him to my Father’s house. I have five brothers – that he
may testify to them, lest they, too, come to this Place of Torment!’ Abraham said to him: ‘They have
Moses and the Prophets. Let them hear them.’ He said: ‘No, Father Abraham. But if one goes to
them from the dead, they will Repent.’ He said to him: ‘If they do not hear Moses and the Prophets,
neither will they be persuaded to believe, although one rises from the dead!’”
✳ According to our Holy Fathers, THIS IS AN ACTUAL Meat and any other extravagant food would be
ACCOUNT of what occurred to these two people served only on very special occasions and
after they had died. It is NOT ONE OF OUR LORD’S then only by those who were able to afford
PARABLES, which instruct by means of extreme them.
examples. ✳ There was a certain Beggar, named ‘Lazaros,’ covered with
 Our Lord Jesus Christ once again CONTRASTS TWO sores, who lay at his gate, and desired to be fed with the
VERY DIFFERENT PEOPLE AND CIRCUMSTANCES - to crumbs that fell from the table of the Rich Man. All the dogs
teach us His Divine Truth and THE NECESSITY OF came and licked his sores…”
UNCONDITIONAL, DIVINE LOVE.  In stark, shocking contrast to the unknown Rich
✳ “…There was a certain Rich Man who was clothed in purple Man our Lord tells us about “… a certain
and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day. Beggar, named ‘Lazaros’...”
 The “…certain Rich Man who was clothed in  ‘POOR LAZAROS’ IS REMEMBERED FOREVER and held up
purple and fine linen, and fared as A GOOD EXAMPLE OF ENDURING FAITH IN GOD.
sumptuously every day…” describes those  HIS STEADFAST PATIENCE AND COMPLETE FAITH IN GOD’S
1. who are SELF-INDULGENT AND EGO-CENTRIC. GREAT MERCY CONSEQUENTLY ABUNDANTLY BLESSED
2. who have been ABUNDANTLY BLESSED with much HIM FOREVER!
more than they actually need. Our Most Compassionate Lord described THE ABJECT
3. who DISREGARD THE WELFARE AND NEEDS OF OTHERS. SUFFERING, STARVATION AND DESTITUTION OF POOR
 HIS SPLENDID CLOTHING of “purple and fine linen” LAZAROS WHO LAY AT THE GATE of the Rich Man, TOO
IMMEDIATELY IMPLIES EXTREME MATERIAL WEALTH for WEAK TO MOVE, and “...covered with sores...”
only Kings, Emperors and very affluent  HE CONSTANTLY HOPED TO RECEIVE A FEW MEAGRE “…
people could afford purple-dyed fine linen. crumbs…” of all those extravagant, uneaten
Purple dye was produced from the mucus of the and discarded daily feasts TO STAVE OFF THE
hypobranchial gland of various species of marine TERRIBLE PANGS OF STARVATION.
molluscs - notably murex. Approximately 12,000  A FEW ‘crumbs’ OR SCRAPS OF LEFT-OVER FOOD CAN
shellfish were used to extract 1.5 grams of the pure MAKE A VAST DIFFERENCE TO THOSE WHO ARE
purple dye (purpura). DESPERATELY HUNGRY.
Finely woven linen was also extremely expensive to
 IF ALL EXCESS FOOD WAS DISTRIBUTED AMONGST THE POOR,
produce.
NO ONE WOULD GO HUNGRY!
 THIS RICH MAN REMAINS UNIDENTIFIED.
 TONS OF FRUIT, VEGETABLES, MEAT, DAIRY PRODUCTS AND
 He is ONLY REMEMBERED in connection with the
BAKED GOODS ARE DISCARDED EVERY MOMENT OF THE
Righteous Poor Lazaros BECAUSE HIS LAVISH,
DAY,
while vast multitudes of people are
SELF-INDULGENT LIFESTYLE CONDEMNED HIM FOREVER.
dying of hunger and malnourishment!
 P S A L M 9 : 6 : “...Thou rebukes the Nations, and the  THE ONLY COMFORT POOR LAZAROS RECEIVED WAS FROM
ungodly man destroys himself; Thou blot out “…all the dogs…” who “… licked his
their names in their lifetime and unto ages of
sores...”
ages...”
 IT IS NATURAL TO BE KIND AND COMPASSIONATE to those
ALTHOUGH THE NAMES OF THE UNGODLY ARE FORGOTTEN,
who are weak, sick and suffering. Yet oNLY
THEIR WICKED AND UNREPENTED DEEDS WILL BE EXPOSED
THE DOGS SAW POOR LAZAROS AND TRIED TO COMFORT
AND JUDGED BY GOD because everything will be
HIM by licking him – and perhaps keeping
exposed by His Divine Light and Truth.
him warm at night
 HIS MATERIAL PROSPERITY AND SELFISH DECADENCE IS
 LIKE ALL THE POOR, WRETCHED AND DESTITUTE OF OUR
EXPOSED by his daily consumption of lavish
FALLEN AND CORRUPT WORLD, POOR LAZAROS WAS
meals – he “... fared sumptuously every day
INVISIBLE TO ALL OTHER PEOPLE – even those who
...” while OTHER PEOPLE ATE VERY SIMPLE MEALS of
stepped over him and walked past him
basic foods – whatever they could either
several times a day!
catch, grow, barter or purchase.

21 S T
SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST – 5 T H
OF ST LUKE – RICH MAN & POOR LAZAROS 1 NOVEMBER 3.
 ✳ “…The Beggar died, and was carried by the Angels to
Abraham’s Bosom…”
 Our Lord Jesus reveals that when Poor Lazaros
“,,, the Beggar…” died, his immortal soul
rested peacefully with all the other Righteous
and Faithful of God.
THIS WAS ENTIRELY DUE TO HIS SPIRITUAL STATE
1. UNWAVERING FAITH AND HOPE in the Great Mercy
of our Heavenly Father,
2. HUMBLE AND OBEDIENT ACCEPTANCE of his
wretched conditions
3. WITHOUT ANY BITTERNESS, RESENTMENT NOR
COMPLAINT.
 Consequently HIS SOUL WAS CARRIED BY ANGELS TO
REPOSE IN THE PEACE AND COMFORT OF ‘Abraham’s
Bosom’ with all the other Righteous souls.
 The ancient Patriarch, St Abraham, was
mentioned by Christ among all the
Righteous because compared to the
uncharitable “Rich Man,” ST ABRAHAM HAD
ALWAYS SHOWN WELCOMING AND GENEROUS
HOSPITALITY TO ALL STRANGERS – EVEN THE
TRINITY. (REFER GENESIS 18: 1 – 8)
This account was revealed by Christ to His Old Covenant
Faithful, before Paradise was re-opened, where all
His Faithful will rest in Peace until the Eighth Day of
His Final Judgement.
 Like Poor Lazaros we ought to
1. HUMBLY AND OBEDIENTLY ACCEPT
UNCONTROLLABLE CIRCUMSTANCES
2. WITH EXTREME PATIENCE AND DEEP GRATITUDE
GOD
3. NEVER QUESTION, DOUBT NOR COMPLAIN
4. NEVER ENVY NOR RESENT OTHERS
5. BE SUSTAINED AND MOTIVATED BY UNWAVERING FAITH.
✳ “…The Rich Man also died, and was buried. And being in
Torments in Hades, He lifted up his eyes and beheld
Abraham afar off, and Lazaros in his Bosom…”
 The unknown Rich Man “… died and was
buried…” UNDER THE TERRIBLE WEIGHT OF HIS
SPIRITUAL NEGLECT AND SELF-INDULGENT LIFESTYLE.
 ACCORDING TO ST JOHN CHRYSOSTOM, THE RICH MAN
WAS ALREADY BURIED DURING HIS LIFETIME by his “...
couches, rugs, furnishings, sweet oils,
perfumes, large quantities of wine, varieties
of food, and his many flatterers...”
 NO ANGELS OF GOD CARRIED HIM INTO THE PEACE AND
COMFORT of the Bosom of Abraham BECAUSE HE
HAD NO WORTHY THOUGHTS, WORDS OR DEEDS OF
LOVE, COMPASSION, KINDNESS - nor any other
Holy Virtues befitting an Heir of our Heavenly
Father.
 The Rich Man
1. had WALLOWED IN A LAVISH, OVER-INDULGENT AND
EGOCENTRIC EXISTENCE,
2. NOW SUFFERED INDESCRIBABLE “... torments in
Hades...”
3. HAD FAILED TO REPENT HIS SINS,
4. HAD FAILED TO ACQUIRE ANY LOVE/AGAPE
5. DIED IN A STATE OF SPIRITUAL DEATH.
 The Rich Man “… beheld Abraham afar off...”
because this was before our Crucified Lord’s
Harrowing of Hades, when
1. ALL SOULS WERE IMPRISONED BY DEATH but
SEPARATED
2. THE CONDEMNED, UNREPENTANT SOULS WERE ABLE TO
SEE WHAT THEY HAD LOST
3. RIGHTEOUS SOULS RESTED PEACEFULLY in the
THE
Comfort of ‘Abraham’s Bosom.’
IN ADDITION TO THEIR TERRIBLE SUFFERINGS – even before
the Final Judgement - THE UNREPENTANT SINNERS
REALISED THE FULL EXTENT OF THEIR IRREVOCABLE SINS.
4. 21 S T
SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST – 5 T H
OF
Abraham’s Bosom was a Foretaste of Heaven and
the Peaceful Repose of God’s Old Covenant
Faithful and Righteous until Christ led them
into Paradise.
✳ “…And he cried out and said: ‘Father Abraham, have Mercy
on me and send Lazaros that he may dip the tip of his finger
in water, and cool my tongue, for I am tormented in this
flame!’
 The Rich Man “… cried out... ‘Father Abraham,
have Mercy on me...” which was A DESPERATE
APPEAL TO THE OLD COVENANT PATRIARCH AND
SPIRITUAL FATHER.
 HIS DESPERATE ENTREATY IS A SELFISH DESIRE FOR MERCY
AND COMFORT, WHICH HE NEVER OFFERED TO OTHERS,
including Poor Lazaros who had lain at his
gate, starving to death.
 Our Lord Jesus Christ repeatedly and very
clearly taught us that WHATEVER WE DO FOR
OTHERS IS RETURNED TO US A HUNDRED-FOLD – GOOD
OR BAD!
HOLY  ONCE OUR BODY AND SOUL HAVE SEPARATED,
1. WE CAN NO LONG BESEECH GOD FOR HIS GREAT
MERCY
2. ALL OUR SINS ARE CLEARLY AND EXCRUCIATINGLY
SORROWFULLY EXPOSED
3. WE CAN NEITHER JUSTIFY NOR EXCUSE ANYTHING!
4. WE ARE ABSOLUTELY CONSCIOUS AND AWARE OF
OUR
EVERYTHING – COMPREHENDING ALL TRUTH!
 THE DEMANDING CHARACTER OF THE RICH MAN NOR HIS
TO
ATTITUDE TOWARDS OTHERS DID NOT CHANGE.
 BEING EGOCENTRIC, HE REGARDED EVERYONE ELSE AS
INFERIOR AND SUBSERVIENT, which is clearly
implied by his words - “...send Lazaros ... dip
the tip of his finger in water, and cool my
tongue, for I am tormented in this flame!’
 HIS GRIEVOUS PASSIONS CONDEMN THE RICH MAN
FOREVER, for they CANNOT BE REPENTED AND
CORRECTED AFTER DEATH had claimed him.
 NOT EVEN THE TORMENTS HE SUFFERED HAD CHANGED THE
RICH MAN’S ARROGANT, SELFISH ATTITUDE - not even
the torments of Hades can change A STUBBORN,
SELF-SEEKING SPIRITUALLY DEAD SINNER!
 GIVING EVEN A TINY DROP OF WATER to a thirsty person
IS AN ACT OF MERCY AND LOVE.
 However, THE INDESCRIBABLE TORMENTS OF HADES AND
ITS UNABATED BURNING FLAMES CAN NEVER BE
RELIEVED NOR STOPPED.
 OUR REGULAR PRAYERS AND COMMEMORATIONS OF THE
REPOSED ARE FOR THE SPIRITUAL BENEFIT OF THE
DEPARTED AS WELL AS THOSE STILL LIVING
 WE ALL HOPE TO GIVE AND TO RECEIVE EVEN A TINY DROP
OF RELIEF FROM THE TORMENTS THAT AWAIT US if we
die in an unrepented state of Spiritual Death.
✳ "... Abraham said: ‘Son, remember that in your lifetime you
received your good things, and likewise, Lazaros, evil
things. Now he is comforted - you are tormented…”
 THE TORMENTED ‘Son’ OF ABRAHAM OR ISRAEL WAS NOT
REJECTED OUTRIGHT but addressed with
Compassion and Truth.
 THE REALITY AND TRUTH CONCERNING THOSE IN HADES
AND THOSE WHO STILL LIVED WERE CLEARLY AND
CONCISELY EXPLAINED.
 SPIRITUAL WARFARE IS A PERPETUAL BATTLE that is
fought against all EVIL TEMPTATIONS AND
GRIEVOUS PASSIONS that LURE US AWAY FROM GOD.
 UNLESS WE FULFIL ALL OUR SACRED LABOURS OF LOVE
ACCORDING TO THE WILL OF OUR HEAVENLY FATHER,
WE WILL NOT ACQUIRE AGAPE and all the other
Holy Virtues that make us worthy to receive
Eternal Life in God’s Eternal Kingdom of
Love.
Our Lord makes it painfully clear that after death,
ST LUKE – RICH MAN & POOR LAZAROS 1 NOVEMBER
 1. RIGHTEOUS FAITHFUL WHO SUFFERED ‘…evil
THE
things…’ ARE COMFORTED AND REST IN PEACE,
2. THOSE WHO ENJOYED AN ABUNDANCE OF SELF-
INDULGENT ‘GOOD THINGS’ ARE “…TORMENTED …”
FOREVER because THEY HAD WHATEVER THEY
DESIRED.
3. But THEY NEITHER SOUGHT NOR ACQUIRED LOVE AND
EVERLASTING SPIRITUAL TREASURES.
✳ “…And furthermore, between us and you there is a Great
Chasm fixed, so that those who want to pass from here to
you cannot, nor can those from there pass to us…’
 The “...Great Chasm...” is
1. NEITHER PHYSICAL NOR GEOGRAPHICAL
2. THE COMPLETE SEPARATION BETWEEN VIRTUE AND VICE
– goodness and wickedness –
3. AN INSURMOUNTABLE SEPARATION THAT CANNOT BE
OVERCOME OR CORRECTED AFTER DEATH.
 ETERNAL CONSEQUENCES ARE ACCORDING TO OUR OWN
CHOICES we make throughout this short life.
 UNLESS WE DEVELOP A CLOSE, HUMBLE, LOVING AND
OBEDIENT RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD AND EACH OTHER,
WE CANNOT EXPECT ABUNDANT ETERNAL BLESSINGS.
 OUR LORD HAS PROVIDED US WITH EVERYTHING NECESSARY
FOR OUR ETERNAL LIFE. We simply have to apply
them to every aspect of our daily existence.
 Our Lord Jesus hereby reveals to us THE
COMMUNION OF SAINTS AND THE GREAT CLOUD OF
WITNESSES for a man who was not even a
faithful servant of God called out for mercy
from Hades and conversed with St Abraham!
 Some scholars see THIS HIGHLY SIGNIFICANT AFTER-
DEATH ACCOUNT AS OCCURRING AFTER THE FINAL
JUDGEMENT of Christ, citing the PUNISHMENT AND
REWARD that will be received by the two types
of people respectively.
 However, OUR HOLY CHURCH FATHERS REGARD THIS
ACCOUNT AS BEING during A PERIOD AFTER DEATH
BUT BEFORE THE SECOND COMING OF CHRIST, as
evidenced by the man interceding on behalf
of his five brothers who were still alive.
 THE MULTIPLE TORMENTS he experienced WERE
MERELY A HIDEOUS FORETASTE of his Final
Judgement and Spiritual State in Eternity.
 THE RIGHTEOUS who Rest in Peace in Paradise
meanwhile ENJOY A BLISSFUL FORETASTE of
Eternal Life in the Kingdom of Love.
✳ “He said: ‘I beg Thee, therefore, Father, to send him to my
Father’s house. I have five brothers – that he may testify to
them, lest they, too, come to this Place of Torment!’
Abraham said to him: ‘They have Moses and the Prophets.
Let them hear them.’ He said: ‘No, Father Abraham. But if
one goes to them from the dead, they will Repent.’ He said
to him: ‘If they do not hear Moses and the Prophets, neither
will they be persuaded to believe, although one rises from
the dead!’”
 Our Lord Jesus Christ hereby reveals THE
AWARENESS AND CONCERN OF IMMORTAL SOULS
SPIRITUAL STATE OF THOSE WHO STILL LIVE
FOR THE
AND STRUGGLE against the wicked
machinations of the evil one.
 It also reveals that ALTHOUGH THE INTERCESSORY
SUPPLICATIONS of the Rich Man for Divine
Mercy upon his living family WERE HEARD, THEY
DID NOT BENEFIT EITHER HIM OR HIS FAMILY.
 On the contrary, THE PRAYERS OF THE RIGHTEOUS ARE
HEARD AND ANSWERED by our Compassionate, All
Merciful Lord.
 THE CRUCIFIXION OF CHRIST WAS THE FULFILMENT OF THE
OLD COVENANT PASSOVER AND OUR TRUE EXODUS
FROM SPIRITUAL ENSLAVEMENT of sin and Death
INTO THE GLORIOUS PROMISED LAND of Eternal
21 S T
SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST – 5 T H
OF ST LUKE – RICH MAN & POOR LAZAROS
Salvation, Spiritual Freedom and Everlasting
Life.
 The Old Covenant Faithful believed that ALL THE
DEPARTED SAINTS LIKE ST JEREMIAH, ST MOSES AND
ST ELIAS, ETC ARE ALIVE - EVEN BEFORE THE GENERAL
RESURRECTION, which was confirmed at
Christ’s Glorious Transfiguration on Mount
Tabor by St Peter, St James, and St John the
Divine Apostle and Theologian.
 THIS IS WHY WE BESEECH OUR LADY, THEOTOKOS AND ALL
THE SAINTS THEIR INTERCESSORY PRAYERS,
PROTECTION AND SPIRITUAL GUIDANCE.
The human soul is immortal. It never dies. It remains
alive and perfectly aware – extremely conscious - of
both the visible and invisible worlds – to a far
greater degree and intensity than when still united
to the physical body.
Souls who have been Blessed with a Close and Intimate
Relationship with God continue after this life to be
in His Divine Presence.
Obviously then, those who have rejected God and
refused to make any effort to get close to Him have
self-imposed Eternal Alienation and Exile from God
and all His Goodness, Light and Love. They will thus
forever suffer the Unceasing Torments of Hell –
without any respite nor relief.
 “...Moses and the Prophets . . . ” refers to
1. THE DIVINE COMMANDMENTS OF LOVE – Mosaic
Law – that God gave to St Moses on Mount
Sinai,
2. THE DIVINE LAW AND COMMANDMENTS TEACH US
ABOUT THE NECESSITY OF OUR LOVE OF GOD AND
FOR EACH OTHER – how to acquire Divine
Agape/Love.
3. Mosaic Law and the Divine Prophecies are
THE SOLID SACRED FOUNDATION OF BOTH THE OLD
AND NEW COVENANTS.
 Our Lord Jesus clarified HIS DIVINE TEACHINGS OF
UNCONDITIONAL LOVE – AGAPE.
 The Divinely Inspired Prophecies and
Teachings of God’s Holy Prophets
ENLIGHTENED, GUIDED AND LED GOD’S CHOSEN
PEOPLE of Israel according to His Old
Covenant.
 THEIR PROPHECIES CONCERNING OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST
AND HIS DIVINE TRUTH WERE ALL FULFILLED AND
CONFIRMED by our Divine Saviour and His New
Covenant.
 GOD HAS PROVIDED US WITH EVERY MEANS NECESSARY for
the Restoration, Regeneration and Renewal
of our Divine Likeness with which He created
us.
 OUR SPIRITUAL PERFECTION IS A VERY LONG SPIRITUAL
PROCESS – not an instant Cure – which is why
EACH OF US HAS A SPECIFIC LIFESPAN IN WHICH TO
ACCOMPLISH IT.
 Unless we “... hear...” OUR LORD’S DIVINE TRUTH we
cannot BELIEVE, LEARN, UNDERSTAND FULFIL THE
WILL OF OUR HEAVENLY FATHER.
 Our Lord Jesus made it very clear that “...
Blessed art those who hear and obey...” -
i.e. those who PAY CAREFUL ATTENTION so as to
APPLY HIS DIVINE TRUTH TO THEIR EVERY THOUGHT,
WORD AND DEED, thereby slowly being RESTORED
TO HIS DIVINE LIKENESS.
 At His Beloved Son’s Transfiguration, our
Heavenly Father Commanded His three
Apostles, St Peter, St James and St John ““This
is My Beloved Son, in Whom I Am well
pleased! Hear Him!”
 In order to HEAR, we need to PAY ATTENTION to the
words, which we must COMPREHEND PROPERLY in
order to RESPOND CORRECTLY AND APPROPRIATELY.
1 NOVEMBER 5.
  As Faithful Disciples, we must
ALSO FULFIL EVERYTHING
OBEDIENCE.
SINCERE HUMILITY AND
 WE ONLY HAVE AN ALLOTTED, LIMITED TIME IN WHICH TO
ACQUIRE SPIRITUAL PERFECTION to the best of our
ability before we enter Eternity.
 ETERNITY IS TIMELESS AND FOREVER. It is a state of
perpetual NOW – the present moment – and
nothing can be altered, corrected or
changed!
T H E I NSP IRE D
E LDE R P AISIOS OF
Indifference toward God leads to indifference
toward everything else; it leads to
disintegration. Faith in God is so very
important. When we worship God then we Love
our parents too, as well as our home, our
relatives, our work, our village, our whole
region, our State, and our Fatherland.
Those who do not Love God or family are
incapable of loving anything; and, of course,
they do not Love their country either, which
after all is but one big family.
What I’m trying to say is that everything stems from
Faith in God.
A R CH IMANDR ITE
What are we seeking or what do we gain when we
judge or criticise our Brethren? As long as we
do not see them as our Lord God sees them, all
our judgements will be wrong! We must rather
begin by praying for each other with the idea of
being Obedient to the Will of our Heavenly
Father, by not daring to judge nor criticise
others.
We must desire to serve one another with Love, like
St Silouan who on Feast Days was so grateful to
be allowed to serve hundreds of Monks in the
Refectory. He was so happy to see how much
Christ our Lord Loved all people as Children of
God, so he served them all with sincere Love.
All mundane tasks, when accomplished in such a
Loving spirit, can become the most pleasant
Spiritual Nourishment for all concerned.
Because of such an attitude of devout Service to
God and each other, by evening, our heart will
be very tender and we will weep before the
Lord our God over our own defects and our own
lack of Love.
S T M AKAR IOS
As Orthodox Christians – Faithful Disciples of Christ
– we have been Anointed with the Holy Myrrh
from the Tree of Life – our Lord Jesus Christ – the
Heavenly Plant – and are considered worthy of
reaching the degree of Spiritual Perfection of
the Kingdom of Heaven and of our Adoption as
Children of our Heavenly Father.
Indeed, we are Participators of the Mysteries of our
Heavenly King and enjoy the Confidence of
Almighty God.
We enter into His Heavenly Palace where His
Angels and Saintly Spirits are – even while we
are still in this world. Even though we have not
yet entered into the full Inheritance, which is
prepared for us in that Age of ages,
nevertheless we are most certain – because of
the Pledge, which we have already received by
the Holy Mystery of Chrismation as if we are
already Crowned and reigning!
S T P ORPHY R IOS K AP SOKALY V ITIS
6. 21 S T
SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST – 5
NOT ONLY HEAR BUT  OUR CHOICES IN THIS LIFESPAN DETERMINE WHETHER WE
REQUIRED OF US WITH MARVELLOUS BLISSFUL BLESSINGS OF
WILL ENJOY THE
ETERNAL LIFE OR SUFFER THE HORRORS OF ETERNAL
DEATH - forever Exiled and Banished into
‘Outer Darkness’ or ‘the Abyss’ – a perpetual
state of indescribable, unrelieved evil terror,
excruciating suffering and Spiritual Death –
a complete Absence of God and all His
Goodness!
 ALL OUR LABOURS OF LOVE IN THIS SHORT LIFESPAN WILL
PRODUCE THE SWEETEST HARVEST OF ETERNAL LIFE.
, ETER NAL W ISD OM OF OU R H OLY FA THE R S
M OU NT ATHOS Love our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ! Put
nothing at all before our Love of God! Christ our
Lord is everything! He is the Source of Life! He is
our Ultimate Desire! He is Everything!
Everything that is Good, Perfect and Beautiful is
in our Lord Jesus Christ our Divine Saviour and
our Lord God!
S T I SAAK THE S Y R IAN
When we know that we need Divine Assistance, we
will frequently pray. And by much beseeching,
our heart becomes humbled for there is no one
who is needy and beseeching without being
humbled.
God does not despise “… a broken and contrite
S OP HR ONY heart…”
Until we become Humble and Obedient to the Will
of our Heavenly Father, we will not rest from
distractions for Humility restrains our heart and
soul, and, as soon as we become truly Humble,
Divine Mercy and Grace will surround and
envelop us.
And when Divine Mercy draws near, our heart will
perceive Divine Grace at once, because some
Confidence and Power will also move within us.
And when our heart perceives Divine Assistance
and we know that God alone is our Support, our
Provider, our Comforter and our Helper, then we
are filled and overflowing with True Faith.
Consequently, we will behold and understand that
Prayer is the Port of our Help, the Fountain of our
Salvation, the Treasure of our Confidence, the
Anchor in the midst of tempestuous
circumstances, the Light in the Darkness, the
Walking Stick of the weak, the Shelter against
temptations, the Divine Medicine in times of
afflictions, the Shield of Protection in our Battles,
and the Sharpest Arrows against our enemies.
S T E V AGR IOS THE S OL ITARY
We must constantly be on guard and Watchful to
protect our intellect from thoughts while we
pray, for then our intellect will complete our
Prayers and continue in the Tranquillity that is
nature to us. In this manner, He Who has
Compassion on the ignorant will come to us,
and we will receive the Blessed Gift of Pure
Prayer, which we cannot acquire while
entangled in material things and agitated by
constant worldly cares, for Pure Prayer required
the shedding of our worldly thoughts.
E LDE R TH AD DE OS OF V ITOV NIC
Our starting point is always wrong. Instead of
beginning with ourselves, as we should, we
always want to change others firs and ourselves
last. If everyone began first to change and
correct themselves, there would be Universal
Peace!
T H
OF ST LUKE – RICH MAN & POOR LAZAROS 1 NOVEMBER
 Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria & All Africa
Archdiocese of Good Hope
All Glory, Honour and Worship to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and forever,
and unto the Ages of ages. Amen. Remembering also our Most Holy, Most Pure, Most Blessed and
Glorious Lady, Maria, Theotokos, yet Ever Virgin, together with all the Saints. And let us commit
ourselves and one another and our whole Life to Christ our God. Amen.
TONE (5) PLAGAL 1 8 NOVEMBER 2020
22ND SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST
6TH SUNDAY OF ST LUKE – JAIRUS’ DAUGHTER
The Feast of the Synaxis of the Holy Archangels & all the Heavenly Hosts - St Michael, St Gabriel,
St Raphael, St Uriel, St Selaphiel, St Jehudiel, St Barachiel, & St Jeremiel, Holy Archangels of God –
Also the Feast of St Alexandria of Guria

R ESUR REC TION G OSPEL 11 – J OHN 21 : 14 - 25

P R OKE IME NON –P SAL M 103 – T ONE 4

He makes His Angels Spirits and His Ministers a Flame of Fire
Bless, O my Soul, the Lord!
T H E E P ISTL E OF S T P AUL TO TH E H E BRE WS 2 : 2 – 10
Brethren, …if the Word spoken through Angels proved Steadfast, and every transgression and
disobedience received a Just Reward, how shall we escape if we neglect so great a Salvation, which,
first began to be spoken by our Lord, and was confirmed to us by those who heard Him - God also
bearing witness, both with Signs and Wonders, with various Miracles and Gifts of the Holy Spirit,
according to His own Will.
For He has not put the world to come of which we speak, in subjection to Angels, for it has been testified in
a certain place: ‘What is man that Thou art mindful of him, or the Son of Man that Thou carest for Him?
Thou made Him for a while lower than the Angels. Thou crowned Him with Glory and Honour – and
set Him over the Works of Thy Hands. Thou has put all things in subjection under His Feet.’
By putting everything in subjection under Him, He left nothing outside His Control. Now, we do not yet see
everything in subjection to Him, but we see Jesus Who was made a little lower than the Angels, for the
suffering of Death, Crowned with Glory and Honour, that He, by the Grace of God, might taste Death for
everyone. For it was fitting that He - for Whom are all things and by Whom are all things - in bringing
many sons to Glory, should make the Pioneer of their Salvation Perfect through sufferings.
ST PAUL ADDRESSED THIS EPISTLE TO THE HELLENISTIC  Now it is even much more vital for us to HEED WHAT
JUDEANS – Greek speaking Hebrew Christians – GOD INCARNATE – our Lord Jesus Christ – HAS
who were being drawn back to Judaism and TAUGHT US – whether directly or through His
the Old Covenant legalistic practises. Holy Apostles and their Ordained Successors.
He emphasised the Divine Superiority of our Lord  THE WILL OF OUR HEAVENLY FATHER is fulfilled through THE
TEACHINGS AND REVELATIONS OF CHRIST and by THE
Jesus Christ and His Divine Truth.
EMPOWERMENT OF GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT.
The New Covenant Teachings and Life in Christ is  WE ASCRIBE GLORY, HONOUR AND WORSHIP TO OUR TRIUNE
indeed Spiritually Perfect and superior to the LORD GOD even if we only mention one of the Three
Old Covenant Prophets, Angels, and Patriarchs, Persons of the One Godhead since They always
Moses and Aaron. exist and work together IN PERFECT UNITY AND
The New Covenant of Love offers us a Perfect HARMONY.
Priesthood, Holy Sanctuary and (bloodless)  DIVINE TRUTH IS CONFIRMED NOT ONLY BY MIRACLES, ETC, BUT
Sacrifice, for by our Faith and Life in Christ ALSO BY SPIRITUAL EXPERIENCE.
 “...every transgression and disobedience received a
Jesus, we are able to enter His Heavenly Just Reward...” – EVERY THOUGHT, WORD AND DEED HAS A
Kingdom - having regained our Divine Likeness. CONSEQUENCE – either good or bad.
 WE CONDEMN OURSELVES BY COMMITTING ANY SIN against
✳ “...if the Word spoken through Angels proved Steadfast, and Him and each other - whenever we fail to fulfil the
every transgression and disobedience received a Just Will of our Heavenly Father.
Reward, how shall we escape if we neglect so great a  ONLY BY REPENTANCE-CONFESSION ARE WE FORGIVEN AND
RESTORED TO SPIRITUAL LIFE.
Salvation, which, first began to be spoken by our Lord, and
 During every Divine Liturgy, the Celebrant Priest
was confirmed to us by those who heard Him - God also beseeches God on our behalf for
bearing witness, both with Signs and Wonders, with various 1. “... Pardon and Remission of our sins and
Miracles and Gifts of the Holy Spirit, according to His own transgressions...” and
Will...” 2. “... a Good Defence before the Dread Judgement
 Although these words suggest a conditional statement Seat of Christ...”
or question, this is A SERIOUS ADMONISHMENT AGAINST  These Prayers to God affirm that there is indeed
WILFUL NEGLIGENCE AND SPIRITUAL CARELESSNESS. a “…Just Reward…” or Retribution
 We must AVOID DRIFTING AWAY FROM THE DIVINE TRUTH AND (Reckoning or Justice) – A VERY REAL DIVINE
SPIRITUAL LIFE that is essential to our Eternal
JUDGEMENT THAT IS IRREVOCABLE AND UTTERLY
Salvation.
UNBIASED!!
 SPIRITUAL NEGLECT AND CARELESSNESS DRAGS US INTO SIN –
into Spiritual Destruction and Death.  We ought to SERIOUSLY CONTEMPLATE St Paul’s
 Although St Paul was cautioning the Hebrew Nation of rhetorical but highly significant question.
Israel, HIS WORDS ALSO APPLY TO OUR OWN SPIRITUAL “...how shall we escape if we neglect so great a
CONDITION AND WELFARE. Salvation?...”
 THE HEBREWS were expected to and usually DID OBEY THE  OUR TRANSGRESSIONS – sins – against God and each
WORDS OF CREATED ANGELS – THE HOLY MESSENGERS OF other ALIENATE OR ISOLATE US FROM GOD AND
EVERYTHING THAT IS GOOD – SPIRITUAL DEATH.
GOD – or suffer dire consequences.
 GOD’S DIVINE WORD/TRUTH IS CONFIRMED AND PROVED by so
many Divine Miracles and by the Spiritual

22ND SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST – 6TH OF ST LUKE – JAIRUS’ DAUGHTER – ARCHANGELS SYNAXIS - 8 NOVEMBER 2020 7.
 Experience of His Apostles and all their successors
through.
 There are only two choices
1. ETERNAL LIFE requires much determination and effort
but the Eternal Rewards are worth it.
GOD PROVIDES US WITH EVERYTHING NECESSARY. We only
have to be willing to undertake the Sacred
Journey – ‘the Narrow Path” – with complete Faith
in the Love and Great Mercy of our Lord.
2. ETERNAL DEATH might appear to be ‘an easy way out.’
But that deceptively ‘easy way’ with all its temptations,
unbridled passions and self-indulgent lifestyle
leads to the most indescribably horrific
consequences of UNRELIEVED, PERPETUAL DEVASTATION
AND TORMENTS IN OUTER DARKNESS that cause the evil
one and his demons (who invented such horrors)
to tremble and shake uncontrollably with fear and
dread.
✳ “…For He has not put the world to come of which we speak,
in subjection to Angels, for it has been testified in a certain
place: ‘What is man that Thou art mindful of him, or the Son
of Man that Thou carest for Him? Thou made Him for a
while lower than the Angels. Thou crowned Him with Glory
and Honour – and set Him over the Works of Thy Hands.
Thou has put all things in subjection under His Feet.’
 ACCORDING TO THE WILL OF OUR HEAVENLY FATHER, our
Lord Jesus Christ – the Eternal Beloved and
Only Begotten Son of God BECAME “… for a
while lower than the Angels…” when He
became Incarnate as “…the Son of Man...”
 OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST became Incarnate in order
to Save all mankind.
1. HE LIVED WITH US ON EARTH
2. HE TAUGHT US HIS DIVINE TRUTH DIRECTLY
3. HE SHOWED US HOW TO BECOME SPIRITUALLY
PERFECTED BY HIS OWN SINLESS LIFESTYLE.
 THE SON OF GOD ‘EMPTIED’ HIMSELF OF HIS INFINITE,
UNCONTAINABLE DIVINE MAJESTY AND POWER in
order to take on our weak, created human
nature, so that He could live in our midst and
to teach us His Divine Truth directly and
personally.
 In His Incarnation, the Eternal Son of God and
our Almighty Creator became “...lower than
the Angels ...” WHO SERVE GOD AND ACT AS
INTERCESSORY MESSENGERS between Him and
mankind.
 GOD OUR HEAVENLY FATHER “… crowned Him with
Glory and Honour …” AS OUR ETERNAL
SOVEREIGN/KING WHO RULES OVER ALL CREATION –
“…the Works of Thy Hands…” - all of which –
visible and invisible Creation – is subject to
Him.
 MANKIND IS LOVED BY GOD because He created us
in His Divine Image and Likeness.
✳ “…Thou has put all things in subjection under His Feet.’ By
putting everything in subjection under Him, He left nothing
outside His Control…”
 OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST is indeed Crowned with
Glory and Honour by our Heavenly Father
because
1. HE IS THE CREATOR of everything visible and
invisible
2. HE IS IN CONTROL of all Creation.
3. HE HAS TAUGHT US HIS DIVINE TRUTH
4. HE HAS SHOWN US by His own Perfect Example,
how to fulfil the Will of our Heavenly
Father.
5. HE IS OUR LIFE – both now and forever.
6. ONLY HE CAN GRANT US OR DENY US ETERNAL LIFE IN
HIS HEAVENLY KINGDOM OF LOVE.
 ALL CREATION being subject to our Triune Lord
God,
1. OWES ITS EXISTENCE AND SUSTENANCE to our Loving
and Providential Lord God.
8. 22ND SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST – 6TH OF ST LUKE – JAIRUS’ DAUGHTER – ARCHANGELS SYNAXIS - 8 NOVEMBER 2020
2. GLORIFIES, HONOURS AND WORSHIPS GOD with
THANKSGIVING, PRAISE AND HUMBLE OBEDIENCE.
✳ “…we do not yet see everything in subjection to Him, but we
see Jesus Who was made a little lower than the Angels, for
the suffering of Death, Crowned with Glory and Honour,
that He, by the Grace of God, might taste Death for
everyone. For it was fitting that He - for Whom are all
things and by Whom are all things - in bringing many sons
to Glory, should make the Pioneer of their Salvation Perfect
through sufferings….”
 WE ARE SPIRITUALLY IMMATURE so WE CANNOT NOT
COMPREHEND “…everything in subjection to
Him…”
 We need to LEARN ABOUT OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST AND
HIS NEW COVENANT OF LOVE.
 OUR LORD JESUS
1. IS THE PERFECT MAN – the ‘New Adam’ - Whom
we STRIVE TO IMITATE SO AS TO ACQUIRE
SPIRITUAL PERFECTION - Divine Love/Agape.
2. EPITOMISES COMPLETE HUMILITY AND OBEDIENCE TO
THE WILL OF OUR HEAVENLY FATHER, which we
need to acquire because THESE DIVINE
VIRTUES ENABLE US TO ACQUIRE LOVE and all
the other essential Holy Virtues that are
necessary for Spiritual Perfection in the
Likeness of Christ our Lord.
3. VOLUNTARILY SUFFERED unjustified, illegal arrest,
torture, public humiliation, degradation,
and execution by crucifixion, which
ENCOURAGES AND MOTIVATES US TO ACCEPT ANY
DEGREE OF PERSECUTION FOR THE SAKE OF OUR
LORD AND HIS DIVINE TRUTH – “…Perfect
through sufferings…”
4. HIS DEATH WAS THE ULTIMATE BLOOD OFFERING for
the sins of all mankind for all time. We no
longer have to make any Blood Sacrifices
in order to receive Divine Forgiveness but
instead His Divine Mysteries of Holy
Confession and Repentance and Holy
Eucharist/Communion GRANTS US THE
FORGIVENESS OF SINS AND ETERNAL LIFE.
5. HIS RESURRECTION CONFIRMS OUR OWN RESURRECTION
on the Eighth Day.
 At our Holy Baptism, we “Put on Christ” like a
Righteous Garment, after which we
CONTINUOUSLY STRUGGLE AGAINST TEMPTATIONS AND
GRIEVOUS PASSIONS IN ORDER TO LIVE IN CHRIST, BY
APPLYING HIS DIVINE TRUTH – His
Commandments and Teachings - TO OUR OWN
THOUGHTS, WORDS AND DEEDS.
 This is how OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST BRINGS US – the
adopted Children of God – “…to Glory…” – to
His Eternal, Heavenly Kingdom of Love.
 OUR LORD GOD NEVER FORCES HIS DIVINE WILL UPON US,
but waits infinitely Patiently for us to CHOOSE
TO CO-OPERATE WITH HIM.
WE NEED TO FREELY AND VOLUNTARILY FULFIL THE WILL
OF OUR HEAVENLY FATHER IN ALL CIRCUMSTANCES –
just as our Lord Jesus Christ consistently
showed us with His own Words and Deeds.
 OUR DIVINE SAVIOUR HAS PROVIDED EVERYTHING
NECESSARY FOR OUR ETERNAL SALVATION but it is
entirely up to each of us to personally decide
whether or not to ACCEPT HIS DIVINE LOVE AND
ALL HIS BLESSINGS OF JOY, PEACE AND LOVE that
are too amazing for us to comprehend or
describe!!
This is True Faith in our Loving, Compassionate
and All Merciful Lord God.
 OUR DIVINE SAVIOUR’S SUFFERING AND DEATH HIGHLY EXALTED
HIM. Instead of His Cross and Crucifixion causing
 shame and reproach, It brought Him Great Glory  SALVATION IS not owed to mankind but is BESTOWED ON US
and Honour. BY THE LOVE AND GRACE OF GOD. It is HIS DIVINE GIFT TO
Crucifixion was the worst, most degrading punishment for US.
criminals and traitors invented by the Roman Empire.  OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST FULLY EXPERIENCED THE PROCESS OF
According to Old Covenant Laws to be “..hanged from a tree...” DEATH – the separation of Body and Soul.
was the most shameful death.  HE ENTERED HADES IN HIS INCARNATE STATE – as Son of
 OUR LORD WAS THE OFFERER AND THE OFFERING OF THE MOST Man.
PERFECT, FULFILLING BLOOD SACRIFICE FOR THE  Before His Harrowing of Hades and Resurrection, ALL
ATONEMENT AND FORGIVENESS OF SINS. SOULS WERE HELD CAPTIVE BY DEATH IN HADES.
 The Crucifixion of Christ and everything He had so  As the Eternal Son of God, HE THEN SMASHED THE GATES OF
unjustly suffered, fulfilled forever the need for HADES, SETTING FREE THOSE WHO ACCEPTED HIS DIVINE
Blood Sacrifices. Therefore, OUR NEW COVENANT WITH TRUTH AND LED THEM INTO HIS RE-OPENED PARADISE.
GOD IS A BLOODLESS COVENANT.  The Salvation of our Lord Jesus Christ is for all
mankind – not only for a select few.
T H E H OLY G OSPEL ACCO RD ING TO S T LU KE 8 : 41 – 56
At that time, there was a man named ‘Jairos,’ and he was a Ruler of the Synagogue. And he fell down at
the Feet of Jesus and begged Him to go to his house, for he had only one daughter, who was about
twelve years of age, and she was dying.
As He went, the multitudes thronged Him. And a woman, who had a flow of blood for twelve years and
who had spent all she had on Physicians - none of whom could heal her – went from behind and
touched the border of His garment. And immediately the flow of her blood ceased. And Jesus said:
“Who touched Me?”
When all denied having done so, Peter and those with him said: “Master, the multitudes throng and press
against Thee, and Thou ask: ‘Who touched Me?’” Jesus said: “Someone touched Me. I perceived
Power going out from Me.” When the woman saw that she was not hidden, she went trembling and
fell down before Him. She explained to Him, before all the people, and how she had instantly been
Healed. He said to her: “Be of good cheer, Daughter. Thy Faith has made thee well. Go in Peace.”
While He was still speaking, someone arrived from the house of the Ruler of the Synagogue, saying to him:
“Your daughter is dead. Do not trouble the Teacher.” Jesus heard and answered him, saying: “Do not
be afraid. Only believe, and she will be made well.”
Entering the house, He permitted no one to enter except Peter, James and John, and the Father and
Mother. All wept and mourned for her. He said: “Do not weep. She is not dead, but sleeping.” And
they ridiculed Him, knowing that she was dead. He put them all outside, took her by the hand and
called: “Little girl: arise!” And her spirit returned, and she arose immediately. And He commanded
that she be given something to eat. And her parents were astonished. He requested them not to tell
anyone what had happened.
✳ "... there was a man named ‘Jairos,’ and he was a Ruler of  His Faith in Christ became even more firmly
the Synagogue. And he fell down at the Feet of Jesus and established later.
begged Him to go to his house, for he had only one ✳ “...As He went, the multitudes thronged Him. And a woman,
daughter, who was about twelve years of age, and she was who had a flow of blood for twelve years and who had spent
dying…” all she had on Physicians - none of whom could heal her –
 A Synagogue [‘Synagein’ or ‘Shoul’] refers to “A went from behind and touched the border of His garment.
PLACE OF ASSEMBLY...” [which now refers to a And immediately the flow of her blood ceased. ...”
contemporary Jewish Temple.]  WHEREVER OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST WENT, GREAT CROWDS
FOLLOWED HIM, for they had either heard Him
Every town, village and city had at least one
speak, seen His Divine Miracles or were
Synagogue, where the Old Covenant Faithful
driven by curiosity – or more sinister motives.
would gather for communal Worship and Most of them wanted to hear His Words, receive
Prayers as well as for studying the Holy Healing and Spiritual Cleansing, and bask
Scriptures. in His reflected Divine Love and Glory, while
The Synagogue Services included Prayers, the some followed Him with malicious intent.
readings of Holy Scripture and a Sermon or  “...a woman, who had a flow of blood for
discussion to explain the Sacred Lessons. twelve years...” became known as ST
The Chief Administrative Officer was the VERONICA.
Synagogue Ruler who was assisted by an 1. She had SUFFERED FOR TWELVE VERY LONG YEARS
Executive Officer who dealt with the details of and was utterly desperate – the same
the Synagogue Service. number of years as the age of Jairus
Laymen were allowed to participate in the daughter.
Services, especially with the readings of Prayers 2. She had GIVEN ALL SHE POSSESSED in her quest
and Holy Scriptures. Visiting Sages and for healing”… on Physicians…”
respected Teachers/Rabbis were invited to 3. She REMAINED AFFLICTED because “…none of
deliver the Sermon. [them] could Heal her…”
Synagogues were attended by both men and 4. She was OSTRACISED BY FAMILY AND FRIENDS, and
women, and also by Gentile converts. could not socialise DUE TO RELIGIOUS
RESTRICTIONS and Old Covenant Laws that
forbade her from ‘contaminating’ others
 THE SYNAGOGUE RULER, JAIROS WAS UNDERSTANDABLY
because she was “,,,unclean,,.”
DESPERATE AND DISTRAUGHT ABOUT HIS DYING TWELVE-
 According to the Old Covenant Law, ANY FORM OF
YEAR OLD DAUGHTER who was dearly beloved -
HAEMORRHAGE – especially concerning women
even though female children were not - WAS REGARDED AS “CEREMONIAL DEFILEMENT,”
usually valued as much as males who which IMPOSED VERY STRICT RELIGIOUS AND SOCIAL
continued to support the family and RESTRICTIONS on those who were afflicted, as
increase its lineage. well as those who came into contact with
 Jairus knew that OUR LORD JESUS WAS WAS UNIQUE them.
AND EXCEPTIONAL, AND ABLE TO PERFORM DIVINE  LEVITICUS 15:25-27 – “... if a woman has a
MIRACLES. discharge of blood for many days, other than

22ND SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST – 6TH OF ST LUKE – JAIRUS’ DAUGHTER – ARCHANGELS SYNAXIS - 8 NOVEMBER 2020 9.
 at the time of her menstruation, or if it runs
beyond that time, all the days of her unclean
discharge shall be as the days of menstruation.
She shall be unclean... every bed... whatever
she sits upon... whoever touches her... must
wash clothing, bathe... be unclean until
evening...”
 MANY OLD COVENANT LAWS WERE INSTITUTED TO KEEP
THE NATION OF ISRAEL HEALTHY – ESPECIALLY DURING
THEIR 40 YEAR SOJOURN IN THE WILDERNESS before
they were allowed to enter the Promised
Land to settle permanently.
 She “...went from behind and touched the
border of His garment...” because SHE DID NOT
DARE TO APPROACH HIM OPENLY TO SEEK HIS HEALING.
 She was DEEPLY AWARE OF THE SERIOUS REPERCUSSIONS
that would arise if anyone recognised her
out in public and in the midst of such a
throng.
 SHE BELIEVED that EVERYTHING THAT TOUCHED HIM OR
WAS TOUCHED BY HIM IS SANCTIFIED AND HOLY.
 SHE HAD COMPLETE FAITH IN CHRIST, AND KNEW THAT
ONLY HE COULD CURE HER.
 THE VERY INSTANT SHE TOUCHED the hem of our Lord's
garment“... immediately her flow of blood
stopped...” – SHE WAS INSTANTLY HEALED, BECAUSE
OF HER FAITH that encouraged and motivated
her to reach out to Christ our Divine Creator.
 Divine Miracles occur ACCORDING TO THE WILL OF
OUR HEAVENLY FATHER and THE STRENGTH AND
DEPTH OF OUR FAITH IN GOD.
 Everything is ACCORDING TO THE DIVINE WILL OF OUR
HEAVENLY FATHER.
 Miracles can occur immediately or later -
DEPENDING ON WHAT IS REQUIRED OF US.
 Sometimes our Faith needs to be STRENGTHENED BY
BEING TESTED or we need to be MOTIVATED BY AND
FOR THE RIGHT PURPOSE.
✳ “…And Jesus said: “Who touched Me?” When all denied
having done so, Peter and those with him said: “Master, the
multitudes throng and press against Thee, and Thou ask:
‘Who touched Me?’” Jesus said: “Someone touched Me. I
perceived Power going out from Me.”
 When our Lord exclaimed “... who touched
Me?...” He did not mean a physical touch but
rather A SPIRITUAL TOUCH OF FAITH.
 Just as “... the Temple Sanctifies the gold...”
MATTER IS SANCTIFIED BY CONTACT WITH OUR LORD
JESUS CHRIST. (MATTHEW 23:27)
 HIS DIVINE POWER PASSED THROUGH HIS GARMENT –
even through the very edge of His garment –
and HEALED ST VERONICA WHO HAD REACHED OUT TO
HIM IN COMPLETE FAITH AND LOVE.
 ST PETER’S REACTION TO OUR LORD’S WORDS IS LOGICAL
and expresses everyone’s response to that
situation with so many people pushing and
shoving and bumping against one another.
 OUR LORD REPEATED: “Someone touched Me.” AND
EXPLAINED BY SAYING: “... I perceived Power
going out from Me...”
 Our Lord thereby revealed that ST VERONICA’S
NEED AND FAITH WERE DIFFERENT AND FAR MORE
INTENSE than all those surrounding them.
 Despite so many people touching Him in the
tightly packed throng, THE DEPTH OF FAITH AND
THE DESPERATE NEED FOR HEALING OF ST VERONICA
DREW OUR LORD’S DIVINE POWER AND ATTENTION.
 HE INSTANTLY KNEW ALL ABOUT HER BUT WANTED OTHERS
TO LEARN FROM HER DEEP AND HUMBLE FAITH.
 We, too, REACH OUT AND TOUCH OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST
IN HIS HOLY CHURCH through
1. The Veneration of the HOLY ICONS
2. the Sanctified Oil of HOLY UNCTION
3. the Sanctified Water of HOLY BAPTISM
10. 22ND SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST – 6TH OF ST LUKE – JAIRUS’ DAUGHTER – ARCHANGELS SYNAXIS - 8 NOVEMBER 2020
4. the Sanctified Elements of Bread and Wine –
the Body and Blood of Christ – of HOLY
EUCHARIST
5. every time we Pray
6. participate in the HOLY SERVICES
7. and, especially, when we partake of His HOLY
MYSTERIES.
 Whenever we WORTHILY AND HUMBLY REACH OUT TO
GOD WITH COMPLETE FAITH WE RECEIVE HIS DIVINE
POWER.
✳ “...When the woman saw that she was not hidden, she went
trembling and fell down before Him. She explained to Him,
before all the people, and how she had instantly been
Healed. He said to her: “Be of good cheer, Daughter. Thy
Faith has made thee well. Go in Peace.”
 THE WOMAN HAD BROKEN THE OLD COVENANT LAWS,
which could have condemned her to severe
punishment.
 SHE FELL DOWN IN ABJECT CONTRITION before our
Lord and all the people who surrounded
them AND PUBLICALLY CONFESSED HER
TRANSGRESSION that had been motivated by
her desperation and final Hope.
 SHE WAS HONEST, HUMBLE AND FORTHRIGHT.
 WITHOUT ANY SELF-JUSTIFICATION NOR EXCUSES, SHE
EXPLAINED HER CIRCUMSTANCES AND PROCLAIMED HER
INSTANT HEALING – after twelve years of
suffering.
 OUR LORD DID NOT CALL ATTENTION TO HER IN ORDER TO
CONDEMN NOR TO ACCUSE HER, BUT
1. TO TAKE AWAY HER FEAR AND TREMBLING,
2. TO SHOW HER PROFOUND FAITH IN GOD’S GREAT
MERCY AND LOVE as a good example to
others.
3. TO STRENGTHEN AND REASSURE JAIROS when he
heard that his daughter had Reposed.
 THERE IS A SUBTLE CONNECTION BETWEEN JAIRUS’ 12 YEAR
OLD DAUGHTER AND THE 12 YEAR LONG SUFFERING OF
ST VERONICA.
 These two Events clearly show that OUR LORD GOD
ALONE RESTORES LIFE AND HEALTH ACCORDING TO HIS
DIVINE WILL AND PURPOSE.
 St Veronica’s Healing on that day, on the way to
Restoring Jairus’ daughter, was TO ENCOURAGE,
TO COMFORT AND TO STRENGTHEN THE FAITH OF
JAIRUS.
 Our Lord’s gentle Words “... Daughter, be of
good cheer... Thy Faith has made Thee
Well. Go in Peace!” teach us several
important facts:
1. AS CHILDREN OF GOD, WE HAVE NOTHING TO FEAR
(except disappointing or failing to fulfil
the Will of our Heavenly Father)
2. THE EXTENT OF OUR FAITH IN GOD IS AN INTEGRAL
ASPECT OF HEALING, for God never forces His
Will or Divine Power on us.
3. OUR LORD FORGAVE HER FOR TRANSGRESSING THE OLD
COVENANT LAWS (that were beneficial to the
good health of His People – especially
during their 40 year sojourn in the
wilderness.) So THE USUAL PUNISHMENT for
breaking the Old Covenant Laws WAS NOT
ENFORCED UPON HER.
4. REPENTANCE-CONFESSION CLEANSES AND RESTORES
US TO SPIRITUAL LIFE so that we do not have
to suffer the dire Consequences of our sins
– Eternal Spiritual Death.
✳ “ ... While He was still speaking, someone arrived from the
house of the Ruler of the Synagogue, saying to him: “Your
daughter is dead. Do not trouble the Teacher.” Jesus
heard and answered him, saying: “Do not be afraid. Only
believe, and she will be made well.”
 As our Lord Blessed and dismissed St Veronica, A
MESSENGER ARRIVED WITH THE TRAGIC NEWS of the
Repose of Jairus’ daughter.
  The Messenger told Jairus “Do not trouble the
Teacher,” because HE DID NOT KNOW WHO OUR
DIVINE SAVIOUR IS.
 Our Lord Jesus Christ immediately told Jairos
“Do not be afraid. Only believe, and she
will be made well.”
THESE DIVINE WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT AND COMFORT
REVERBERATE throughout all time TO ALL HIS FAITHFUL.
 When our Faith is firmly rooted in Almighty God,
NOTHING CAN FRIGHTEN US for
1. WE BELIEVE - have absolute confidence in
God’s Great Mercy and Love
2. WE ARE ENCOURAGED, STRENGTHENED, AND
COMFORTED
3. WE ARE ENABLED, MOTIVATED AND EMPOWERED to
endure and resist temptations and
distractions that make us flounder and
fear.
 OUR LORD ASSURED JAIROS that his daughter would
soon be Restored to life – and that his Faith in
God was well founded.
✳ “…Entering the house, He permitted no one to enter except
Peter, James and John, and the Father and Mother. All wept
and mourned for her. He said: “Do not weep. She is not
dead, but sleeping.” And they ridiculed Him, knowing that
she was dead. He put them all outside,
 When they arrived at Jairos’ house, our Lord
Jesus “…permitted no one to enter except
Peter, James and John, and the Father and
Mother...”.
 THESE THREE APOSTLES WHO WERE CLOSEST TO HIM,
WOULD WITNESS THE TRANSFIGURATION OF CHRIST ON
MOUNT TABOR shortly before His Passion and
Resurrection.
 Jairus and his wife remained in the house
where CHRIST PRIVATELY REASSURED AND
COMFORTED THEM.
 The other mourners, who would have been
weeping and wailing loudly, were sent
outside - bringing quietness and calmness
to where the girl lay.
 When He tried to comfort them by telling them
“... ‘do not weep – she is not dead, but
Sleeping’... they ridiculed Him, knowing
that she was dead…” because
1. Jairos’ little daughter was DEFINITELY DEAD.
2. DEATH WAS A DAILY EXPERIENCE FOR THEM ALL.
3. THEIR FAITH WAS STILL WEAK AND DOUBTFUL
4. THEY WERE UNAWARE OF THE NEW COVENANT of Love
and Hope according to Christ’s Divine
Truth.
 OUR LORD JESUS SAID THIS not only to the bereft
parents, but TO ALL OF US.
1. We can WEEP AND MOURN when we are
bereaved BUT NOT EXCESSIVELY - without any
hope of Reunion, for LOVE ETERNALLY UNITES
US.
2. OUR IMMORTAL SOUL IS ETERNAL so we never die
but EXIST FOREVER.
3. WE REPOSE OR FALL ASLEEP when our body and
soul separate, UNTIL OUR RESURRECTION on the
Eighth Day at our Final Judgement.
 Those mourners and witnesses who doubted or
scoffed, our Lord “…put them all
outside…”because they were unnecessary
DISTRACTIONS AND UNWORTHY TO WITNESS OR
EXPERIENCE HIS DIVINE MIRACLES.
 Likewise, BEFORE WE CAN PRAY, WE NEED TO PUT ASIDE
AND IGNORE EVERYTHING THAT DISTRACTS US OR
CAUSES US TO DOUBT.
The evil one and his demons always try to
PREVENT US FROM BEING IN THE DIVINE PRESENCE OF
GOD’S LOVE AND GREAT MERCY.
✳ Our Lord Jesus Christ “…took her by the hand and
called: “Little girl: arise!” And her spirit returned, and she
arose immediately. And He commanded that she be given
22ND SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST – 6TH OF ST LUKE – JAIRUS’ DAUGHTER – ARCHANGELS SYNAXIS - 8 NOVEMBER 2020
something to eat. And her parents were astonished. He
requested them not to tell anyone what had happened.
 According to certain Holy Fathers, when our
Lord Jesus “...took her by the hand and
called: “Little girl: arise!” He CONFIRMED THE
DIVINE PROMISE GIVEN TO ST EZEKIEL, the Holy
Prophet of God, that the tombs would be
opened and ALL THE DEAD WOULD BE RAISED TO
LIFE.
 EZEKIEL 37 : 1 – 14 : “... the Lord said to the bones:
‘Behold! I will bring the Spirit of Life upon
you... flesh upon you... cover you with skin and
put My Spirit in you... then you shall live and
know that I Am the Lord...”
 This foretold THE GENERAL RESURRECTION OF MANKIND.
 According to St Ambrose of Milan: “... Great is
the Loving Kindness of our Lord...” because
those who “... believed that the dead shall
rise again... shall be caught up ... to meet
Christ...” while THOSE WHO HAVE “... not
believed shall be left, and be subjected ...”
- Eternally Condemn themselves – “... to the
Sentence by (their) own unbelief...”
 Many people have exercised authority over the
living, but ONLY THE ETERNAL, ONLY BEGOTTEN SON
AND WORD OF GOD “... has Power over both the
living and the dead...” (ORTHODOX FUNERAL SERVICE)
 As soon as our Lord took her hand and spoke to
her “... her spirit returned and she arose
immediately... “
 ONLY OUR DIVINE LORD AND CREATOR CAN REUNITE OUR
BODY AND SOUL after their complete separation,
AND RESTORE US TO FULL HEALTH – without any
serious physical damage nor trauma.
 EACH SIMILAR EXPERIENCE IS UNIQUE due to our
different stages of Spiritual Life BUT HAS A
COMMON LIFE-ALTERING EFFECT ON BOTH BELIEVERS
AND NON-BELIEVERS.
 JAIRUS’ DAUGHTER RETURNED TO LIFE AS QUICKLY AS
THOUGH SHE HAD MERELY SLUMBERED, and her
reactions were completely normal.
 Our Lord Jesus “… commanded that she be
given something to eat...” thereby
CONFIRMING THE REALITY OF HER BEING RETURNED
FROM DEATH TO LIFE.
 LIKE ALL THE OTHER PEOPLE WHO WERE RESTORED TO LIFE –
by Christ directly and by His Divine Apostles
by the Power and Authority of our Lord – SHE
WOULD COMPLETE HER ALOTTED LIFESPAN BEFORE
REPOSING AGAIN UNTIL THE EIGHTH DAY.
 After the Crucifixion and Death of our Lord Jesus
Christ, when He had smashed open the
Gates of Hades, THE RIGHTEOUS AND THE
REPENTANT SINNERS WHO HAD BEEN HELD CAPTIVE BY
DEATH, WERE LED BY HIM INTO PARADISE, where
they Rest in Peace until the Final Judgement
of all Creation.
 ACCORDING TO OUR NEW COVENANT, WE NO LONGER FEAR
DEATH, which Christ has conquered, FOR WE
REPOSE IN PEACE IN PARADISE IF WE HAVE REPENTED
OUR SINS AND DEPART THIS LIFE IN A STATE OF
SPIRITUAL LIFE.
 Our Lord Jesus “…requested them not to tell
anyone what had happened...” because
1. His People’s Faith was still weak and
immature.
2. He wanted them to Glorify and Worship our
Heavenly Father.
3. He never sought any Praise nor Glory for
Himself, thereby teaching us to always
Glorify, Honour and Worship our
Heavenly Father and our Triune God Who
operate in Perfect Love and Unison.
 We are repeatedly reminded by our Holy
Fathers to “REMEMBER DEATH!” because
11.
 1. we must Repent as many of our sins as we
can before our Repose.
2. We must always keep our impending death
in mind for it is the end of this short
preparatory period before Eternity.
3. We only have NOW to be Restored to Spiritual
Life.
4. We must Struggle and Strive ceaselessly to
remain in Spiritual Life.
5. When we have Repented-Confessed our sins,
we are Restored to Spiritual Life.
6. Spiritual Death will become Eternal Death if
we do not Repent-Confess our sins.
We must make every effort to correct our errors and
transgressions that cause us Spiritual Death, because
we cannot revoke nor alter our Spiritual State after our
body and soul separate.
Once the process has started, we can no longer pray for
Mercy – nor can we say the Name of our Lord God!
This is the vital reason for our ceaseless Spiritual Warfare
against all evil NOW!! – against all wicked and unworthy
thoughts, words and deeds that rebel against the Divine
Will of our Heavenly Father – that alienate us from His
Divine Love and Mercy!
We need to learn as much as possible about our Lord’s
Perfect and Absolute Divine Truth so that we can fully
T H E S Y NAX IS OF THE H OLY
The Synaxis of the Leader of the Heavenly Hosts St
Michael the Archangel of God, and all the other
Heavenly Bodiless Hosts was established at the
beginning of the 4th Century at the Laodicean
Council, which occurred several years before
the First Ecumenical Council.
The 35th Canon condemned and renounced as
heretical the worship of Angels as ‘creators and
rulers of the world’ and affirmed their proper
Orthodox Veneration.
A Feast Day was established in November - the
ninth month from March (the beginning of the
year in ancient times) - in accordance with the
9 Ranks of Heavenly Angels.
The eighth day of the month was decreed for the
intended Assemblage/Synaxis of all Heavenly
Powers - in conjunction with the Day of the
Dread Last Judgement of God, which our Holy
Fathers called “the Eighth Day" - since after this
age in which the seven days of Creation have
elapsed, will come “the Eighth Day" upon which
"…shalt come the Son of Man in His Glory, and
all the Holy Angels together with Him."
(MATTHEW 25:31).
The Angelic Ranks are divided into three
Hierarchies: Highest, Middle, and Lowest.
 The Highest Hierarchy consists of the three
Ranks: the Seraphim, Cherubim and Thrones.
Closest of all to the Most-Holy Trinity stand the six-
winged Seraphim (Flaming, and Fiery) who
blaze with Love for God and impel others to
Love God. ( I S A I A H 6 : 1 2 ) .
The many-eyed Cherubim stand before our Lord
God. They radiate the outpouring of Wisdom
and Enlightenment, since through them the
Light of Divine Knowledge and Understanding
of Divine Mysteries is received. ( G E N E S I S 3 : 2 4 ) .
The Thrones are God-bearing through Divine
Grace, who Mysteriously and Incomprehensibly
uphold our Lord God and serve the
Righteousness of His Divine Justice. ( C O L O S S I A N S
1:16),
 The Middle Angelic Hierarchy consists of three
Ranks: Dominions, Powers, and Authorities:
12. 22ND SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST – 6TH OF ST LUKE – JAIRUS’ DAUGHTER – ARCHANGELS SYNAXIS - 8 NOVEMBER 2020
understand the Purpose of this short, preparatory
lifespan and fulfil them as much as possible.
Our All Merciful Lord has made our Path easier by providing
us with all the essential Spiritual Necessities and
Instructions to which we ought to pay close attention,
and apply to every aspect of our existence – now and
forever.
 THIS WAS THE FIRST ACCOUNT OF THREE DIFFERENT STAGES
OF DEATH from which our Divine Saviour
Raised the Reposed to life, Restoring them to
continue their temporary preparatory
lifespan – the other two being the son of the
Widow of Nain who was about to be buried,
and St Lazaros of Bethany, whose body had
already begun to decompose.
1. Jairos’ daughter had only just Reposed.
2. The Widow of Nain’s son had Reposed for a
few hours and was about to be interred.
3. St Lazaros had been dead for four days and
had begun to decompose.
 THIS PROVES AND CONFIRMS that
1. the Divine Power of God has dominion over
life and death of all Creation.
2. All mankind will be Resurrected on the
Eighth Day – at the end of time.
3. Our Lord Jesus Christ has Divine Authority
over all His creatures
AR CH ANGEL S & AL L H E AVE NLY H OSTS
Dominions control the successive Ranks of Angels
who instruct wise governance to the earthly
authorities, established by God. They influence
us by Divine Miracles, quell sinful impulses,
subordinate our flesh to our soul, and
strengthen our free will so as to conquer
temptations. ( C O L O S S I A N S 1 : 1 6 )
Powers fulfil the Will of God, perform certain Divine
Miracles and send down the Grace of
Wonderworking and Discernment to Saints who
are pleasing to God. They assist us to fulfil
Obediences and they Encourage us with
Patience and Endurance, Spiritual Strength and
Fortitude. ( 1 P E T E R 3 : 2 2 )
Authorities quell the power of the evil one. They
repel demonic temptations, uphold and guard
Ascetics and help us with our Struggles against
evil and our Strivings for Spiritual Perfection.( 1
PETER 3:22 & COLOSSIANS 1:16)
 The Lowest Hierarchy includes the three Ranks:
Principalities, Archangels, and Angels:
Principalities command the lower Angels,
instructing them in the Fulfilment of Divine
Commands. They direct the Universe, and
protect lands, Nations and mankind. They
instruct us to honour and respect each other,
and they teach those in authority to fulfil their
obligations honourably - not for personal glory
nor gain, but with Respect for God and for the
benefit of everyone. ( C O L O S S I A N S 1 : 1 6 )
Archangels announce Great Holy Tidings, reveal
the Mysteries of our True Faith, Holy Prophecy
and the Divine Will of our Lord God, by
intensifying our Faith and Enlightening us with
the Divine Light of the Holy Gospel. (1
THESSALONIANS 4:16)
Angels proclaim the Will of God by guiding us in
Virtuous and Holy Life. They protect us by
restraining us from falling into sin, and raise us
when we Repent our sins. They never abandon
us and are always ready to help us when we
request or need their assistance. ( 1 P E T E R 3 : 2 2 ]
 Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria & All Africa
Archdiocese of Good Hope
All Glory, Honour and Worship to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and forever, and unto
the Ages of ages. Amen. Remembering also our Most Holy, Most Pure, Most Blessed and Glorious Lady, Maria,
Theotokos, yet Ever Virgin, together with all the Saints. And let us commit ourselves and one another and our
whole Life to Christ our God. Amen.
9 NOVEMBER 2020
ST NEKTARIOS OF PENTAPOLIS & AEGINA
The Feast of St Onesiphoros and St Porphyrios of Ephesos - St Matrona, Abbess of Constantinople - St
Theoktiste of Lesbos – St Onesiphoros the Confessor of the Kiev Near Caves Monastery – St Alexander of
Thessalonika – St Anthony of Apamea, Syria – St John the Short, Holy Ascetic of St Pimen the Great
Monastery, Egypt – St Eustolia & St Sopatra of Constantinople – St Euthymios & St Neophytos, Co-Founders
of Dochiariou Monastery, Mount Athos – The Holy Wonderworking Icon of Theotokos “Quick to Hear” at
Dochiariou Monastery, Mount Athos

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

The Saints shalt Rejoice in Glory.

Sing unto the Lord a New Song.
T H E E PISTLE OF S T P AUL TO TH E EP HE SIANS 5 : 8 – 19
WE MUST WALK IN CHRIST THE DIVINE LIGHT & TRUTH
Brethren ... As Children of Light, walk - for the Fruit of the Spirit is in all Goodness, Righteousness and
Truth, finding out what is acceptable to our Lord. And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of
Darkness, but rather expose them. Those things that are done by them in secret are shameful even to
speak.
All things that are exposed are made manifest by the Light. Whatever makes manifest is Light. Therefore
He says: “Awake, you who sleep! Arise from the Dead and Christ Will give you Light!”
See then that you walk circumspectly - not as fools but as Wise - Redeeming the time, because the days
are evil. Therefore, do not be unwise, but understand what the Will of our Lord is. And do not be drunk
with wine, in which is dissipation. But be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in Psalms and
Hymns and Spiritual Odes, sing and making melody in your heart to the Lord.
✳ “ ... As Children of Light, walk - for the Fruit of the Spirit is Due to the ancestral sin of Adam and Eve, and our
in all Goodness, Righteousness and Truth, finding out what habitual and ceaseless sins, WE HAVE LOST OUR
is acceptable to our Lord.....” SPIRITUAL LIKENESS TO OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST – HIS
 Having received Baptism and Chrismation WE DIVINE LOVE/AGAPE.
HAVE BECOME THE ADOPTED CHILDREN OF GOD OUR  SPIRITUAL PERFECTION IS THE ACQUISITION OF DIVINE
HEAVENLY FATHER -Who is THE UNCREATED DIVINE LOVE/AGAPE, which encompasses everything
LIGHT . that is indeed “the Fruit of the Spirit…”
 WE ARE NOW CO-HEIRS WITH OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST –  Everything that is “…all Goodness,
the Eternal, Only Begotten Son of God – to His Righteousness and Truth…” is pleasing and
Eternal, Heavenly Kingdom of Love “… acceptable to our Lord…” for THESE ARE
Thus “… as Children of Light…” we must NOW ACCORDING TO
STRIVE TO LIVE IN CHRIST. 1. HIS DIVINE LOVE
We “…Live in Christ…” because we have “… put 2. THE WILL OF OUR HEAVENLY FATHER
on Christ…” like A HOLY GARMENT OF  When we Live IN Christ by following His Faithful
RIGHTEOUSNESS during our Holy Baptism. Path, OUR LORD LEADS US BACK TO PARADISE AND
 DUE TO OUR CONTINUOUS FALLING INTO SIN AND REGENERATES OUR DIVINE LIKENESS, which is
SPIRITUAL DEATH, we need to just as Spiritual Perfection, Theosis or Deification.
continuously  BY THE DIVINE GRACE OF GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT, WE ARE
1. REPENT our sins ABLE TO KNOW, AND TO UNDERSTAND, AND TO DO,
2. STRUGGLE against the temptations of the evil EVERYTHING that is “...acceptable to our
one and our own grievous passions. Lord....”
3. STRIVE for Spiritual Perfection by applying ✳ “...have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of Darkness,
Christ’s Divine Truth to our thoughts, but rather expose them. Those things that are done by them
words and deeds. in secret are shameful even to speak…”
4. PRAY for Spiritual Guidance and Strength to  St Paul reminded the Ephesians – especially
fulfil the Will of our Heavenly Father THOSE WHO HAD CONVERTED from paganism –
5. WORSHIP COMMUNALLY because we need the that they HAD EXISTED IN SPIRITUAL DARKNESS AND
support, guidance and encouragement HAD BEEN SPIRITUALLY DEAD..
of our Spiritual Fathers and each other.  Before knowing anything concerning our
 When we receive Holy Chrismation, we are Living, Loving and Benevolent Lord God and
granted THE DIVINE GIFT OF GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT His Divine Truth, MOST OF US WERE IN SPIRITUAL
WHO EMPOWERS AND ENABLES US TO FULFIL THE WILL DARKNESS - IGNORANT OR NEGLIGENT OF THE
OF OUR HEAVENLY FATHER, whereby we become MEANING AND PURPOSE OF THIS TEMPORARY
Spiritually Perfected. EXISTENCE.
 We thereby are able to FULFIL EVERYTHING THAT IS  St Paul severely cautions us to AVOID ANYTHING
TRULY WORTHY and BEFITTING A FAITHFUL DISCIPLE THAT IS ABOMINABLE TO GOD, SINFUL AND SPIRITUALLY
OF CHRIST OUR GOD. CONDEMNING – anything that is wicked, evil
Spiritual Perfection means Acquisition of Christ’s and harmful, which are the “... unfruitful
Divine Likeness with which He created us. works of Darkness...”

S T N EKTAR IOS OF P E NTAP OL IS & AE GINA 9 NO VEM BE R 13.

 We need to “...expose … things that are done ...
in secret ... shameful even to speak...” refers
to THE NEED FOR REGULAR REPENTANCE/CONFESSION
OF OUR OWN SINS,– IF, WHEN AND HOW WE HAVE BEEN
INVOLVED - rather than the sins of others.
Always remember:
1. God sees and knows everything.
2. There is are vast invisible “Clouds of
Witnesses”
3. Nothing can be hidden.
4. Truth always prevails – sooner or later!
When our sins have been exposed, Repented,
Confessed and Forgiven, we must leave them behind
and not return to them in thought, word or deed!
We must examine and judge only ourselves, for
whatever sins we notice in others is usually a
wretched reflection of our own Spiritual Death! So
when tempted to criticise anyone, we must
immediately turn those thoughts inwards and pluck
out our own sins!
The Holy Mystery of Repentance-Confession prepares
us for the separation of our body and soul – for our
First Judgement and our Final Judgement. The
more of our sins we Repent and Confess now, the
better our Spiritual Progress and Welfare
becomes.
Constant Repentance-Confession keeps us in a state of
Spiritual Life, while unconfessed sins imprison us in
a dreadful state of Spiritual Death.
We hope and pray that at our Repose we shall all be in
a Blessed State of Spiritual Life.
✳ “...All things that are exposed are made manifest by the
Light. Whatever makes manifest is Light…”
 OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST IS THE DIVINE LIGHT AND TRUTH.
 HIS DIVINE TRUTH REVEALS THE REALITY, TRUTH AND
QUALITY OF EVERY THOUGHT, WORD AND DEED.
 We must ALWAYS COMPARE, JUDGE, MEASURE OR WEIGH
EVERYTHING CAREFULLY AGAINST GOD’S DIVINE TRUTH
Everything that concerns and is acceptable to this
Spiritually Blind, sin-darkened, wicked, and
debauched but temporary world is GLARINGLY
EXPOSED BY THE BRIGHT LIGHT OF DIVINE TRUTH.
 We must EXAMINE EVERYTHING IN THE DIVINE LIGHT OF
GOD’S TRUTH, WHICH IS UNWAVERING, INFLEXIBLE AND
UNCHANGEABLE.
 Only God’s Truth – Divine Truth – is
1. Absolute
2. Perfect
3. sensible
4. uncomplicated
5. very clear
6. comprehensible
 GOODNESS, REALITY AND TRUTH ARE CLEARLY REVEALED
AND CONFIRMED BY DIVINE LIGHT AND TRUTH..
 Everything that is deceptive, delusional,
convoluted, ‘secret’ or ‘hidden’ and cannot
withstand exposure to God’s Divine Light and
Truth we must IMMEDIATELY REJECT, AVOID AND
REPENT AS BEING SINFUL AND EVIL!
✳ “...Therefore He says: “Awake, you who sleep! Arise from
the Dead and Christ Will give you Light!...”
 OUR LORD JESUS URGED US TO AWAKEN FROM OUR
SPIRITUAL STUPOR, for every moment of OUR
ALLOTTED LIFESPAN IS BEYOND MEASURE PRECIOUS!
 Most of us are SLUMBERING AND STAGNATING IN A
STATE OF SPIRITUAL DEATH AND DARKNESS, unable
to make any essential Spiritual Progress at
all.
WAKE UP AND BEGIN THE JOURNEY !
 Our Lord Jesus Christ and God the Holy Spirit
ENLIGHTENS US WITH DIVINE TRUTH and grants us
14. S T NE KTAR IOS OF P ENTAPOL IS
GIFTS THAT ENABLE US TO FULFIL OUR TRUE PURPOSE
of existence!
 This short preparatory period before Eternity
provides every opportunity to REGAIN OUR
DIVINE LIKENESS – to ACQUIRE DIVINE LOVE that
encompasses EVERYTHING WORTHY AND GOOD,
which God provides for us – IF WE CHOOSE TO
ACCEPT His infinite Gracious Abundance.
 Our Lord God wants us to VOLUNTARILY DECIDE
WHICH PATH TO FOLLOW
1. To His ETERNAL, HEAVENLY KINGDOM OF LOVE,
PEACE AND JOY the delights of which are
infinitely far beyond all imagination or
description!
2. To THE ETERNAL, OUTER DARKNESS – THE DREADED
‘ABYSS’ OR ‘HELL’ – which is totally devoid of
Light, Love and anything Good -IRREVOCABLY
EXILED FROM GOD!
THERE IS NO THIRD CHOICE!
✳ “…See then that you walk circumspectly - not as fools but
as Wise - Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.
Therefore, do not be unwise, but understand what the Will of
our Lord is…”
 WE CANNOT DECIDE which Eternal Path to follow
UNLESS WE HAVE THE CORRECT AND TRUTHFUL
KNOWLEDGE that only our Lord Jesus Christ
grants us.
 Only OUR LORD GOD FREELY GIVES US HIS DIVINE TRUTH
but HE DOES NOT FORCE IT UPON US.
 WE ALONE MUST CHOOSE
1. TO ACCEPT His Divine Truth AND APPLY IT TO EVERY
ASPECT of this short, preparatory lifespan
in order to acquire Divine Love and
Spiritual Perfection
2. TO REJECT His Divine Truth and suffer the
severe self—imposed dire Consequences -
both here and now, and especially for all
Eternity, due to Spiritual Death!
 We need to MAKE THE BEST POSSIBLE USE OF THIS SHORT,
PREPARATORY PERIOD BEFORE ETERNITY, which is
only possible through Living in Christ Jesus.
 Our LIFE IN CHRIST begins when we
1. accept and partake of HOLY BAPTISM AND
CHRISMATION AND ALL THE OTHER ESSENTIAL HOLY
MYSTERIES of Christ’s Holy, Orthodox
Church.
2. seek and learn THE DIVINE TRUTH OF OUR LORD
JESUS CHRIST so that we can discern good
and evil
3. APPLY HIS DIVINE TRUTH TO EVERY ASPECT OF DAILY
LIFE – to our thoughts, words and deeds.
4. ARE GUIDED AND ENLIGHTENED BY OUR SPIRITUAL
FATHERS AND TEACHERS whom we ought to
respect and obey.
5. RESPECTFUL AND OBEDIENT TO ALL THE TEACHINGS
AND PRACTISES OF CHRIST’S HOLY ORTHODOX
CHURCH.
 GOD PROVIDES US WITH EVERYTHING NECESSARY TO
“…Redeem the time…” – to MAKE GOOD
SPIRITUAL PROGRESS whereby we
1. STRUGGLE against all temptations and our
own grievous passions
2. STRIVE to acquire Divine Love/Agape and all
the other Holy Virtues.
 Only by following and imitating our Divine
Saviour, can we BECOME WORTHY CITIZENS AND
CO-HEIRS of His Heavenly Kingdom of
Everlasting Love.
 We need to learn how to THINK, SPEAK AND ACT
ACCORDING TO CHRIST’S DIVINE TEACHINGS AND
COMMANDMENTS.
& AE GINA 9 NO VEM BE R
Our own efforts or limited and flawed perceptions cannot
comprehend nor accomplish our Sacred Journey to Eternal
Life. We need the Enlightenment, the Instruction and the
Guidance of Christ’s Holy Orthodox Church.
The True Spiritual Knowledge and Experience of all who have
received Divine Grace is shared with each other so that
together we can all make Good Spiritual Progress and
enjoy a healthy Spiritual Life in Christ.
 WE MUST NOT WASTE A MOMENT OF THIS VERY SHORT
LIFESPAN, in order to “…understand … the Will
of our Lord …” and thereby PREPARE OURSELVES
FOR ETERNITY.
 ONLY GOD KNOWS HOW MANY YEARS, MONTHS, WEEKS,
DAYS OR HOURS EACH OF US HAS in which to PERFECT
OUR IMMORTAL SOUL for Eternal Life in His
Heavenly Kingdom of Love.
 THERE IS NO EXCUSE NOR REASON TO BE SPIRITUALLY
IGNORANT because our Lord Jesus and God
the Holy Spirit have made the fulfilment of
our Heavenly Father’s Will possible for us to
accomplish!
 OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST HAS granted us every
means possible and SHOWN US BY HIS OWN
PERFECT EXAMPLE how to CONTROL THE WEAKNESS
AND SELFISH DEMANDS OF OUR FLESH – our words,
thoughts and deeds.
 HIS DIVINE COMMANDMENTS AND TEACHINGS
STRENGTHEN, REGENERATE AND PERFECT OUR
IMMORTAL SOUL so that we may REGAIN THE
T H E H OLY G OSPEL
At that time, our Lord Jesus Christ said: “...I Am the Door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be Saved, and
will go in and will go out, and will find Pasture. The Thief does not come, except to steal, and to
kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have Life -and more abundantly.
“I Am the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd gives His Life for the Sheep. The Hireling - who is not
the Shepherd, who does not own the Sheep - sees the Wolf coming, and leaves the Sheep, and
flees. And the Wolf catches, and scatters the Sheep. The Hireling flees, for he is a hireling, and
does not care about the Sheep.
“I Am the Good Shepherd, and I know Mine, and Am known by Mine. As the Father knows Me, even so
I know the Father. And My Life I lay down for the Sheep.
“And other Sheep I have, which are not of this Fold - them also I must bring. And they will hear My
Voice. And there will be one Flock - one Shepherd.”
✳ “...I Am the Door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be Saved,
and will go in and will go out, and will find Pasture...”
 OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST IS INDEED “… the Door…” for WE ARE INCLINED TO COMPLICATE EVERYTHING, thereby
HIS DIVINE TRUTH AND LIFE IS THE ONLY MEANS OF
ENTRY INTO GOD’S DIVINE KINGDOM OF LOVE.
 THESE SHOW US THE PATH TO SALVATION AND ETERNAL
LIFE.
 Having accepted our Lord Jesus as our Divine
Saviour, we have to CEASELESSLY STRUGGLE TO
BECOME LIKE HIM IN OUR THOUGHTS, WORDS AND
DEEDS.
 Our Eternal Salvation begins now and is AN
ONGOING SPIRITUAL STRUGGLE AGAINST TEMPTATION
AND OUR GRIEVOUS PASSIONS until we draw our
last breath.
 OUR SALVIFIC STRUGGLE AND JOURNEY BEGINS WHEN WE
ARE BAPTISED AND CHRISMATED INTO CHRIST.
Our Lord Jesus speaks His Divine Truth very clearly
and concisely.
 He tells us quite plainly that “...If anyone enters
by Me, he will be Saved...”
 HE DOES NOT SAY ‘when’ BUT “…if..,” which shows us
that THE CHOICES WE MAKE ARE ENTIRELY ACCORDING
TO OUR OWN FREE WILL, for our God of Love
never forces His Divine Will upon His
creatures.
 We must FREELY DESIRE AND SEEK HIS PRESENCE
through Prayer and correct, reverent, honest
and sincere Worship.
 We “...will be Saved...” by humbly and
obediently APPLYING CHRIST’S TEACHINGS AND
S T N EKTAR IOS
DIVINE LIKENESS AND IMAGE OF GOD, AS HE CREATED
US!
 We are both PHYSICAL AND SPIRITUAL, INTELLECTUAL
BEINGS
 OUR IMMORTAL SOUL MUST be trained during this
short lifespan to DOMINATE AND CONTROL OUR
FLESH,
 We are created to become worthy CITIZENS AND
CO-HEIRS OF GOD’S ETERNAL, HEAVENLY KINGDOM OF
LOVE.
✳ “...And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation.
But be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in
Psalms and Hymns and Spiritual Odes, sing and making
melody in your heart to the Lord…”
 St Paul cautioned us against ALL FORMS AND
DEGREES OF SELF-INDULGENCE – THE GRIEVOUS
PASSIONS, WHICH
1. are SELF-DESTRUCTIVE.
2. HARMFUL to us and so many others
3. ALIENATE us from God and each other.
 ALL SIN ADVERSELY AFFECTS OURSELVES, OUR
SURROUNDINGS AND OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD AND
EACH OTHER.
 The characteristics of True and Faithful
Disciples of Christ consist of being “… filled
with the (Holy) Spirit, speaking .. singing
and making melody in your heart to the
Lord... “
ACCO RD ING TO S T J OH N 10: 9 – 16
COMMANDMENTS to every aspect of our
existence.
causing confusion and misguidance.
 We PROCEED FREELY through this life - “…will go in
and will go out…” – because we are
CONFIDENT AND ASSURED THAT OUR LOVING,
BENEVOLENT AND MERCIFUL LORD GOD IS INDEED IN
CONTROL.
 B Y FREELY SURRENDERING OUR WILL TO GOD’S DIVINE
WILL, WE ARE COMPLETELY LIBERATED from all
negative and destructive forces and
influence.
 C HRIST OUR GOOD SHEPHERD LEADS US - HIS HOLY FLOCK
- TO THE BEAUTIFUL SUSTAINING SPIRITUAL ”…
Pastures…” THAT NOURISH AND SUSTAIN US while
we mature and draw closer to God, as we
gradually regain our Divine Likeness.
 Our Lord Jesus Christ Spiritually Sustains us WITH
HIS DIVINE TRUTH AND LOVE.
✳ “... The Thief does not come, except to steal, and to kill, and
to destroy. I have come that they may have Life - and more
abundantly....”
 The evil one ceaselessly comes “... to steal... to
kill... to destroy...” because he has lost all the
Love and Goodness of God’s Creation.
He is THE MOST MALICIOUS ENEMY of mankind WHO
INVENTED ALL EVIL AND DEATH – everything that is
foul, rotten, wretched and negative.
 MANKIND IS LURED INTO SPIRITUAL DEATH by his lies,
deceptions and hideous heresies that
ensnare and enslave us.
OF P E NTAP OL IS & AE GINA 9 NO VEM BE R 15.
He steals our free will, and destroys us with his
wicked temptations and sins that ALIENATE AND
SEPARATE US FROM OUR LOVING, BENEVOLENT AND LIFE-
GIVING LORD GOD, and he destroys and corrupts
everything that is Good and Beautifully created
by Almighty God
 Our Lord GOD CREATED MANKIND TO LIVE BY HIS
DIVINE GRACE so “... that they may have
Life...”
OUR VOLUNTARY AND INVOLUNTARY SINS DAMAGE OUR SACRED
BOND WITH OUR LORD, leaving us susceptible to the
destructive forces of evil.
However, OUR LORD JESUS HAS PROVIDED US WITH THE MOST
POWERFUL ANTIDOTE AND HEALING – THE HOLY MYSTERY
OF REPENTANCE AND CONFESSION – WHICH RESTORES AND
GRANTS US
1. HIS DIVINE LOVE
2. HIS DIVINE TRUTH
3. HIS DIVINE FORGIVENESS
4. ETERNAL LIFE
 Our Lord Jesus Christ grants us a Most Blessed
Life “… more abundantly…” even before
Eternity because BY LIVING IN CHRIST, WE ENJOY
THE DIVINE GRACE OF HIS HEAVENLY KINGDOM THAT
SPIRITUALLY FULFILS AND SUSTAINS US.
 Those who Live in Christ actually EXPERIENCE THE
FULL MEANING AND PURPOSE of this preparatory
period before Eternity.
✳ "...I Am the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd gives His
Life for the Sheep…”
 “I Am” is THE NAME WHEREBY GOD IDENTIFIES HIMSELF.
 OUR LORD ALWAYS IDENTIFIES HIMSELF CLEARLY so that
we properly understand Who He is.
 Our Lord Jesus Christ is our “…Good
Shepherd…” Who
1. WATCHES OVER US.
2. PROTECTS US AGAINST THE EVIL ONE
3. ENLIGHTENS AND EMPOWERS US
4. GUIDES US ALONG HIS PATH OF RIGHTEOUSNESS
5. SAVES, REDEEMS AND RESTORES US
 WE ARE HIS HOLY FLOCK OF REASON-ENDOWED OR
INTELLECTUAL”… Sheep…” who trust our Divine
Shepherd to provide for us and to take good
care of us.
✳ “...The Hireling - who is not the Shepherd, who does not own
the Sheep - sees the Wolf coming, and leaves the Sheep, and
flees. And the Wolf catches, and scatters the Sheep. The
Hireling flees, for he is a hireling, and does not care about
the Sheep…”
 “… the Hireling…” refers to TEMPORARY, MERCENARY
OVERSEERS WHO ARE SELF-SERVING AND NEGLIGENT
BECAUSE
1. they USE PEOPLE AND THE CHURCH for their own
selfish, greedy motives.
2. they are UNCOMMITTED AND UNFAITHFUL PRIESTS
who are merely ‘doing a job’ rather than
being dedicated to the Faithful Service of
God and the Salvation of His Holy Flock.
3. they LACK ANY DEGREE OF AGAPE, which causes
much unhappiness and discord.
4. they ABANDON THEIR SACRED DUTIES whenever it
suits them and depart when threatened
by exposure, complaint or correction.
5. they are OFFENSIVE, HERETICAL, CONTROVERSIAL
AND BLASPHEMOUS SELF-APPOINTED ‘PROPHETS’ OR
‘PRIESTS’
6. They only care about FINANCIALLY PROFITING AS
MUCH AS THEY CAN from those who are
seeking Divine Truth and Spiritual and
physical Healing.
16. S T NE KTAR IOS OF P ENTAPOL IS
7. They SERVE THE EVIL ONE’S MALICIOUS, WICKED
DESIRES.
8. They are DRIVEN AND CONTROLLED BY THEIR OWN
that destroy everything
GRIEVOUS PASSIONS
good.
9. They USE THE LOVE AND POWER OF OUR TRIUNE GOD
TO ATTRACT PEOPLE AND CLAIM TO PERFORM ALL
KINDS OF ‘MIRACLES’ as though these were
merely ‘party tricks’ to be performed at
their own will
10. they ETERNALLY CONDEMN THEMSELVES AND THOSE
WHOM THEY LEAD INTO PERDITION
 ANYONE OR ANYTHING THAT HARMS OR DESTROYS THE
HOLY FLOCK of Christ our Lord and His New
Covenant of Love is “… the Wolf [who]
catches, and scatters the Sheep...”
1. THE EVIL ONE, his demons and all his wicked
people
2. HERETICS
3. ENEMIES OR OPPONENTS of our Lord Jesus Christ,
His One, True, Universal, Holy Church and
His New Covenant of Love.
4. APOSTASY – the denial, rejection or neglect of
God’s Teachings and Commandments
whereby we ought to live as His Faithful
Disciples.
5. ANYTHING THAT WORKS AGAINST GOD’S DIVINE TRUTH
AND LOVE THAT CAUSES
a. DISHARMONY AND DISUNITY
b. CONTROVERSY
c. SPLITS HIS HOLY CHURCH
d. SCHISMS, FACTIONS AND EVEN TERRIBLE WARFARE.
 “…The Wolf…” scatters the Sheep with LIES AND
DECEITS that cause people to become
ENSNARED IN CONTROVERSIAL, HERETICAL AND
BLASPHEMOUS PRACTISES AND IDEAS, which cause
SPIRITUAL DEATH AND ETERNAL CONDEMNATION.
 The Wolf had “...devoured and scattered...”
GOD’S CHOSEN PEOPLE – THE NATION OF ISRAEL –
when they INTERMARRIED WITH PAGANS AND
REFORMED THEIR ANCIENT JUDAIC FAITH.
These were “...the Lost Sheep of Israel...” whom
Christ came to find and return to the Spiritual
Safety of His Holy Sheepfold.
✳ “…I Am the Good Shepherd, and I know Mine, and Am known
by Mine. As the Father knows Me, even so I know the
Father. And My Life I lay down for the Sheep…”
 OUR “…Good Shepherd…” LOVES EVERY ONE OF HIS
HOLY FLOCK to the extent of OFFERING HIS OWN
LIFE FOR THE SAKE OF OUR SALVATION.
 He has FULFILLED ALL THE INSPIRED PROPHECIES of Holy
Scripture concerning Himself.
 HE IS THE ETERNAL SON AND WORD OF GOD OUR
HEAVENLY FATHER, Who voluntarily became
Incarnate.
 As God Incarnate or God-Man, Christ our Lord is
also “… the Son of Man…” Who IS KNOWN,
IDENTIFIED, CONFIRMED AND TESTIFIED TO BY GOD
our Heavenly Father and God the Holy Spirit.
 BEING OUR CREATOR, HE KNOWS ALL MANKIND
personally – infinitely better than we know
ourselves
 WHEN WE BECOME ENLIGHTENED WITH DIVINE TRUTH, WE
BEGIN TO KNOW AND UNDERSTAND THE DIVINE WILL
AND LOVE OF OUR LORD GOD – each of us
according to our personal limitations and
capacity.
✳ “…And other Sheep I have, which are not of this Fold - them
also I must bring. And they will hear My Voice. And there
will be One Flock - One Shepherd.”
 Our Lord Jesus was referring to THE GENTILES –
the pagan non-Judaic Nations - WHO WOULD
RECEIVE THE NEW COVENANT AND LIVE IN CHRIST –
& AE GINA 9 NO VEM BE R
 even though they did not initially live
according to the Old Covenant.
 His Words also referred to ALL WHO ACCEPT OUR
LORD JESUS CHRIST AND HIS DIVINE TRUTH BEFORE
THE END OF TIME – before Eternity.
 ON ’…the Eighth Day…’ – the Day of Final
Judgement for all Creation - WHEN OUR LORD
JESUS CHRIST REAPPEARS IN ALL HIS MAGNIFICENT,
DIVINE GLORY “...there will be One Flock - One
Shepherd...”
 ALL MANKIND WILL EITHER RECEIVE ETERNAL LIFE in His
Heavenly Kingdom OR BE CONDEMNED FOREVER
TO ‘OUTER DARKNESS’ – the total absence of God
and all His Goodness – a permanent, most
dreadful state of Spiritual Death!
 “… this Fold…” with its “… One Flock...” and
“…One Shepherd…” IS AND ALWAYS WILL BE
THE ONLY “…One, Holy, Universal and
S T N EKTAR IOS OF P E NTAP OL IS & AE GINA
St Nektarios was born on 1 October 1846, in
Selymbria in Thrace to a poor family. He was
named Anastasios Kephalas. At the tender age
of 14 he went to Constantinople to seek work
and education.
In 1866 he went to the island of Chios as a Teacher
until he was thirty, and became a Faithful
Monk. Three years later, he was Ordained as a
Deacon, receiving the name ‘Nektarios.’
In 1885, St Nektarios graduated from the University
of Athens where, during his years as a student,
he had written many books, pamphlets,
and Commentaries on Holy Scripture.
After his graduation St Nektarios went to
Alexandria, Egypt, where he received
Ordination into the Holy Priesthood.
He served the Church of Saint Nicholas in Cairo
with great distinction, until in recognition of his
genuine piety and brilliance as a Preacher, as
well as his administrative abilities, St Nektarios
was consecrated Metropolitan of Pentapolis, an
ancient Diocese in Cyrenaica, [Libya] by the
Greek Orthodox Patriarch, Sophronios, in 1889.
St Nektarios served as a most Faithful, Dedicated
and Honourable Metropolitan in Cairo for only
one year, but was then unjustly removed from
his post and anathematised due to the
malicious lies, plots and rumours of certain
Clerics who cravenly envied his well-deserved
popularity.
Sadly, his former mentor, Patriarch Sophronios, was
deceived by these evil accusers, and he refused
to speak to St Nektarios, who was exiled from
Egypt - without any trial nor discussion, and
never given an opportunity to defend himself.
After his appallingly unjust dismissal, St Nektarios
returned to Greece in 1891 and spent several
years as a destitute Preacher.
In 1894, due to the unceasing efforts of his Faithful
Flock, St Nektarios was appointed Director of the
Rizarios Ecclesiastical School for the education
of Priests in Athens, where his exemplary Service
to God was clearly evident for the next fifteen
years.
He developed many courses of study and wrote
numerous books, even while preaching widely
throughout Athens.
In 1904 at the request of several Faithful Nuns, St
Nektarios restored and established a or other serious illnesses.
Monastery for them on the island of Aegina,
which was named in honour of the Holy Trinity.
In December 1908, at the age of 62, St Nektarios
resigned from his post as Director of the Rizarios
S T N EKTAR IOS
Apostolic Church…” of Christ our Lord and
Divine Saviour.
 We all need to LIVE IN CHRIST EXACTLY ACCORDING
TO EVERYTHING HE HAS TAUGHT AND COMMANDED US –
nothing more, nothing less!
Divine Truth is ABSOLUTE, PERFECT AND
UNCOMPROMISING.
NOT ONE IOTA NOR TITTLE CAN BE CHANGED for then it
becomes our own imperfect, limited, flawed,
concept of ‘truth’ but NOT GOD’S DIVINE TRUTH!
Tragically for all concerned, many people are being lured into
apostasy by the innumerable self-appointed, egocentric
heretical sects that pick and choose from Holy Scripture,
all of which claim to be THE Church that alone will Save
humanity.
The evil one also knows Holy Scripture and uses tiny droplets
of Truth with which to bait his deadly hooks of deception
and Spiritual Death!
, H OLY W ONDE RWORKER & GR EAT S P IR ITU AL F ATHE R
Ecclesiastical School and withdrew to Peace
and Harmony of the Holy Trinity Monastery on
Aegina, where he remained as a devout Ascetic
Monastic until his Repose in the Lord.
He continued to write, publish and preach, while
fulfilling his Sacred Duties as the Spiritual Father
to His Holy Flock of Monastics and Pilgrims who
came from near and far to seek out his Spiritual
Guidance and Inspired Wisdom.
St Nektarios enjoyed tending the gardens, carrying
heavy rocks, doing all types of physical labour,
and even helping with the construction of the
Monastery buildings that were built with his
own meagre funds as the Metropolitan of the
island of Aegina.
On 8 November 1920, at the age of 74, St Nektarios
Reposed in Christ, after having been
hospitalized for prostate cancer.
St Nektarios is Commemorated on 9 November,
because the Feast of the Synaxis of the Holy
Archangels and the Heavenly Hosts is
celebrated on 8 November.
The first posthumous Miracle occurred when the
Nuns and nursing staff dropped a garment of St
Nektarios on the bed next to his, upon which a
paralytic lay, whereupon the man was
suddenly Healed.
Before the body of St Nektarios was removed from
the hospital, his ward and entire area was
overwhelmed by the Sweet Aroma of Holy
Sanctity, which everyone could smell.
The Nuns reverently accompanied the Reposed St
Nektarios back to the Holy Trinity Monastery
where he was interred by his best friend and
Spiritual Brother, St Savas the New of Kalymnos,
[who later wrote the first Holy Icon of St
Nektarios.]
Many people regarded St Nektarios as a Saint
because of his Prayerful Life, his natural
Humility and Obedience, his Love, Purity and
many other Holy Virtues, as well as all his
Inspired Writings, various Miracles he
performed and the Divine Gifts with which he
had been Graced.
On 20 April 1961 the Ecumenical Patriarch of
Constantinople canonised St Nektarios who has
continued to perform Miracles and Intercede
for us – particularly concerning cases of cancer
OF P E NTAP OL IS & AE GINA 9 NO VEM BE R 17.
 Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria & All Africa
Archdiocese of Good Hope
All Glory, Honour and Worship to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and forever,
and unto the Ages of ages. Amen. Remembering also our Most Holy, Most Pure, Most Blessed and
Glorious Lady, Maria, Theotokos, yet Ever Virgin, together with all the Saints. And let us commit
ourselves and one another and our whole Life to Christ our God. Amen.
13 NOVEMBER 2020
ST JOHN CHRYSOSTOM OF CONSTANTINOPLE

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

P R OKE IME NON - P SALM 48 – T ONE 1

My mouth shall speak of Wisdom: and the meditation of heart shall be of Understanding.
Hear this, all you people!
T H E E PISTLE OF S T P AUL TO TH E H EBRE WS 7 : 26 – 8 : 2
OUR PERFECT, ETERNAL HIGH PRIEST
Brethren: ... such a High Priest was fitting for us, Who is Holy, Harmless, Undefiled, separate from sinners,
and has become Higher than the Heavens – Who does not need daily – as those High Priests – to offer
up sacrifices, first for His own sins and then for those of the people. This He did once for all when He
offered up Himself.
The Law appoints as High Priests men who have weaknesses, but the Word of the Oath, which came after
the Law, appoints the Son Who has been Perfected forever. This is the main point of the things we are
saying.
We have such a High Priest, Who is seated at the right Hand of the Throne of the Majesty in the Heavens –
a Minister of the Sanctuary and of the True Tabernacle, which the Lord erected, and not mankind.
✳ This Epistle to the Hebrew Christian Communities need for regular Blood Offerings like the
concerns our persevering Faith in the Incarnate Judean High Priests and the people.
Son of God our Heavenly Father, because our  “...This He did once for all when He offered up
Lord Jesus Christ is indeed Divine (our God and Himself....” when He was unjustly arrested,
Creator) Who is obviously far Superior to His brutally scourged and crucified SCOURGING
Holy Prophets, Heavenly Angels, and the two AND CRUCIFIXION which He VOLUNTARILY
ancient Patriarchs, St Moses and St Aaron. ACCEPTED FOR THE SALVATION OF ALL MANKIND.
The New Covenant of Love offers us a better and His arrest, trials, scourgings and Crucifixion
Eternal Priesthood, Holy Sanctuary and broke every law known to mankind.
[bloodless] Sacrifice, for by Worshipping as
 HE WAS BOTH THE OFFERER AND THE OFFERING.
Christ taught us we are Spiritually Perfected
 Our Lord Jesus – the Divine Lamb of God – was
and able to enter His Heavenly Kingdom of
THE ULTIMATE, MOST PERFECT BLOOD SACRIFICE for
Love.
the sins of all mankind that lasts forever!
St Paul addressed this Epistle to the Hellenistic
 HIS CRUCIFIXION COMPLETED AND FULFILLED THE OLD
[Greek speaking] Judean Christians who were
COVENANT.
being drawn back to Old Covenant Judaism,
 THE OLD COVENANT that required regular Blood
partly due to their misunderstanding and
Sacrifices and various Rituals concerning the
misguided view of our Lord Jesus Christ.
physical welfare of His People, HAS BEEN
✳ This passage is read on the Feast Days of our REPLACED BY GOD’S NEW COVENANT OF LOVE AND
Holy Hierarchs. GREAT MERCY.
 ONLY THE DIVINE COMMANDMENTS OF LOVE STILL APPLY
✳ “...such a High Priest was fitting for us, Who is Holy, and need to be fully understood and fulfilled
Harmless, Undefiled, separate from sinners, and has for the sake of our Relationships, Spiritual
become Higher than the Heavens – Who does not need daily Progress and Welfare.
– as those High Priests – to offer up sacrifices, first for His ✳ “...The Law appoints as High Priests men who have
own sins and then for those of the people. This He did once weaknesses, but the Word of the Oath, which came after the
for all when He offered up Himself. Law, appoints the Son Who has been Perfected forever.
 St Paul described OUR DIVINE SAVIOUR/MESSIAH – OUR This is the main point of the things we are saying...”
LORD JESUS CHRIST - Who is indeed the Most  “… men who have weaknesses…” refers to OUR
Perfect, Divine “…a High Priest …fitting for FLAWED HUMAN NATURE that is selfish, egocentric
us…” because and stubbornly wilful - SINS THAT SEPARATE US
 He is THE INCARNATE, ETERNAL, ONLY BEGOTTEN SON FROM GOD AND CAUSE US to fall into a state of
AND WORD OF GOD – the Second Person of the SPIRITUAL DEATH.
One Divine Godhead – “…Who is Holy, The High Priests and the people - being HABITUAL
Harmless, Undefiled, separate from sinners, SINNERS - HAD TO CONSTANTLY SEEK DIVINE
and …Higher than the Heavens…” FORGIVENESS.
 Although He has two Natures – Divine and
human – He is naturally and genuinely
 THE DIVINE PROMISE OF GOD TO HIS PEOPLE CONCERNING
THE GREAT MESSIAH Who Delivers us from the
sinless and ”... does not need daily ...
wicked machinations of the evil one is “...the
sacrifices... for His own sins…”
Word of the Oath, which came after the
 BEING SINLESS AND SPIRITUALLY PERFECT, OUR ONLY,
Law…”
NEW COVENANT DIVINE HIGH PRIEST HAS FULFILLED
EVERY ASPECT OF THE OLD COVENANT, so He has no

18. ST JOHN CHRYSOSTOM OF CONSTANTINOPLE 13 NOVEMBER

 GOD OUR HEAVENLY FATHER SENT HIS ETERNAL WORD
AND SON – OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST “…Who has
been Perfected forever...”
 Although having taken on our human nature,
our Divine Saviour is absolutely sinless,
because HE IS ETERNALLY, SPIRITUALLY PERFECT
AND LOVING.
 HE CANNOT SIN, BECAUSE IT TOTALLY OPPOSES HIS
PERFECT, DIVINE NATURE.
Sin and Death are inventions of the evil one – utterly
concerning whatever God Wills to reveal to
us.
 The Holy Priesthood is so intertwined with a
Covenant that IF THE PRIESTHOOD IS CHANGED IN
ANY WAY AT ALL, SO IS THE HOLY COVENANT.
ABSOLUTE PERFECTION CANNOT BE ALTERED by any
means for then it would no longer be
Perfect!!
Thus “ ...not one iota or tittle...” OF DIVINE TRUTH
CAN BE ALTERED OR MISINTERPRETED FOR THEN IT IS NO

contrary to God’s Goodness and Love, and His PERFECT, ABSOLUTE DIVINE TRUTH OF
LONGER THE

Perfect Creation ALMIGHTY GOD but a mere shadow or poor

imitation that is misguiding and Spiritually
✳ “...We have such a High Priest, Who is seated at the right Dangerous.
Hand of the Throne of the Majesty in the Heavens – a
 THE MYSTERIOUS HOLY PRIESTHOOD OF MELCHIZEDEK IS
Minister of the Sanctuary and of the True Tabernacle, which
FULFILLED IN CHRIST JESUS.
the Lord erected, and not mankind...”
Like Melchizedek, OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST IS
 OUR ONE AND ONLY “… High Priest…” Who is the WITHOUT EARTHLY GENEALOGY, by virtue of His
Eternal Head and Lord of His Holy Universal Divine and Virginal Conception and Birth.
and Orthodox Church of the New Covenant  HIS HOLY PRIESTHOOD IS ABLE TO TRANSFORM HUMANITY
of Love is THE INCARNATE, ETERNAL, ONLY because
BEGOTTEN SON AND WORD of our Heavenly 1. He is GOD INCARNATE, IMMORTAL AND SINLESS.
Father. THE POWER THAT IS BESTOWED UPON CANDIDATES AT THEIR
 OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST - THE DIVINE FOUNDER OF GOD’S ORDINATION IS IMMENSELY STRONG AND
NEW COVENANT PRIESTHOOD - IS SUPERIOR TO ST EFFECTIVE.
MOSES, the ancient Patriarch and Founder of 2. THE POWER OF CHRIST’S HOLY PRIESTHOOD IS PERFECT
the Old Covenant Priesthood. a. IT DRAWS US CLOSER TO ALMIGHTY GOD
Therefore THE RULES OF THE NEW COVENANT’S PRIESTLY b. IT GUIDES US TOWARDS OUR SPIRITUAL PERFECTION
ORDER ARE ALSO SUPERIOR AND PERFECT, COMPARED c. IT RESTORES OUR LIKENESS TO CHRIST.
TO THOSE OF THE OLD COVENANT. 3. HE IS OUR ONE AND ONLY TRUE HIGH PRIEST WHOM
 Being Eternally “...seated at the right Hand of GOD OUR HEAVENLY FATHER HAS ORDAINED
the Throne of the Majesty in the Heavens...” 4. HE IS OUR ETERNAL, IMMORTAL HIGH PRIEST, Who
proclaims THE ETERNAL DIVINITY OF OUR LORD fulfils the Eternal Holy Priesthood of
JESUS CHRIST. Melchizedek both now and forever.
 In both His Divine and human Nature, Christ our a. PERFECT HOLINESS epitomises our Lord Jesus
Lord is “...seated at the right Hand...” of God Christ for He is truly the Only Sinless
our Heavenly Father, which indicates One
1. His Position of Great Honour. b. our Lord Jesus Christ is GOD-MAN - so
2. He is Eternally Enthroned together with our much more than a mere human being
Heavenly Father because He is the Eternal, Only
3. He is our Eternal, Divine King, Prophet and Begotten Son and Word of God Who
Teacher. voluntarily became Man by assuming
 THE THREE PERSONS OF OUR TRIUNE GOD SHARE THE SAME our human Nature, which He has
ETERNAL, DIVINE ATTRIBUTES THAT ARE UNKNOWN AND Glorified and Elevated by His own
MYSTERIOUS - far beyond all human Divine Perfection and Truth.
comprehension and perception - except .
T H E H OLY G OSPEL ACCO RD ING TO S T J OH N 10: 9 – 16
At that time, our Lord said: “I Am the Door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be Saved, and will go in and
will go out, and will find Pasture. The Thief does not come, except to steal, and to kill, and to
destroy.
“I have come that they may have Life - and more abundantly. I Am the Good Shepherd. The Good
Shepherd gives His Life for the Sheep. The Hireling - who is not the Shepherd, who does not own the
Sheep - sees the Wolf coming, and leaves the Sheep, and flees. And the Wolf catches, and scatters
the Sheep. The Hireling flees, for he is a hireling, and does not care about the Sheep. I Am the
Good Shepherd, and I know Mine, and Am known by Mine. As the Father knows Me, even so I know
the Father. And My Life I lay down for the Sheep. And other Sheep I have, which are not of this Fold
- them also I must bring. And they will hear My Voice. And there will be one Flock - one Shepherd.”
✳ “...I Am the Door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be Saved,  OUR SALVIFIC STRUGGLE AND JOURNEY BEGINS WHEN WE
and will go in and will go out, and will find Pasture...” ARE BAPTISED AND CHRISMATED INTO CHRIST.

 OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST IS INDEED “… the Door…” for Our Lord Jesus speaks His Divine Truth very clearly
HIS DIVINE TRUTH AND LIFE IS THE ONLY MEANS OF
ENTRY INTO GOD’S DIVINE KINGDOM OF LOVE.
 THESE SHOW US THE PATH TO SALVATION AND ETERNAL
LIFE.
 Having accepted our Lord Jesus as our Divine
Saviour, we have to CEASELESSLY STRUGGLE TO
BECOME LIKE HIM IN OUR THOUGHTS, WORDS AND
DEEDS.
 Our Eternal Salvation begins now and is AN
ONGOING SPIRITUAL STRUGGLE AGAINST TEMPTATION
AND OUR GRIEVOUS PASSIONS until we draw our
last breath.
and concisely.
 He tells us quite plainly that “...If anyone enters
by Me, he will be Saved...”
 HE DOES NOT SAY ‘when’ BUT “…if..,” which shows us
that THE CHOICES WE MAKE ARE ENTIRELY ACCORDING
TO OUR OWN FREE WILL, for our God of Love
never forces His Divine Will upon His
creatures.
 We must FREELY DESIRE AND SEEK HIS PRESENCE
through Prayer and correct, reverent, honest
and sincere Worship.

ST JOHN CHRYSOSTOM OF CONSTANTINOPLE 13 NOVEMBER 19

 We “...will be Saved...” by humbly and
obediently APPLYING CHRIST’S TEACHINGS AND
COMMANDMENTS to every aspect of our
existence.
WE ARE INCLINED TO COMPLICATE EVERYTHING, thereby
causing confusion and misguidance.
 We PROCEED FREELY through this life - “…will go in
and will go out…” – because we are
CONFIDENT AND ASSURED THAT OUR LOVING,
BENEVOLENT AND MERCIFUL LORD GOD IS INDEED IN
CONTROL.
 BY FREELY SURRENDERING OUR WILL TO GOD’S DIVINE
WILL, WE ARE COMPLETELY LIBERATED from all
negative and destructive forces and
influence.
 CHRIST OUR GOOD SHEPHERD LEADS US - HIS HOLY FLOCK
- TO THE BEAUTIFUL SUSTAINING SPIRITUAL ”…
Pastures…” THAT NOURISH AND SUSTAIN US while
we mature and draw closer to God, as we
gradually regain our Divine Likeness.
 Our Lord Jesus Christ Spiritually Sustains us WITH
HIS DIVINE TRUTH AND LOVE.
✳“... The Thief does not come, except to steal, and to kill, and
to destroy. I have come that they may have Life - and more
abundantly....”
 The evil one ceaselessly comes “... to steal... to
kill... to destroy...” because he has lost all the
Love and Goodness of God’s Creation.
He is THE MOST MALICIOUS ENEMY of mankind WHO
INVENTED ALL EVIL AND DEATH – everything that is
foul, rotten, wretched and negative.
 MANKIND IS LURED INTO SPIRITUAL DEATH by his lies,
deceptions and hideous heresies that
ensnare and enslave us.
He steals our free will, and destroys us with his
wicked temptations and sins that ALIENATE AND
SEPARATE US FROM OUR LOVING, BENEVOLENT AND LIFE-
GIVING LORD GOD, and he destroys and corrupts
everything that is Good and Beautifully created
by Almighty God
 Our Lord GOD CREATED MANKIND TO LIVE BY HIS
DIVINE GRACE so “... that they may have
Life...”
OUR VOLUNTARY AND INVOLUNTARY SINS DAMAGE OUR SACRED
BOND WITH OUR LORD, leaving us susceptible to the
destructive forces of evil.
However, OUR LORD JESUS HAS PROVIDED US WITH THE MOST
POWERFUL ANTIDOTE AND HEALING – THE HOLY MYSTERY
OF REPENTANCE AND CONFESSION – WHICH RESTORES AND
GRANTS US
5. HIS DIVINE LOVE
6. HIS DIVINE TRUTH
7. HIS DIVINE FORGIVENESS
8. ETERNAL LIFE
 Our Lord Jesus Christ grants us a Most Blessed
Life “… more abundantly…” even before
Eternity because BY LIVING IN CHRIST, WE ENJOY
THE DIVINE GRACE OF HIS HEAVENLY KINGDOM THAT
SPIRITUALLY FULFILS AND SUSTAINS US.
 Those who Live in Christ actually EXPERIENCE THE
FULL MEANING AND PURPOSE of this preparatory
period before Eternity.
✳ "...I Am the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd gives His
Life for the Sheep…”
 “I Am” is THE NAME WHEREBY GOD IDENTIFIES HIMSELF.
 OUR LORD ALWAYS IDENTIFIES HIMSELF CLEARLY so that
we properly understand Who He is.
 Our Lord Jesus Christ is our “…Good
Shepherd…” Who
6. WATCHES OVER US.
7. PROTECTS US AGAINST THE EVIL ONE
8. ENLIGHTENS AND EMPOWERS US
20. ST JOHN CHRYSOSTOM OF CONSTANTINOPLE
9. GUIDES US ALONG HIS PATH OF RIGHTEOUSNESS
10. SAVES, REDEEMS AND RESTORES US
 WE ARE HIS HOLY FLOCK OF REASON-ENDOWED OR
INTELLECTUAL”… Sheep…” who trust our Divine
Shepherd to provide for us and to take good
care of us.
✳ “...The Hireling - who is not the Shepherd, who does not own
the Sheep - sees the Wolf coming, and leaves the Sheep, and
flees. And the Wolf catches, and scatters the Sheep. The
Hireling flees, for he is a hireling, and does not care about
the Sheep…”
 “… the Hireling…” refers to TEMPORARY, MERCENARY
OVERSEERS WHO ARE SELF-SERVING AND NEGLIGENT
BECAUSE
11. they USE PEOPLE AND THE CHURCH for their own
selfish, greedy motives.
12. they are UNCOMMITTED AND UNFAITHFUL PRIESTS
who are merely ‘doing a job’ rather than
being dedicated to the Faithful Service of
God and the Salvation of His Holy Flock.
13. they LACK ANY DEGREE OF AGAPE, which causes
much unhappiness and discord.
14. they ABANDON THEIR SACRED DUTIES whenever it
suits them and depart when threatened
by exposure, complaint or correction.
15. they are OFFENSIVE, HERETICAL, CONTROVERSIAL
AND BLASPHEMOUS SELF-APPOINTED ‘PROPHETS’ OR
‘PRIESTS’
16. They only care about FINANCIALLY PROFITING AS
MUCH AS THEY CAN from those who are
seeking Divine Truth and Spiritual and
physical Healing.
17. They SERVE THE EVIL ONE’S MALICIOUS, WICKED
DESIRES.
18. They are DRIVEN AND CONTROLLED BY THEIR OWN
GRIEVOUS PASSIONS that destroy everything
good.
19. They USE THE LOVE AND POWER OF OUR TRIUNE GOD
TO ATTRACT PEOPLE AND CLAIM TO PERFORM ALL
KINDS OF ‘MIRACLES’ as though these were
merely ‘party tricks’ to be performed at
their own will
20. they ETERNALLY CONDEMN THEMSELVES AND THOSE
WHOM THEY LEAD INTO PERDITION
 ANYONE OR ANYTHING THAT HARMS OR DESTROYS THE
HOLY FLOCK of Christ our Lord and His New
Covenant of Love is “… the Wolf [who]
catches, and scatters the Sheep...”
6. THE EVIL ONE, his demons and all his wicked
people
7. HERETICS
8. ENEMIES OR OPPONENTS of our Lord Jesus Christ,
His One, True, Universal, Holy Church and
His New Covenant of Love.
9. APOSTASY – the denial, rejection or neglect of
God’s Teachings and Commandments
whereby we ought to live as His Faithful
Disciples.
10. ANYTHING THAT WORKS AGAINST GOD’S DIVINE
TRUTH AND LOVE THAT CAUSES
a. DISHARMONY AND DISUNITY
b. CONTROVERSY
c. SPLITS HIS HOLY CHURCH
d. SCHISMS, FACTIONS AND EVEN TERRIBLE WARFARE.
 “…The Wolf…” scatters the Sheep with LIES AND
DECEITS that cause people to become
ENSNARED IN CONTROVERSIAL, HERETICAL AND
BLASPHEMOUS PRACTISES AND IDEAS, which cause
SPIRITUAL DEATH AND ETERNAL CONDEMNATION.
 The Wolf had “...devoured and scattered...”
GOD’S CHOSEN PEOPLE – THE NATION OF ISRAEL –
13 NOVEMBER
 when they INTERMARRIED WITH PAGANS AND
REFORMED THEIR ANCIENT JUDAIC FAITH.
These were “...the Lost Sheep of Israel...” whom
Christ came to find and return to the Spiritual
Safety of His Holy Sheepfold.
✳ “…I Am the Good Shepherd, and I know Mine, and Am known
by Mine. As the Father knows Me, even so I know the
Father. And My Life I lay down for the Sheep…”
 OUR “…Good Shepherd…” LOVES EVERY ONE OF HIS
HOLY FLOCK to the extent of OFFERING HIS OWN
LIFE FOR THE SAKE OF OUR SALVATION.
 He has FULFILLED ALL THE INSPIRED PROPHECIES of Holy
Scripture concerning Himself.
 HE IS THE ETERNAL SON AND WORD OF GOD OUR
HEAVENLY FATHER, Who voluntarily became
Incarnate.
 As God Incarnate or God-Man, Christ our Lord is
also “… the Son of Man…” Who IS KNOWN,
IDENTIFIED, CONFIRMED AND TESTIFIED TO BY GOD
our Heavenly Father and God the Holy Spirit.
 BEING OUR CREATOR, HE KNOWS ALL MANKIND
personally – infinitely better than we know
ourselves
 WHEN WE BECOME ENLIGHTENED WITH DIVINE TRUTH, WE
BEGIN TO KNOW AND UNDERSTAND THE DIVINE WILL
AND LOVE OF OUR LORD GOD – each of us
according to our personal limitations and
capacity.
✳ “…And other Sheep I have, which are not of this Fold - them
also I must bring. And they will hear My Voice. And there
will be One Flock - One Shepherd.”
 Our Lord Jesus was referring to THE GENTILES –
the pagan non-Judaic Nations - WHO WOULD
RECEIVE THE NEW COVENANT AND LIVE IN CHRIST –
even though they did not initially live
according to the Old Covenant.
T H E E TE R NAL , D IV INELY I NSP IRED
S T J OH N
 Happiness can only be achieved by looking
inward and learning to enjoy whatever life
offer us, which requires transforming greed
into Gratitude.
 We follow the ways of wolves, the habits of tigers
or, rather, we are far worse than them for to
such creatures nature has assigned that they
should be thus fed, while our Lord God has
honoured us with rational speech and a
sense of equity. Yet we have become far
more brutal, cruel and merciless than even
the wildest of beasts!
 Helping others in need is good in itself. But the
degree of Goodness is hugely affected by the
attitude with which it is done.
If we feel any degree of resentment or reluctance
to fulfil our Sacred Duty, we cause those who
may accept our help to feel embarrassed,
ashamed, degraded and humiliated.
We should always help others with a spirit of Love,
Joy and Gratitude to God so that those who
receive our assistance, will accept it in the same
spirit,
Love, Joy and Gratitude express our own thoughts,
words and deeds whereby we can really help
our fellow mankind - for such Acts of Generosity
and Love are the very Source of Blessings to
both the giver and to receiver.
 Let our mouth also Fast from disgraceful
speeches and railings, for what does it profit
us if we abstain from fish and fowl, yet bite
and devour our Brothers and Sisters? The
evil speaker eats the flesh of his Brethren
and bites the body of his Neighbour!
ST JOHN CHRYSOSTOM OF CONSTANTINOPLE
 His Words also referred to ALL WHO ACCEPT OUR
LORD JESUS CHRIST AND HIS DIVINE TRUTH BEFORE
THE END OF TIME – before Eternity.
 ON ’…the Eighth Day…’ – the Day of Final
Judgement for all Creation - WHEN OUR LORD
JESUS CHRIST REAPPEARS IN ALL HIS MAGNIFICENT,
DIVINE GLORY “...there will be One Flock - One
Shepherd...”
 ALL MANKIND WILL EITHER RECEIVE ETERNAL LIFE in His
Heavenly Kingdom OR BE CONDEMNED FOREVER
TO ‘OUTER DARKNESS’ – the total absence of God
and all His Goodness – a permanent, most
dreadful state of Spiritual Death!
 “… this Fold…” with its “… One Flock...” and
“…One Shepherd…” IS AND ALWAYS WILL BE
THE ONLY “…One, Holy, Universal and
Apostolic Church…” of Christ our Lord and
Divine Saviour.
 We all need to LIVE IN CHRIST EXACTLY ACCORDING
TO EVERYTHING HE HAS TAUGHT AND COMMANDED US –
nothing more, nothing less!
Divine Truth is ABSOLUTE, PERFECT AND
UNCOMPROMISING.
NOT ONE IOTA NOR TITTLE CAN BE CHANGED for then it
becomes our own imperfect, limited, flawed,
concept of ‘truth’ but NOT GOD’S DIVINE TRUTH!
Tragically for all concerned, many people are being lured into
apostasy by the innumerable self-appointed, egocentric
heretical sects that pick and choose from Holy Scripture,
all of which claim to be THE Church that alone will Save
humanity.
The evil one also knows Holy Scripture and uses tiny droplets
of Truth with which to bait his deadly hooks of deception
and Spiritual Death!
W ISD OM OF OUR H OLY F ATH ER S
C HRY SOSTOM
 As a moth gnaws a garment, so does envy
consume others.
 No Virtuous Act can be great if it is not followed
by advantage for others. Therefore, no
matter how much we Fast, no matter how
much we sleep upon a hard floor, or eat
ashes, or continually sigh, if we do no Good
for others, we do nothing great, worthy, nor
Spiritually Profitable at all!
 Wherever we may find ourselves, we can
always set up a Holy Altar to our Lord God in
our mind by means of Prayer.
 The potency of Prayer has subdued fire, has
bridled ravenous lions, has stilled and
calmed anarchy, has put an end to wars,
has appeased the elements, has expelled
demons, burst the chains of death,
expanded the Gates of Heaven, assuaged
diseases, repelled frauds, Delivered cities
from destruction, stayed the sun’s course and
arrested the progress of the thunderbolt.
 Since we have [Guardian] Angels
accompanying us, let us be sober, for we are
in the presence of our Tutors, and there is
always a demon lurking!
 When we are weary of praying and not
receiving an immediate response, let us
consider how often we have heard the poor
and needing calling out to us, yet have
ignored them!
13 NOVEMBER 21
 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 15 NOVEMBER 2020
NATIVITY FAST BEGINS TODAY

23RD SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

8TH SUNDAY OF ST LUKE – THE GOOD SAMARITAN

The Feast of St Gurias, St Samonas & St Abibos, Holy Confessors & Martyrs of Edessa – St Elpidios, St
Markellos & St Eustochios, Holy Martyrs – St Demetrios of Thrace – St Paisios Velichkovsky – St Philip
of Rabanga

R ESUR REC TION G OSP EL 1 - M ATTHE W 28 : 16:20

P R OKE IME NON –T ONE (6) P L AGAL 2

O Lord, stir up Thy Might, and come and Save us.

Hear, O Thou Shepherd of Israel.
T HE EP ISTLE OF S T P AUL TO TH E E PHE SIANS 2 : 4 – 10
Brethren: …God, Who is rich in Mercy, out of the Great Love with which He Loves us, even when we were
dead through our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ - by Grace we have been Saved - and
Raised us up with Him, and made us sit with Him in the Heavenly Places in Christ Jesus, that in the
Coming Ages He might show the Immeasurable Riches of His Grace in Kindness toward us in Christ
Jesus.
For by Grace you have been Saved through Faith; and this is not your own doing - the Gift of God - not
because of Works, lest any man should boast.
For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for Good Works, which God prepared beforehand,
that we should walk in them.
✳ St Paul wrote his Epistle to the Ephesians during of Spiritual Death – adrift and alienated from
his imprisonment in Rome, circa 61 – 63. God.
By the Grace of God he explained that the Divine  HIS DIVINE LOVE GRANTS US EVERY OPPORTUNITY FOR
Mystery of our Salvation in the Church of Christ ETERNAL SALVATION because not only does our
is not only for all mankind, but for all Creation, Lord Love us, but He is also infinitely
which affects not only this Messianic Era but Merciful.
also - and especially - the Age to come – i.e. our  After the Fall, OUR COMPASSIONATE GOD made us
Eternal Life or Death. alive together with Christ…” by means of His
The Holy Church of Christ is the Body of Christ and Holy Mysteries.
we are Her members, which is the reason why  HE DID NOT LEAVE US TO REMAIN IN A STATE OF SIN AND
Christ and His Holy Church – i.e. Life in Christ – SPIRITUAL DEATH caused by Ancestral sin, but
ought to be the centre and Life of all of us. offered us Eternal Salvation, which concerns
Although St Paul had spent two and half years in our own voluntary efforts and a progressive
Ephesos after having founded the Christian Spiritual State.
Community there, most of his Epistles were 1. THE HOLY MYSTERY OF BAPTISM Regenerates and
intended to be read to various other churches – Perfects us according to our Life in Christ.
Christian Communities – that he had 2. THE HOLY MYSTERY OF REPENTANCE-CONFESSION
established throughout western Asia Minor Restores us, for we are Reborn and Saved
during his Third Missionary Journey. each time we sincerely Repent our
innumerable and habitual sins.
✳ “...God, Who is rich in Mercy, out of the Great Love with
3. THE HOLY MYSTERY OF EUCHARIST/COMMUNION
which He Loves us, even when we were dead through our
grants us Spiritual Cleansing and Rebirth
trespasses, made us alive together with Christ - by Grace we
and, ultimately, Eternal Life.
have been Saved - and Raised us up with Him,
 When we Strive to Live in Christ, we BECOME FAR
 Our Lord God is “… Rich in Mercy…” due to His MORE AWARE OF OUR ERRORS AND SINS.
INFINITE, UNCONDITIONAL, PERFECT DIVINE LOVE  REPENTANCE-CONFESSION BRINGS US from Spiritual
that is far superior to any human emotion or Death to SPIRITUAL LIFE IN CHRIST.
concept.  Mankind and the Heavenly Angels were
 “…out of the Great Love with which He Loves created as intellectual beings with free will,
us…” HE CREATED THE UNIVERSE AND EVERYTHING so, BEING SPIRITUALLY INEXPERIENCED, WE CONTINUE
VISIBLE AND INVISIBLE within it from nothingness TO FALL PREY TO SIN caused by the temptations
– non-existence - into existence. and grievous passions.
 THE INEXHAUSTIBLE GOODNESS OF OUR LORD GOD IS  BY STRIVING TO LIVE IN CHRIST WE WILL BE RESURRECTED
FOUNDED UPON HIS DIVINE LOVE “… even when we INTO ETERNAL LIFE, as our Lord Jesus showed
were dead through our trespasses…” us by His own Resurrection.
 OUR LORD GOD IS FOREVER MERCIFUL, PATIENT AND  ETERNAL LIFE OR ETERNAL DEATH DEPENDS ENTIRELY ON
LOVING, even when we sin and are in a state THE CHOICES WE MAKE during this short
preparatory period.

22. 23 R D
S U ND AY A FTER P E NTEC OST – 9 T H
LU KE – G OOD S AM AR ITAN - 15 N OVE MBER 2020
 We FULFIL THE DIVINE PURPOSE OF THIS LIFESPAN when
we slowly, but determinedly, STRENGTHEN,
IMPROVE AND PERFECT OUR IMMORTAL SOUL.
 Christ our Lord “… Raised us up with Him…”
because HIS OWN SINLESS HUMAN NATURE AND
LIFESTYLE IS GLORIFIED AND EXALTED BY GOD OUR
HEAVENLY FATHER.
 God Incarnate came to dwell amongst us, so
that HIS DIVINE TRUTH IS DIRECTLY REVEALED TO US
TO TEACH US how to apply it to every aspect of
our daily life.
 BY LIVING IN CHRIST – imitating His sinless and
Perfect Example – WE WILL BE RESURRECTED INTO
ETERNAL LIFE IN HIS HEAVENLY KINGDOM OF LOVE.
 “…by Grace we have been Saved …” BEGINNING
WITH THE HOLY MYSTERIES OF BAPTISM AND
CHRISMATION, and continuing by Living
according to Christ’s Divine Truth.
 OUR DIVINE SAVIOUR CAME SPECIFICALLY TO SAVE ALL
MANKIND from the consequences of Ancestral
Sin.
 DIVINE GRACE ENABLES US TO FULFIL OUR SACRED TASKS
whereby we receive Eternal Salvation
according to the Will of God our Heavenly
Father.
WITHOUT THE DIVINE GRACE of God the Holy, Life-giving
Spirit, AND THE DIVINE TRUTH received from our
Lord Jesus Christ WE CANNOT BE SAVED.
WITHOUT DIVINE ENLIGHTENMENT, WE WILL REMAIN
SPIRITUALLY BLIND - imprisoned in Spiritual
Darkness, which is a horrible, unnatural state of
Spiritual Death and stagnation.
✳ “…and made us sit with Him in the Heavenly Places in Christ
Jesus, that in the Coming Ages He might show the
Immeasurable Riches of His Grace in Kindness toward us in
Christ Jesus…”
 WHEN OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST ASCENDED TO HEAVEN IN
HIS HUMAN FORM – physically and visibly –
1. He ELEVATED, GLORIFIED AND EXALTED OUR HUMAN
NATURE –
2. especially because He is ETERNALLY ENTHRONED
TOGETHER WITH GOD OUR HEAVENLY FATHER,
3. thereby clearly revealing HIS ETERNALLY
DIVINE/GODLY SONSHIP.
 Since our human nature has been Redeemed,
Restored and Regenerated by Christ,
1. We are now His “NEW CREATION”
2. We are now His “NEW MANKIND.”
3. We have received a “NEW NATURE”
4. We are now EMPOWERED AND ENABLED TO BECOME
SPIRITUALLY PERFECT – to regain our Divine
Likeness as God created us to be.
5. We will all be RESURRECTED BODY AND SOUL FOR
ALL ETERNITY - as our Lord Jesus showed us
by His own Glorious Resurrection.
6. We will receive either ETERNAL LIFE OR ETERNAL
DEATH DEPENDING ON OUR SPIRITUAL STATE WHEN
WE REPOSED.
 Our Lord Jesus Christ’s DIVINE REVELATIONS OUGHT
TO COMPEL US TO GREATER SPIRITUAL STRIVING to
Repent our sins and ACQUIRE LOVE and all the
other Holy Virtues that perfect our immortal
soul.
 In His Eternal Kingdom, WE SHALL BE ABLE TO
EXPERIENCE THE INFINITE DIVINE BLESSINGS OF LOVE,
JOY AND PEACE that is far beyond description.
 GOD’S INFINITE DIVINE BLESSINGS OF GRACE AND MERCY
ARE BESTOWED UPON THE FAITHFUL DISCIPLES OF
CHRIST for only through our Lord Jesus Christ
are all these marvellous Divine Treasures of
Love possible.
23 R D
S UND AY AF TE R P ENTEC OST
✳ “...For by Grace you have been Saved through Faith; and
this is not your own doing - the Gift of God - not because of
Works, lest any man should boast.
 THE GREATEST GIFT OF GOD IS HIS DIVINE GRACE.
 WE ARE SAVED ONLY BY HIS DIVINE GRACE AND MERCY
AND if we have complete, steadfast FAITH IN
OUR TRIUNE LORD GOD.
 FAITH ARISES FROM WITHIN US – FROM OUR HEART AND
SOUL – no one can make us believe.
 OUR IMMORTAL SOUL RESPONDS TO DIVINE TRUTH, which
ought to compel us to greater Spiritual
Strivings that bring us closer to God and all
His Divine Goodness.
 GOD BREATHED OUR IMMORTAL SOUL INTO US, WHICH THUS
YEARNS TO RETURN TO HIM AND HIS HEAVENLY
KINGDOM OF LOVE.
 WITHOUT GOD, WE CAN NEITHER CONCEIVE NOR ACHIEVE
ANYTHING AT ALL THAT IS GOOD AND WORTHY.
 OUR ETERNAL SALVATION IS ONLY POSSIBLE WHEN WE LIVE
IN CHRIST by Repenting our sins and fulfilling
all our Sacred Tasks FAITHFULLY AND WITH LOVE.
 NONE OF US “DESERVE” ETERNAL LIFE NOR CAN WE
ACQUIRE IT BY OUR OWN EFFORTS.
EVERYTHING "... is the Gift of God...” for GOD GRANTS US
HIS ABUNDANT BLESSINGS OF LOVE FREELY AND MOST
GENEROUSLY in order for us to become Spiritually
Perfect - in His Divine Likeness.
 Our Lord Jesus Christ commands us to BE AS
GENEROUS AND LOVING TO EACH OTHER JUST LIKE OUR
HEAVENLY FATHER IS TO US.
 Having freely received such marvellous Gifts
from God, we must TAKE CARE OF OTHERS WITHOUT
EXPECTATION OF REWARD OR RECIPROCATION.
 “...not of Works...” means that GOOD DEEDS ALONE
WILL NOT GAIN US ETERNAL LIFE
 WE NEED TO HAVE FAITH IN GOD Who makes
everything possible for us to accomplish.
 HAVING FAITH IN GOD MEANS LIVING IN CHRIST BY
PRAYING, FASTING AND WORSHIPPING HIM IN HIS
HOLY CHURCH.
 BY DOING GOOD DEEDS BUT NOT FULFILLING THEM WITH
UNCONDITIONAL, SINCERE LOVE (Agape) WILL MAKE
ALL OUR EFFORTS SPIRITUALLY UNPROFITABLE and
merely EMPTY GESTURES.
 WE MUST BE WILLING TO BE GUIDED, CORRECTED AND
INSTRUCTED by our Spiritual Fathers and those
who are Called to teach us Divine Truth and
Worship.
 WE CAN ONLY PROCEED from this life to Eternal Life
BY THE UNITY OF DIVINE GRACE, FAITH AND WORKS.
 These are certainly not equal for DIVINE GRACE IS
UNCREATED AND INFINITE.
 Our FAITH IS LIMITED BUT CAN INCREASE according to
our Spiritual Strivings, while GOOD WORKS FLOW
FROM THAT AUTHENTIC FAITH.
 GOOD DEEDS/WORKS CANNOT EARN US ETERNAL LIFE.
These are DIVINE GIFTS of God and those who
RECEIVE THEM WITH LOVE, DO ALL GOOD THINGS WITH
LOVE.
 WE ARE not SAVED by Good Works but FOR GOOD
WORKS.
 ✳ “...For we are His Workmanship, created in Christ Jesus
for Good Works, which God prepared beforehand, that
we should walk in them…”
 EACH DAY OUR LORD OFFERS US VARIOUS OPPORTUNITIES
FOR CHARITABLE WORKS OR LABOURS OF LOVE. It is
our choice whether or not we accept and
fulfil them.
 WE CAN NEVER BOAST OF ‘OUR ACHIEVEMENTS’ since the
GLORY, HONOUR AND WORSHIP IS ALWAYS AND ONLY
ASCRIBED TO GOD Who Empowers us to fulfil His
Divine Will.
– 9 T H
L UKE – GO OD S AM ARITAN - 15 N OV EM BE R 2020 23.
  GOD CREATED US ORIGINALLY FROM THE CLAY OF THE  THE DIVINE PLANS AND PURPOSES OF GOD WERE
EARTH BUT WE FAILED OUR SACRED PURPOSE when ESTABLISHED ETERNITY – long before His
IN
we fell into the sin of disobedience and Creation of the Universe and everything
rebellion against the Will of our Heavenly within it.
Father.  HE DID NOT WANT US TO REMAIN IN A STATE OF SPIRITUAL
 GOD HAS REGENERATED AND RESTORED US IN CHRIST DEATH due to sin.
JESUS through the Holy Mysteries of Baptism  He has granted us A NEW COVENANT WHEREBY WE
and Chrismation. CAN BE REUNITED WITH HIM through the Divine
 HE HAS GRANTED US EVERYTHING NECESSARY TO BECOME Truth of Christ when we apply It to every
SPIRITUALLY PERFECT as He intended for us to aspect of our existence.
do.
T H E H OLY G OSPEL ACCO RD ING TO S T LU KE 10 : 25 – 37
At that time, a Lawyer stood up – to test our Lord Jesus – and said: “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit
Eternal Life?” He said to him: “What is written in the Law? What is Thy reading of it?” Answering he
said: “’Thou shalt Love the Lord Thy God with all thy heart, with all thy soul, with all thy strength,
and with all thy mind...’ and ‘... thy neighbour as thyself.” He said to him: “You have answered
correctly. Do this and you will Live.” Wanting to Justify himself, he said to Jesus: “And who is my
‘neighbour’?”
Replying, Jesus said: “A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, who
stripped him of his clothing, wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead.
“By chance, a certain Priest went down that road, and when he saw him, he passed by on the other
side. Likewise, a Levite – when he arrived at the place, went and looked, and passed by on the
other side.
“A Samaritan, as He journeyed, got to where he was, and when He saw him, He had Compassion. And
He went to him, and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. And He set him on His own
animal, took him to an Inn, and took care of him. The next day, before He departed, He took out
two denarii, gave them to the Innkeeper, and said to him: ‘Take care of him. And when I come
again, I will repay thee.’
“Which of these three dost thou think was neighbour to him who fell among the Thieves?” He said: “He
Who had Mercy on him.” Jesus said to him: “Go and do likewise!”
✶ “...a Lawyer stood up – to test our Lord Jesus – and said: These Divine Commandments are APPLICABLE TO ALL
‘Teacher, what shall I do to inherit Eternal Life?’ ...” MANKIND FOREVER – until Eternity – because they
 THE PHARISEES, LAWYERS AND SCRIBES WERE EGOTISTIC 1. GUIDE US along His Righteous Path
AND SELF-RIGHTEOUS because they regarded 2. TEACH US how to maintain a Good
themselves to be superior to those who were Relationship with God and each other.
either illiterate or less educated than them.  Our All Wise Lord Jesus also asked the Lawyer:
 “Lawyers” were those who METICULOUSLY STUDIED “...What is Thy reading of It?...” because HOW
THE OLD COVENANT LAWS in order to teach others WE INTERPRET, UNDERSTAND AND APPLY THE DIVINE
about the Divine Will of God our Heavenly LAWS TO OURSELVES, IS OFTEN MISGUIDED, SELF-
Father. SERVING AND ERRONEOUS.
Lawyers were extremely legalistic and self-righteous  We all need
Pharisees who failed to comprehend “… the Spirit of the 1. to acquire both THE VERBAL AND WRITTEN SACRED
Law…” which our Lord Jesus tried to teach them. TRADITION of God’s Holy Church – THE ENTIRE
The Old Covenant Law was meant to prepare God’s Chosen DIVINE TRUTH AND LIFE.
People for the Great Divine Messiah and His New Covenant 2. to be CORRECTLY INSTRUCTED AND GUIDED by those
of Love. As God is Love, His Laws are intended to be who are Spiritually Experienced and
based on and motivated by Love/Agape – Mercy, Enlightened.
Compassion, Kindness, etc. 3. TO L IVE ACCORDINGLY by applying these Divine

 THE LAWYER MIGHT HAVE HEARD ALL ABOUT OUR LORD
JESUS – ‘THE SON’ OF THE HUMBLE CARPENTER, JOSEPH
OF NAZARETH - and had gone to hear what He
was preaching about - no doubt expecting to
trip Him up or to prove Him wrong or ignorant,
or perhaps even blasphemous.
 A MOST VITAL QUESTION for all mankind – for every
one of us is truly: ‘...what shall I do to inherit
Eternal Life…?’
 This vital question encapsulates THE ENTIRE
REASON, MEANING AND PURPOSE OF THIS SHORT,
PREPARATORY LIFESPAN.
✳ “…He said to him: “What is written in the Law? What is Thy
reading of it?” Answering he said: “’Thou shalt Love the
Lord Thy God with all thy heart, with all thy soul, with all
thy strength, and with all thy mind...’ and ‘... thy neighbour
as thyself.” He said to him: “You have answered correctly.
Do this and you will Live…”
 Our Lord’s responding question “…What is
written in the Law? What is Thy reading of
it?..” directed the Lawyer to THE DIVINE
COMMANDMENTS, WHICH GOD GAVE TO ST MOSES ON
MOUNT SINAI.
Teachings and Commandments to our
thoughts, words and deeds.
 ONLY WHEN OUR FAITH IS PROPERLY FOUNDED ON THE
VERBAL TEACHINGS of our Lord Jesus Christ and
His Holy Apostles, can we begin to
comprehend His Divine Truth and our
WRITTEN TRADITION – Holy Scripture and the
Inspired Writings of our Holy Fathers.
 Without the WORSHIP AND LIFE OF OUR LORD’S HOLY
CHURCH, we cannot acquire HIS DIVINE TRUTH
nor the essential HOLY VIRTUES THAT LEAD US TO
SPIRITUAL PERFECTION.
 Christ’s Golden Commandment: “...Thou shalt
Love the Lord Thy God with all thy heart,
with all thy soul, with all thy strength, and
with all thy mind...’ is A DECLARATION OF OUR
FAITH.
 When we make THE SIGN OF THE CROSS and BOW
DOWN BEFORE GOD we physically and
Spiritually Proclaim: “I Worship Thee, O Lord,
with all my mind (forehead), with all my
heart (chest), with all my strength (right
shoulder) and with all my soul (left shoulder.)”

24. 23 R D
S U ND AY AF TER P E NTEC OST – 9 T H
LU KE – G OOD S AM AR ITAN - 15 N OVE MBER 2020
The extent of our Love of God is revealed by our worthy
thoughts, words and deeds.
We cannot profess to Love God yet disobey His
Commandments and Teachings to suit ourselves. Nor can
we profess to Love God yet hate, despise or
discriminate against each other.
Love of God is striving to fulfil the Will of our Heavenly
Father in all circumstances. The depth of our Love of
God is revealed by our personal Struggles against all
temptations and grievous passions.
Our lifelong Struggle needs constant Repentance-Confession
to correct our errors and Cleanse ourselves from our sins
so that we might remain in a state of Spiritual Life
rather than be imprisoned in Spiritual Death caused by
unrepented, voluntary and involuntary sins.
✳ The Divine Commandment to "... (Love)... your
neighbour as yourself...” is a direct quotation
from
 L E V I T I C U S 1 9 : 1 8 “... you shall not take vengeance,
nor bear any grudge... but Love your
neighbour as yourself...”
 This is THE FIRST AND ONLY TIME THE COMMANDMENT OF
LOVE APPEARS IN THE OLD TESTAMENT SCRIPTURES.
 It is A SUMMARY OF WHAT IS REQUIRED OF US ACCORDING
THE DIVINE LAW OF MOSES – MOSAIC LAW
 The legalistic Old Covenant Laws taught God’s
People to be DISCIPLINED AND OBEDIENT TO HIS
DIVINE WILL.
 The Old Covenant was for THE PHYSICAL AND
SPIRITUAL PREPARATION OF GOD’S PEOPLE – THE
NATION OF ISRAEL – for the Advent of the Great
Messiah and His Eternal Kingdom of Love –
the Divine Promised Land.
 THE ‘MOSAIC’ LAWS PROTECTED GOD’S PEOPLE AGAINST
ILLNESS, DANGER AND DISEASE, as well as KEEPING
THE NATION FAITHFUL TO OUR TRUE, LIVING GOD,
before they entered the Promised Land.
 OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST FULFILLED THE OLD COVENANT
AND BROUGHT GOD’S NEW COVENANT OF LOVE,
which prepares His Faithful People – the New
Israel – for our Promised Land – His Eternal
Kingdom of Love.
 Our Divine Saviour summarised the Divine
Commandments “…Love God... and your
Neighbour...” by teaching us to LOVE EACH
OTHER - not only as much as we Love
ourselves but AS INFINITELY AND AS
UNCONDITIONALLY AS GOD LOVES US!
 Our Divine Creator tells us very clearly and
concisely “...Do this and you will Live...”
 If we ACQUIRE THAT DIVINE, PERFECT LOVE/AGAPE we
will LIVE FOREVER – now and Eternally.
 ALL DIVINE TRUTH – Teachings and
Commandments – CONCERNS UNCONDITIONAL
LOVE for God and for each other!
 Not only must we KNOW AND UNDERSTAND GOD’S
COMMANDMENTS AND TEACHINGS, but we must
STRIVE TO FULFIL EVERY ONE OF THEM to the best of
our ability.
 BY FULFILLING GOD’S DIVINE TRUTH that concerns our
Relationships with our Lord and with each
other, we will ACQUIRE SPIRITUAL PERFECTION that
grants us ETERNAL LIFE.
 Our future – ETERNAL LIFE OR ETERNAL DEATH –
DEPENDS ENTIRELY UPON HOW WELL WE FULFIL THESE
DIVINE COMMANDMENTS OF LOVE!
Our Lord God has provided everything necessary for our
Spiritual Perfection. Our Path is straightforward and
uncomplicated. God makes everything possible for us to
accomplish and to make good Spiritual Progress.
23 R D
S UND AY AF TE R P ENTEC OST – 9
We must fulfil His Divine Will in all circumstances by
faithfully and steadfastly following our Lord with Love,
Humility and Obedience.
✳ "... Wanting to Justify himself, he said to Jesus: “And who is
my ‘neighbour’?”
 This is A VITAL ASPECT OF OUR DAILY EXISTENCE THAT
NEEDS TO BE CLEARLY UNDERSTOOD.
 Our ‘neighbour’ refers to EVERY OTHER HUMAN BEING
who, LIKE US, was CREATED IN THE DIVINE IMAGE
AND LIKENESS OF OUR DIVINE CREATOR.
Therefore, we must REGARD EVERYONE ELSE WITH THE
EXACT SAME LOVE AND RESPECT WE HOPE TO RECEIVE
from God and from each other.
✳ “…Replying, Jesus said: “A certain man went down from
Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among Thieves, who stripped
him of his clothing, wounded him, and departed, leaving him
half dead...”
 Although our Lord used the words “… a certain
man went from Jerusalem to Jericho…” He
referred to US WHO ARE JOURNEYING THROUGH THIS
PREPARATORY PERIOD.
 Going “... from Jerusalem to Jericho...” refers to
OUR ORIGINAL, PERFECT CREATION by our Loving
God, that HAS BECOME CORRUPTED AND DISTORTED
due to
1. THE FALL of our original Ancestors, Adam and
Eve – ‘Ancestral sin’
2. OUR WILFUL INCLINATION to sin - concupiscence
 “…Jerusalem…” is the “City of Peace,”
symbolising OUR HOLY COMMUNION WITH GOD AND
SPIRITUAL LIFE.
 “…Jericho…” was infamous for ALL KINDS OF
WICKED, DEPRAVED BEHAVIOUR AND LIFESTYLES THAT
ALIENATE US FROM GOD,
 This descent “…from Jerusalem to Jericho…”
symbolises OUR FALL FROM THE BLESSEDNESS AND
DIVINE GRACE OF SPIRITUAL LIFE INTO THE
VOLUNTARY (OR INVOLUNTARY) WICKEDNESS AND
ALIENATION OF SPIRITUAL DEATH.
 “...fell among Thieves...” refers to THE BITTER,
PAINFUL CONSEQUENCES OF OUR PHYSICAL AND
SPIRITUAL NEGLIGENCE.
 We have all fallen “… among the Thieves…” at
one time or another.
 The “…Thieves…” are THE EVIL ONE AND HIS DEMONS
who ROB US OF OUR NATURAL, GOOD QUALITIES by
luring us into sin, and thereby overwhelm
and ensnare us.
 We are “…stripped ...” OF OUR NATURAL GOODNESS
AND CLOSE RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD AND EACH OTHER.
 We are severely “… wounded ...” BY ALL SINS
committed by others as well as our own
wilful wickedness because EVERY THOUGHT,
WORD AND DEED HAS A FAR GREATER CONSEQUENCE
THAN WE REALISE!!
 We are “…half dead....” when we have been left
alone and abandoned because we are
ALIENATED, ESTRANGED AND SEPARATED by Spiritual
Death, yet we can still REPENT AND BE RESTORED
to Spiritual Life.
The consequences of sin ISOLATE US FROM GOD AND
EVERYTHING THAT IS BLESSED, JOYFUL AND GOOD.
 A SINFUL, SELF-INDULGENT EXISTENCE LEAVES US
SPIRITUALLY NAKED AND UNPROTECTED.
 Our selfish, indulgent, and wicked thoughts,
words and deeds cause us to become
EXPOSED AND VULNERABLE TO ALL THE TEMPTATIONS
AND GRIEVOUS PASSIONS.
 When WE ARE STRIPPED OF OUR “GARMENT OF
RIGHTEOUSNESS” - the honourable, worthy and
Righteous Love and respect for ourselves
T H
L UKE – GO OD S AM ARITAN - 15 N OV EM BE R 2020 25.
 and others - WE ARE IMMEDIATELY ENTRAPPED BY
AND SUSCEPTIBLE TO THE EVIL SNARES AND DECEPTIONS
OF OUR REAL ENEMIES.
 Having been ROBBED OF ANYTHING OF VALUE, we exist
in a terrible state of SPIRITUAL DEATH -
abandoned, beaten, hurt, and tormented
due to the shackles of DEMORALIZING SINS THAT
HAVE OVERWHELMED AND DEFEATED US.
✳ “…By chance, a certain Priest went down that road, and
when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. Likewise,
a Levite – when he arrived at the place, went and looked,
and passed by on the other side..”.
 NOTHING EVER HAPPENS “… by chance…” because
this short lifespan is filled with OPPORTUNITIES
FOR US TO FULFIL THE DIVINE WILL OF OUR LOVING
AND MERCIFUL HEAVENLY FATHER.
 EVERY ENCOUNTER AND ALL CIRCUMSTANCES TEST OUR
ABILITY TO LOVE – TO ACT VIRTUOUSLY towards
each other – as our Lord Jesus Christ always
demonstrated by His own Words and Deeds.
 “ ... a certain Priest... a Levite...” refers to THOSE
OF HIGHLY RESPECTABLE SOCIAL AND RELIGIOUS
STATUS.
 PRIESTS SERVED GOD AND HIS PEOPLE at the Great
Temple in Jerusalem, yet that particular
Priest “…when he saw him, passed by on
the other side of the road…!”
 Instead of being concerned for the welfare of
another human being, HE TOTALLY IGNORED THE
OBVIOUSLY DISTRESSED AND INJURED MAN AND WALKED
AWAY QUICKLY.
HIS SACRED DUTIES to God and His People BECAME
UTTERLY WORTHLESS because IN THAT INSTANT HE
CONDEMNED HIMSELF FOREVER!
 As Spiritual Fathers the PRIESTS’ TEACHINGS,
GUIDANCE AND GOOD EXAMPLES WERE EXPECTED TO BE
IMPLEMENTED BY THE FAITHFUL.
 LEVITES ASSISTED THE PRIESTS WITH THEIR SACRED TASKS
AND WERE EQUALLY RESPECTED for their zealous
Faith and Service to God.
 THE LEVITE “…when he arrived at the place,
went and looked…” but ALSO FAILED TO HELP A
SUFFERING FELLOW HUMAN BEING because, AFTER
SATISFYING HIS MORBID CURIOSITY, HE “… passed
by on the other side…” thereby CONDEMNING
HIMSELF FOREVER and MAKING ALL HIS SACRED
DUTIES AND EFFORTS WORTHLESS.
 TITLES AND SOCIAL STATUS ARE MEANINGLESS IN THE
SIGHT OF GOD for He alone knows the Spiritual
State of every heart and soul.
 According to St Cyril of Alexandria: “... the
dignity of the Holy Priesthood means
nothing at all unless (Bishops and Priests)
also excel in deeds...”
 THE JUDAIC PRIEST AND THE LEVITE’S FAILURE TO HELP OR
COMFORT the distressed, dying man, clearly
INDICATED THE FAILURE OF THE OLD COVENANT LAW
TO HEAL THE CONSEQUENCES OF SIN.
 WHENEVER WE REJECT, IGNORE OR REFUSE TO FULFIL AN
ACT MERCY, LOVE OR COMPASSION THAT GOD PUTS
BEFORE US TO TEST US and to expose our
Spiritual Condition to ourselves, WE MUST
IMMEDIATELY REPENT AND ENSURE THAT WE FULFIL OUR
SACRED DUTIES ‘NEXT TIME.’
If we continuously behave in such a mean, selfish
manner, WE WILL SUFFER BITTER, IRREFUTABLE AND
IRREVERSIBLE ETERNAL CONDEMNATION AFTER OUR FINAL
JUDGEMENT!
✳ “...A Samaritan, as He journeyed, got to where he was, and
when He saw him, He had Compassion. And He went to
him, and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine.
And He set him on His own animal, took him to an Inn, and
took care of him…”
26. 23 R D
S UND AY AF TER P E NTEC OST – 9 T H
LU
 According to the harsh judgements of the Old
Covenant Judeans, SAMARITANS WERE REGARDED
AS THE MOST DESPISED, WICKED APOSTATISERS AND
HERETICS who were to be avoided at all costs.
The Samaritans were former Israelites who had intermarried
with pagans, resulting in their apostasy [renouncement or
drifting away] of the Old Covenant Faith. They were
included amongst the ‘Lost Sheep of the House of Israel’
whom Christ came to Redeem, Restore and grant Eternal
Life.
 Our Loving Lord Whose Wisdom is far superior
to any human ‘genius,’ often used a despised
Samaritan to teach His Sacred Lessons of
unconditional, Divine Love.
 Neither the highly respected Priest nor the
Levite but “... a Samaritan… had
Compassion…”
 Our Divine Saviour used the example of the
Good Samaritan to illustrate how THE
PERCEIVED ‘ENEMY’ OR ‘WICKED SINNER’ HAD MORE
LOVE THAN THEIR OWN PEOPLE – AND EVEN WORSE,
MORE THAN THEIR OWN SPIRITUAL LEADERS!
Often those whom we dare to disparage, [disrespect or
denigrate] prove to possess far more unconditional
Love, Compassion, Mercy and Kindness than us,
which should teach us that the faults that we see
so clearly in others are actually reflections of our
own deeply rooted distortions and wickedness.
 Our Lord Jesus hereby teaches us that GOD’S
DIVINE SALVATION IS FOR ALL MANKIND – not merely
a select few.
 This Good Samaritan signifies OUR LORD JESUS
CHRIST Who “…when He saw [us] He had
Compassion…” for us.
 GOD INCARNATE CAME TO US.
 OUR LORD JESUS WHO IS BOTH THE SON OF GOD AND THE
SON OF MAN – CAME TO SAVE, CLEANSE AND HEAL US
from the Spiritual Death and painful Wounds
caused by the destructive inventions of the
evil one - temptations and grievous passions
that lead to Death.
 THE INFINITE LOVE OF GOD WILL NOT LEAVE US IN A STATE
OF PERMANENT SPIRITUAL DEATH, for He provides
every means possible for our Restoration to
OUR FORMER GLORIOUS CREATED STATE IN HIS DIVINE
LIKENESS AND IMAGE.
 Our Good Samaritan “... bandaged [our]
wounds, pouring on oil and wine...”
 This symbolises THE SPIRITUAL CLEANSING, HEALING,
NURTURING AND SUSTENANCE OF THE HOLY
MYSTERIES, such as Baptism, Chrismation,
Eucharist and Holy Unction
1. THE GARMENT OF HOLY BAPTISM – WE PUT ON CHRIST
Who Delivers us from the wounds of sin
and continue to LIVE IN CHRIST by fulfilling
His Divine Truth in all circumstances.
2. THE OIL OF HOLY CHRISMATION, grants us NEW
LIFE IN GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT, Who enables us
to achieve everything that is impossible
for us alone.
3. THE HOLY MYSTERY OF EUCHARIST/COMMUNION,
grants us FORGIVENESS OF SINS and leads us
towards ETERNAL LIFE.
4. THE HOLY MYSTERY OF UNCTION CLEANSES OUR
SPIRITUAL WOUNDS AND HEALS US OF BOTH
PHYSICAL AND SPIRITUAL AILMENTS.
 “...He set [us] on His own animal...” refers to how
OUR DIVINE SAVIOUR BEARS OUR SINS LIKE THE TERRIBLE
WOUNDS OF SCOURGINGS AND CRUCIFIXION ON HIS
OWN BODY.
 Our Divine Saviour “... took [us] to an Inn...”
which is THE HOLY CHURCH OF CHRIST, WHICH
KE – G OOD S AM AR ITAN - 15 N OVE MBER 2020
 SHELTERS AND PROTECTS US from all the adverse
conditions that surround and threaten us
outside.
 The Spiritual Enlightenment, Guidance and
Sustenance we receive from God’s Sacred
Church SPIRITUALLY STRENGTHENS AND ARMOURS US
FOR THE CEASELESS SPIRITUAL WARFARE of the evil
one that confronts us every moment of each
day.
 Our Good Samaritan – “...took care of [us]...”
1. by REVEALING HIS LIFE-GIVING DIVINE TRUTH to us
2. by TEACHING us both verbally and by His own
Perfect Lifestyle:
a. how to FULFIL THE WILL OF OUR HEAVENLY
FATHER
b. how to REGAIN OUR DIVINE LIKENESS
c. how to BECOME WORTHY CHILDREN of God,
d. how to BECOME WORTHY CITIZENS
e. how be BECOME CO-HEIRS with Christ of His
Eternal Kingdom of Love
 Our Heavenly Father, through His Eternal Son
and God the All Holy Life-giving Spirit,
PROVIDES US WITH ALL THE ESSENTIAL NECESSITIES FOR
ETERNAL LIFE IN HIS KINGDOM OF LOVE.
 THROUGH OUR LIFE IN CHRIST AND HIS HOLY CHURCH WE
RECEIVE SPIRITUAL HEALING AND CARE, as well as
all the DIVINE BLESSINGS AND PROVIDENCE that our
Loving Triune God bestows so freely and
Lovingly upon us.
We are thus CONTINUOUSLY SPIRITUALLY NURTURED,
SUSTAINED AND PROTECTED BY THE DIVINE GRACE AND
INFINITE LOVE AND PROVIDENCE OF OUR LORD GOD.
The deeper and more firmly established our Faith
is, the less worry and stress we will suffer.
✳ "... The next day, before He departed, He took out two
denarii, gave them to the Innkeeper, and said to him: ‘Take care
of him. And when I come again, I will repay thee.’
 The “… two denarii…” are THE VERBAL AND WRITTEN
SACRED TRADITION of our Lord Who has
provided us with EVERYTHING NECESSARY FOR OUR
SPIRITUAL WELFARE AND PROGRESS until the end of
time – the Eighth Day.
 He also SENT GOD THE ALL HOLY SPIRIT Who
Proceeds from our Heavenly Father, TO
EMPOWER AND ENABLE HIS APOSTLES AND FAITHFUL
DISCIPLES TO FULFIL HIS DIVINE MISSION ON EARTH.
 HIS APOSTLES AND FAITHFUL DISCIPLES were thus able
to SPREAD THE DIVINE TRUTH – the New Covenant
Holy Gospel - throughout the world.
 Christ’s Verbal and Written Tradition CAREFULLY
PRESERVES AND MAINTAINS HIS DIVINE TRUTH and
teaches us everything necessary for our
Eternal Salvation as worthy Citizens and Co-
Heirs of His Heavenly Kingdom of Love.
 “…Two denarii…” would have MORE THAN COVERED
ALL INCURRED EXPENSES.
 OUR LORD JESUS PAID THE PRICELESS RANSOM FOR THE
FREEDOM OF MANKIND BY MEANS OF HIS ULTIMATE
BLOOD SACRIFICE – the unjustified arrest, the
public humiliation and false accusations,
the cruel spitting and beatings, the unlawful
and brutal scourgings, and the crucifixion.
OUR DEBT TO GOD CAN NEVER BE REPAID! So we must strive
really determinedly to FULFIL HIS DIVINE WILL IN ALL
CIRCUMSTANCES.
 “...when I come again, I will repay thee...” refers
to OUR LORD’S GLORIOUS REAPPEARANCE ON THE
EIGHT DAY on which THE FINAL JUDGEMENT AND
SETTLING OF SPIRITUAL ACCOUNTS will occur.
 This also signified THE HONESTY AND INTEGRITY OF THE
GOOD SAMARITAN Who Promised to repay any
outstanding Debts.
23 R D
S UND AY AF TE R P ENTEC OST
 Christ’s eleven Appearances in His Resurrected
State – before His Ascension - have already
proved and confirmed that EVERYTHING HE HAS
TOLD US IS INDEED, WITHOUT A DOUBT AND MOST
DEFINITELY TRUE!!
 OUR LORD GOD NEVER FAILS OR DISAPPOINTS US.
✳ “...Which of these three dost thou think was neighbour to him
who fell among the Thieves?” He said: “He Who had
Mercy on him.” Jesus said to him: “Go and do likewise!”
 All mankind is ‘…neighbour…’ to each other
because WE ALL SHARE THE SAME HUMAN NATURE
and have to deal with SO MANY COMMON
PROBLEMS AND DIFFICULT CIRCUMSTANCES.
 We are True and Worthy “Neighbours” when we
TREAT EACH OTHER WITH LOVE AND RESPECT, just as
our Lord Jesus Christ showed us by His own
Perfect Actions in all circumstances.
We must always imagine ourselves in the same situation as
others, so that we can understand to a limited degree,
how they are suffering and what they might need from us.
We must keep in mind “There, but for the Grace of God,
go I!” or, as St John Kronstadt always said: “Today my
Brother; tomorrow me!”
 THE DIVINE VIRTUE OF LOVE ENCAPSULATES ALL THE
OTHER SACRED VIRTUES, including Mercy,
Kindness and Compassion.
 Our Lord commands us to be MERCIFUL TO EACH
OTHER IN EVERY WAY POSSIBLE, FOR THIS EXPRESSES OUR
LOVE FOR ONE ANOTHER, WHICH WILL CERTAINLY
AFFECT OUR FINAL JUDGEMENT when we stand
before His Awesome Throne!
 Our Lord invited the Lawyer to judge for himself
“Which of these … was neighbour to him?”
 He thereby made the Lawyer WEIGH UP ALL THE
FACTS OF THE SITUATION IN ORDER TO UNDERSTAND
TRUTH of the matter because only when
THE
we have all the facts, can we properly
comprehend anything.
 Once we have grasped the Truth of a situation,
and seen the good example set before us,
we must “... do likewise...”
 Our Lord hereby tells us very clearly and
concisely that WHATEVER WE DO TO OR FOR OTHERS,
WILL BE GRANTED TO US IN RETURN
 IF WE HOPE TO RECEIVE DIVINE MERCY, WE, TOO, MUST BE
MERCIFUL, for it is the significant Act of
Love/Agape, which grants us Eternal Life in
God’s Heavenly Kingdom.
Unless we LIVE the Divine Love of God’s
Commandments and Teachings, we cannot
expect to be granted a Good, Blissful and
Loving Eternal Life!
 Our Lord’s Parable of “the Good Samaritan”
teaches us several significant aspects.
1. All mankind is our neighbour.
2. We are all sinful and need to constantly
Repent.
3. We are often far worse sinners than others!
4. Our own sins are often reflected in how we
judge and criticise others!
S T AM BR OSE OF OP TINA
We must begin with Thanksgiving for
everything. The Beginning of Joy is to be
content with our situation
– 9 T H
L UKE – GO OD S AM ARITAN - 15 N OV EM BE R 2020 27.
 Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria & All Africa
Archdiocese of Good Hope
All Glory, Honour and Worship to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and forever,
and unto the Ages of ages. Amen. Remembering also our Most Holy, Most Pure, Most Blessed and
Glorious Lady, Maria, Theotokos, yet Ever Virgin, together with all the Saints. And let us commit
ourselves and one another and our whole Life to Christ our God. Amen.

21 NOVEMBER

ENTRY INTO THE TEMPLE OF THE EVER BLESSED VIRGIN

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

At that time, Mary arose and went into the hill country with haste, to a city of
Judah, and entered the house of Zacharias and greeted Elizabeth. And it
happened when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, that the babe leapt in her
womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. And she spoke out with a loud
voice, saying: “Blessed art Thou among women, and Blessed is the Fruit of Thy Womb! And why is
this granted to me, that the Mother of my Lord should come to me? For indeed, as soon as the voice
of Thy Greeting sounded in my ears, the babe leapt with Joy in my womb. And Blessed is She Who
believed, for there will be a Fulfilment of those Things that were told Her from the Lord!”
And Mary said: “My soul Magnifies the Lord, and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Saviour! For He has
regarded the lowly state of His Maidservant. For behold! Henceforth all generations will call me
‘Blessed.’ For He Who is Mighty has done great things for me, and Holy is His Name...”
... And Mary remained with her about three months, and returned to her house.
✳ ON ALL GREAT FEASTS OF OUR LADY, the Ever Blessed among women, and Blessed is the Fruit of Thy Womb! And
and All Holy Theotokos these passages are why is this granted to me, that the Mother of my Lord should
always READ AND CONTEMPLATED. come to me? For indeed, as soon as the voice of Thy
✳ “...Mary arose and went into the hill country with Greeting sounded in my ears, the babe leapt with Joy in my
haste, to a city of Judah, and entered the house womb. And Blessed is She Who believed, for there will be a
of Zacharias and greeted Elizabeth...” Fulfilment of those Things that were told Her from the
 SOON AFTER THE ANNUNCIATION and the Conception Lord!”
of God Incarnate, OUR EVER BLESSED LADY WENT  St Elizabeth “... was filled with the Holy Spirit...” Who
FROM NAZARETH TO HEBRON is ALWAYS PRESENT AND WORKING IN PERFECT UNITY
Hebron was one of the cities assigned to the Levitical with our Heavenly Father and our Lord Jesus
Priests (and their families) who served various Christ.
Sacred Duties at the Great Temple in Jerusalem.  WHEN THE INCARNATION OF THE GOD-MAN OCCURRED at
It is situated about 19 miles or 30 kilometres to the the Annunciation, DIVINE PROPHECY RESUMED IN
South of Jerusalem. It was the second largest city ISRAEL.
after Gaza, on the west bank, and is venerated for  ST JOHN, THE LAST AND GREATEST HOLY PROPHET OF
its association with Abraham, being thus regarded GOD, ANNOUNCED THE PRESENCE OF OUR DIVINE
as the second Holiest city after Jerusalem. SAVIOUR by Rejoicing in his Mother’s womb.
 ST ZACHARIAH WAS OF THE PRIESTLY TRIBE OF LEVITES AND  HIS JOYFULNESS FULFILLED THE INSPIRED PROPHECY OF ST
SERVED AS A HIGH PRIEST in the Temple of JEREMIAH
Jerusalem, and his wife, ST ELIZABETH WAS A  JEREMIAH 1:5 “... Before I formed Thee in the womb,
SISTER OF ST ANNA, Mother of our Lady, I knew Thee, and before Thou were born, I
Theotokos. Sanctified Thee. I established Thee as a
 Similar to the Venerable Parents of Panagia - St Prophet to the Nations...”
Ioachim and St Anna – the Marriage of ST  GOD’S FOREKNOWLEDGE AND HIS CALLING ARE WOVEN
ZACHARIAH AND ST ELIZABETH HAD BEEN CHILDLESS TOGETHER.
UNTIL, ACCORDING TO THE WILL OF GOD, A BELOVED  The words “... Blessed art Thou among women...”
CHILD WAS GRANTED TO THEM. express THE PROFOUND VENERATION OF THE ALL
 The young Virgin Mary went to her maternal PURE, HOLY AND EVER BLESSED MOTHER OF GOD
aunt, St Elizabeth, for guidance and advice. from both the Heavenly Angelic Hosts and
✳ “...And it happened when Elizabeth heard the greeting of mankind.
Mary, that the babe leapt in her womb....”  ST GABRIEL, THE HOLY ARCHANGEL OF GOD AND BEARER
 ST ELIZABETH AND ST JOHN BOTH REACTED WITH INTENSE OF GOOD TIDINGS to mankind HAD GREETED OUR
JOY AT THE VERY PRESENCE OF OUR LORD Who had LADY THEOTOKOS WITH THIS PROCLAMATION, which
been Conceived in Panagia’s Virginal is similarly proclaimed by St Elizabeth.
Womb.  “...Blessed is the Fruit of Thy Womb!” is THE
 ST ELIZABETH HAD CONCEIVED ST JOHN THE BAPTIST AND DIVINELY INSPIRED DECLARATION OF FAITH.
FORERUNNER TO CHRIST APPROXIMATELY 6 MONTHS By the Power and Inspiration of God the Holy
BEFORE THE INCARNATION of our Lord Jesus Christ Spirit, ST ELIZABETH ACKNOWLEDGED AND
in His All Pure Mother’s Womb. BLESSED THE DIVINE CHRIST-CHILD Who is
 St John leapt for Joy indeed our long-awaited
1. IN THE PRESENCE OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST – even Messiah/Saviour.
though they were both still growing in their  GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT GRANTS US GREAT KNOWLEDGE AND
respective Mothers’ wombs. UNDERSTANDING that is far beyond our natural
2. WHEN HE HEARD THE LOVELY VOICE OF THE ONE WHO IS abilities.
FULL OF (DIVINE) GRACE -“Keharitomeni.”  GOD CREATED BOTH HIS HEAVENLY ANGELS AND HIS
✳ "...And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. And she BELOVED MANKIND AS INTELLECTUAL BEINGS, to
spoke out with a loud voice, saying: “Blessed art Thou

28. T H E E NTRY INTO TEM PLE OF THE EVE R B LE SSED V IR GIN M ARY 21 NO VEM BE R
 whom, according to His Divine Will, HE GRANTS
EXTRAORDINARY KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING.
 It is GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT Who by His Divine Grace
ENABLES US TO ACQUIRE ABILITIES THAT ARE NECESSARY
FOR OUR EARTHLY SOJOURN AND, ESPECIALLY, FOR OUR
SPIRITUAL PROGRESS - the development and
strengthening of our immortal soul.
 St Elizabeth confessed the Truth that THE ALL PURE
VIRGIN MARY IS INDEED -“...the Mother of my
Lord...” - THE THEOTOKOS – the Bearer/Mother
of our Incarnate Lord and God.
 The most excellent and worthy Title “THEOTOKOS”
means that She IS TRULY THE IMMACULATE BEARER
OF GOD INCARNATE – our Lord and Saviour,
Jesus Christ.
 HER CONFESSION AND OTHERS SIMILAR TO IT, whereby
we address Her, as Faithful Disciples of Christ
and Orthodox Christians, THEREBY CONFIRM AND
DECLARE THAT THE DIVINE INFANT of Her All Pure,
Sanctified Womb IS BOTH HUMAN AND DIVINE, for
He is the Eternal, Only Begotten Son and
Word of our Heavenly Father and also “the
Son of Man(kind)”
 At the Festal Vespers of the Annunciation, we
joyfully proclaim “... It is the Word of God
Who dwells in Her!...”
 It is of special significance that WHILE HIS PHYSICAL
BODY WAS ONLY BEGINNING TO FULLY FORM AS GOD
INCARNATE in the Womb of His Ever Blessed
Mother, OUR DIVINE SAVIOUR WAS ETERNALLY THE
SON OF GOD our Heavenly Father.
 THIS DIVINE TRUTH UTTERLY REFUTES AND REJECTS THE
FALLEN, CORRUPTED WORLD VIEW THAT ABORTION IS
ACCEPTABLE – that terrible, cruel and brutal
murder of innocent children – BECAUSE THEY DO
NOT REGARD THAT INFANT BEING AS AN IDENTIFIABLE
PERSON – “only a foetus!” - but in Truth,
already A HUMAN BEING WITH A HEART AND
IMMORTAL SOUL, THAT SUFFERS FROM ANY PAIN,
DISCOMFORT OR TRAUMA INFLICTED UPON HIM OR HER
IN THE WOMB!
✳ “…And Mary said: “My soul Magnifies the Lord, and
my spirit has rejoiced in God my Saviour! For He
has regarded the lowly state of His Maidservant.
For behold! Henceforth all generations will call
me ‘Blessed.’ For He Who is Mighty has done great
things for me, and Holy is His Name...”
 “... My soul Magnifies the Lord...” is an ancient
INSPIRED HYMN OF ST HANNAH. (1 KINGS 2:1 -10)
 It is now referred to as “the Magnificat” or
“Megalinarion” for it was sung from the
overjoyed heart of our Lady, Theotokos and
is chanted during Matins.
 The Megalinaria teach us
1. Faithful Christians of every generation HONOUR
AND VENERATE THE EVER BLESSED, ALL PURE AND
HOLY VIRGIN MARY, THEOTOKOS, just as She had
prophesied.
2. IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO BELIEVE THE DIVINELY INSPIRED
HOLY SCRIPTURE WITHOUT VENERATING AND
HONOURING OUR LADY – the Mother of God
Incarnate!
3. SHE ASCRIBES THE DIVINE MIRACLE OF THE
INCARNATION TO ALMIGHTY GOD Who is THE
EXCLUSIVE SOURCE OF DIVINE GRACE.
4. Everything about our Lady Theotokos shows Her
natural, deep LOVE, HUMILITY, OBEDIENCE AND
WISDOM.
F E STAL P R OKE IM E NON
My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour!
For He regarded the low estate of His Handmaiden!
T H E E NTRY INTO TEM PLE OF THE E VE R
5. Through the Incarnation of the Eternal Son of
God, OUR TRIUNE LORD GOD IS OUR ETERNAL
SOVEREIGN RULER FOR HE REIGNS OVER ALL HIS
CREATION.
 Our Lady Theotokos’ All Pure “...spirit has
Rejoiced in God [her] Saviour ...” because
1. SHE WAS CHOSEN BY GOD to carry His Son in Her
Virginal Womb
2. THE DIVINE INFANT SHE CARRIED WAS THE LONG-AWAITED
MESSIAH for Whom the Old Covenant Prophets
and Scriptures had prepared God’s People
for centuries.
3. THE DIVINE SAVIOUR WOULD SAVE GOD’S FAITHFUL – and
all mankind - FROM THE CURSE OF ANCESTRAL SIN.
 “...for He has regarded the lowly state of His
Maidservant...” - expresses Her utter
amazement as well as HER PROFOUND HUMILITY
AND OBEDIENCE TO GOD.
 “...all generations will call me ‘Blessed.’ For He
Who is Mighty has done great things for
me...”
 This is A STATEMENT OF DIVINE TRUTH.
 This expresses THE RAMIFICATIONS OF BEING THE
ACTUAL MOTHER OF GOD (INCARNATE) – THE EVER
BLESSED MOTHER OF THE DIVINE MESSIAH Who had
been awaited for centuries.
 Her genuine Humility would never have even
hoped to receive THIS GREATEST OF ALL DIVINE
HONOURS AND GRACE.
 THE OLD COVENANT JUDEANS – especially those who
studied the Holy Scriptures – KNEW THAT “A
VIRGIN” WOULD GIVE BIRTH TO THE GREAT MESSIAH.
 SHE HAD STUDIED THE HOLY SCRIPTURES throughout
Her childhood at the Temple, so was well
aware of that prophesy BUT CERTAINLY HAD
NEVER EXPECTED TO BE THE VIRGIN MOTHER OF OUR
DIVINE SAVIOUR.
 NOT ONLY IS OUR LADY THEOTOKOS “EVER BLESSED,” BUT
SHE IS ALSO “EVER VIRGIN,” having taken a
Sacred Vow of Chastity that would never be
broken.
 “... Holy is His Name...” - THE NAME OF OUR LORD
GOD – of the Father, and of the Son, and of
the Holy Spirit – IS INDEED MOST SACRED AND
SHOULD BE SPOKEN WITH UTMOST RESPECT, LOVE AND
AWE.
 BY INVOKING ANY OF THE NAMES WHEREBY WE ADDRESS
OUR TRIUNE LORD GOD, WE BESEECH HIS GREAT
MERCY AND LOVE.
 HIS NAME IS A PRAYER in itself.
 Thus, USING OUR LORD’S NAME IN VAIN – as an
‘expletive’ or mockingly - IS ANATHEMA and to
be avoided at all costs!
✳ “...And Mary remained with her about three months, and
returned to her house…”
 This refers to THE FIRST TRIMESTER of the Ever
Blessed All Holy Virgin Mary’s Sacred
Pregnancy.
 THE YOUNG, INNOCENT VIRGIN NEEDED THE GUIDANCE
AND ADVICE OF HER ELDERLY AUNT AS SHE HAD NO
MOTHER to help Her understand the changes
occurring in Her Ever Virginal Body.
 By the time the Ever Blessed Virgin returned to
Her home, ST ELIZABETH WAS ABOUT TO DELIVER HER
OWN SON, ST JOHN THE BAPTIST AND FORERUNNER TO
CHRIST.
– O D E OF T HE OTOKOS - TO NE 3
BL ESSE D V IR GIN M ARY 21 NO VEM BE R 29
 T H E E PISTLE OF
Brethren: the First Covenant had Ordinances of Divine Service, and a worldly Sanctuary. A Tabernacle
was prepared: the first part, in which was the Lampstand, the Table, and the Showbread, which is
called ‘the Sanctuary.’ Behind the Second Veil, was the part of the Tabernacle, which is called ‘Holy of
Holies,’ which had the Golden Censer and the Ark of the Covenant, overlaid on all sides with gold, in
which was the Golden Pot that had the Manna, Aaron’s Rod that budded, and the Tablets of the
Covenant. Above it were the Cherubim of Glory overshadowing the Mercy Seat. Of these we can no
longer speak these days. When these Things had been thus prepared, the Priests always went into the
first part of the Tabernacle, performing the Services. Into the second part only the High Priest went -
once a year, not without blood, which he offered for himself and for the people’s sins.
✳ This passage is read during the Great Feasts of  It demonstrated THE IMPERFECTIONS OF THE OLD
our Lady Theotokos and Advent (before the
Feast of the Nativity of Christ) in order to DESCRIBE
THE GREAT HOLY MYSTERY OF THE INCARNATION OF THE
ETERNAL SON OF GOD.
✳ “...the First Covenant had Ordinances of Divine Service, and
a worldly Sanctuary. ...”
 The “…Ordinance…” of the “First Covenant” or
Old Covenant, PREFIGURED THE ETERNAL,
HEAVENLY ALTAR.
 The earthly Temple in Jerusalem and the Old
Covenant Holy Services were ESTABLISHED
ACCORDING TO GOD’S WILL.
✶ “... A Tabernacle was prepared: the first part, in which was
the Lampstand, the Table, and the Showbread, which is
called ‘the Sanctuary.’...” according to Divine Will
of God our Holy Father.
 Similarly, THE ALL PURE WOMB of the Ever Blessed
Virgin WAS PREPARED AS THE HOLY TABERNACLE
(Temple) OF CHRIST – the Sanctified Dwelling-
place of our Divine Saviour.
 “...the first part ... is called ‘the Sanctuary...’ was
THE OUTER PART OF THE HOLY TEMPLE, which the
Faithful could enter and present their
offerings, pray and worship.
 It was A SACRED PLACE OF SANCTUARY FOR THE FAITHFUL
that contained the “… lampstand…”
[candelabra], “…the Table…” [Altar] and “…
the Showbread…” [Prosforo]
 OUR LADY, THEOTOKOS, IS OUR SANCTUARY – our
Shelter and Protector, whom we can
approach and beseech to Intercede on our
behalf with God for the Salvation of our soul
and Deliverance from temptations, our
grievous passions, and the evil one.
 As our Most Holy Protector, WE BESEECH HER
GUIDANCE, WISDOM AND HOLY VIRTUES.
 WE STRIVE TO IMITATE OUR LADY, THEOTOKOS’ SINCERE
HUMILITY AND OBEDIENCE to God by listening
carefully to the Divine Truth and Struggling
to apply it to our own thoughts, words and
deeds.
✳ "... Behind the Second Veil, was the part of the Tabernacle,
which is called ‘Holy of Holies,’ which had the Golden
Censer and the Ark of the Covenant, overlaid on all
sides with gold, in which was the Golden Pot that had
the Manna, Aaron’s Rod that budded, and the Tablets of
the Covenant.
 “…Behind the Second Veil …” concerns THE MOST
IMPORTANT AND SACRED AREA OF THE TEMPLE.
 THE SECOND VEIL SEPARATED THE HOLY PLACE – the
Holy Sanctuary – FROM “… the Holy of Holies
…” - the Most Sacred of all areas of the
Temple, which contained
1. THE GOLDEN CENSER
2. THE MYSTERIOUS ‘ARK OF THE COVENANT’ with its
“Mercy Seat’ was kept in the Holy of
Holies.
 THE MOST SACRED HOLY RELICS OF THE OLD COVENANT
were preserved in the Ark of the Covenant.
1. THE GOLDEN POT OF MANNA,
2. AARON’S ROD,
3. THE DIVINE LAW CARVED ON STONE TABLETS
 THE SECOND, INNER VEIL FORMS THE LOCUS OF THE
LITURGICAL PRACTICE OF THE OLD COVENANT.
30. T H E E NTRY INTO THE TEM PLE OF
S T P AUL TO TH E H EBRE WS 9: 1 - 7
COVENANT WORSHIP.
1. THE FAITHFUL COULD NOT DRAW CLOSE TO GOD
2. ONLY THE HIGH PRIEST COULD ENTER the Holy of
Holies
3. but ONLY ONE DAY A YEAR.
4. BLOOD SACRIFICE WAS REQUIRED for the
Atonement of the High Priest’s sins as well
as those of the Faithful.
5. THAT BLOOD SACRIFICE CONSISTED ENTIRELY WITH
MATERIALS FROM THIS TEMPORARY AGE, which
cannot begin a participation in the Age
to come.
6. The Atonement Offering dealt mainly with
the outer being for it was SUPERFICIAL AND
COULD NOT PURIFY MANKIND’S HEART, MIND OR
SOUL – LET ALONE RESTORE OUR FALLEN HUMAN
NATURE.
 At His Death on the Cross, OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST
RESOLVED OUR ALIENATION AND ESTRANGEMENT FROM
GOD. (MATTHEW 27:51)
 The New (Bloodless) Covenant is FOR ALL MANKIND
AND GRANTS US ETERNAL SALVATION.
✳ “...Above it were the Cherubim of Glory overshadowing the
Mercy Seat. Of these we can no longer speak these
days...”
 “…The Cherubim of Glory…” were depicted
hovering above “… the Mercy Seat…” upon
which OUR LORD GOD IS ETERNALLY ENTHRONED.
 The MANY-EYED AND MANY-WINGED Cherubim are
SECOND IN RANK TO THE SERAPHIM and are ALWAYS
INEFFABLY RADIANT WITH THE LIGHT OF THE
KNOWLEDGE OF GOD.
 “Cherubim” means “…THOSE OF GREAT
UNDERSTANDING…” WHO POSSESS AN EFFUSION OF
WISDOM.
 DEPICTIONS OF CHERUBIM
1. DECORATED THE HOLY OF HOLIES - the ancient
Temple’s Most Holy Sanctuary.
2. were ON EITHER SIDE OF THE MERCY SEAT upon
which God is seated, whence He
addresses His Faithful.
3. ON THE FIRST AND SECOND VEILS of the
Tabernacle.
4. are embroidered on, or woven into the
material of LITURGICAL VEILS, AERS,
VESTMENTS to this day.
 DURING THE ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN DIVINE LITURGY THE
HYMN OF THE CHERUBIM IS CHANTED.
The Mercy Seat upon which Almighty God is
Enthroned was situated IN THE MIDST OF HIS
HOLY NATION OF ISRAEL.
 The Orthodox Christian Holy Altar is also flanked
by depictions of Cherubim.
 THESE REPRESENTATIONS, along with the images of
the Holy Cherubim on the Inner Veil and the
beauty and detailed workmanship of
everything that was made for the Holy
Tabernacle, SERVED AS THE FIRST HOLY ICONS OF
THE OLD COVENANT. (EXODUS 26:31)
 This and various other passages put to rest the
fear that the Second Divine Commandment
of God prohibits all imagery. (EXODUS 20: 4 – 6)
 GOD THE FATHER AND GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT CANNOT BE
REPRESENTED OR DEPICTED because their Divine
THE EVE R B LE SSED V IRGIN M ARY - 21 NO VEM BE R
 Nature is unknowable and cannot be the Oaks of Mamre – “the Hospitality of
depicted nor described. Abraham.”
 GOD THE SON – OUR LORD AND SAVIOUR, JESUS CHRIST - They NEVER manifested visibly at any other time
CAN BE DEPICTED ACCORDING TO HIS INCARNATION, and our Lord Jesus Christ clearly told His
for He is God-Man and thus His human Disciples that whoever has seen Him, has also
Nature can and is imaged. seen His Co-Eternal, Co-Essential Father (and
 CHRIST LEFT US HIS HOLY ICON IMPRINTED ON THE FACE- thus also the Holy Spirit!) mp
CLOTH AND SHROUD that were found by St Peter THE DETAILS OF THE HOLY OF HOLIES WAS SEE ONLY BY THE
and St John in His Empty Tomb. HIGH PRIEST WHO ENTERED THE HOLY OF HOLIES
 In many churches, THE HOLY ICON OF CHRIST “NOT only once a year as previously mentioned.
MADE BY HANDS” IS HELD ALOFT BY TWO At the time of the three-year-old Virgin Mary’s
CHERUBIM,(OFTEN SITUATED OVER THE ROYAL GATES Entrance into the Temple, the Temple was being
OF THE ICONOSTASION.) renovated.
The Eternal Unity and Presence of God our She had run up the stairs and entered the Holy of
Heavenly Father and God the Holy Spirit with Holies where She was later permitted to spend
Christ is usually depicted as two differently time adorning the walls, etc with Her beautifully
coloured shapes behind the Figure of our Lord woven and embroidered Liturgical Adornments.
such as in the Holy Icon of the She kept many Truths “in Her heart” and never spoke
Transfiguration. of them, unless something was significant to our
The depiction of God the Father and God the Holy Eternal Salvation.
Spirit as an Old Man and a White Dove is a At the Annunciation, the Ever Virgin Mary became
modern, western influenced heresy, because ‘the Holy of Holies,’ ‘the Sacred Sanctuary,’ and
the Persons of the Holy Trinity may only be ‘the Sacred Ark’ while carrying the Infant Christ
depicted as three identical “Angels” such as at in Her All Pure Womb.
T H E H OLY G OSPEL ACCO RD ING TO S T LU KE 10 : 38 - 42 & 11 : 27 – 28
At that time, He entered a certain village. A woman named ‘Martha’ welcomed Him into her house. And
she had a sister called ‘Mary,’ who sat at Jesus’ Feet, listening to His Word. Martha was distracted with
much serving. She approached and said: “Lord, dost Thou not care that my sister has left me to serve
alone? Therefore tell her to help me!” Jesus answered and said to her: “Martha! Martha! You are
worried and troubled about many things. One thing is needed. Mary has chosen that good part,
which will not be taken away from her.”
... As He spoke these things, a certain woman from the crowd raised her voice and said to Him: “Blessed is
the Womb that bore Thee, and the Breasts that nursed Thee!”
He replied: “More than that: Blessed are those who hear the Word of God and keep It!”
✳ “...our Lord Jesus Christ entered a certain village; and a  BOTH WOMEN LOVED CHRIST and were utterly
woman named Martha welcomed Him into her devoted to Him but THEIR PRIORITIES WERE
house. And she had a sister called “Mary,” who also DIFFERENT – JUST LIKE OURS.
sat at Jesus’ Feet and heard His Word…”  BEING SEATED AT THE FEET OF OUR LORD SIGNIFIED ST
 The “… certain village…” was BETHANY, which MARY’S ACTIVE VIRTUE.
was situated VERY CLOSE TO JERUSALEM, AT THE 1. It showed her READINESS TO FULFIL HIS TEACHINGS AND
FOOT OF THE MOUNT OF OLIVES. COMMANDMENTS to the best of her ability –
 It was THE SITE OF AN ALMSHOUSE FOR THE POOR AND THE 2. it implied her STEADFAST AND CONSTANT
SICK. COMMITMENT TO CHRIST.
 The pious siblings - ST MARY, ST MARTHA AND ST  WHOEVER SITS AT THE FEET OF CHRIST AND STEADFASTLY
LAZAROS – LIVED IN BETHANY AND OFTEN HOSTED OUR FOLLOWS AND IMITATES HIM IS INDEED ESTABLISHED IN
LORD AND HIS DISCIPLES. ALL ACTIVE VIRTUES.
 ST SIMON THE LEPER ALSO RESIDED IN BETHANY and one  WE MUST OVERCOME OR CONTROL OUR GRIEVOUS
day, while our Lord Jesus had dined with PASSIONS, AND STRIVE TO ATTAIN DIVINE VISION, like
him, a Repentant Woman had anointed St Mary of Bethany,
Christ with costly Myrrh, which was objected  IF WE ARE NOT STRONG ENOUGH, we must be like St
to by Judas Iscariot. Martha and DEVOTE OURSELVES TO ACTIVE VIRTUE
 ST MARY OF BETHANY “... sat at Jesus’ Feet and BY WARMLY WELCOMING CHRIST.
heard His Word. But Martha was  St Martha’s complaint and appeal for help from
distracted...” our Lord reveals their GOOD, CLOSE
✳ “…Martha was distracted with much serving, and she RELATIONSHIP.
approached Him and said: “Lord, dost Thou not care ✳ “...Jesus answered… “Martha! Martha! Thou art worried
that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore and troubled about many things, but one thing is
tell her to help me!” needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which
 The different attitudes of the two devoted sisters will not be taken away from her…”
are contrasted.  HOSPITALITY IS A VIRTUE, YET PAYING ATTENTION TO THE
 We can either WORDS OF CHRIST IS AN EVEN GREATER HOLY VIRTUE.
1. TAKE TIME TO LISTEN CAREFULLY AND PAY CLOSE  Although FOOD NOURISHES OUR MORTAL BODY, THE
ATTENTION TO GOD’S WORDS OF DIVINE TRUTH so DIVINE TRUTH SUSTAINS OUR IMMORTAL SOUL.
that we GAIN SPIRITUAL WISDOM AND KNOWLEDGE  DIVINE TRUTH ENLIVENS OUR IMMORTAL SOUL AND
THAT SAVES AND SPIRITUALLY BENEFITS US. ENABLES US TO OPERATE AT OUR FULL CAPACITY.
2. or become so DISTRACTED BY WORLDLY CARES AND  OUR KIND-HEARTED LORD DID NOT REBUKE ST MARTHA
OBLIGATIONS that we LEARN NOTHING that is FOR WANTING TO SERVE THEM well by providing a
Spiritually Beneficial and we neglect our good meal for everyone, BUT RATHER FOR
COMPLAINING ABOUT HER SISTER AND FOR BEING SO
Eternal Salvation.
DISTRACTED BY HER WORLDLY CONCERNS.
 ST MARTHA OF BETHANY FELT OBLIGED TO TAKE CARE OF
 Only when she tried to draw her sister away
THEIR GUESTS before taking time to listen to
from listening did our Lord rebuke her
Christ WHEREAS ST MARY OF BETHANY DID NOT WANT
because ALTHOUGH HOSPITALITY IS HONOURABLE, IT
TO MISS ANYTHING HE SPOKE OF.
SHOULD NOT CAUSE TURMOIL NOR DRAW US AWAY FROM
WHAT IS MORE IMPORTANT FOR US.

T H E E NTRY INTO THE TEM PLE OF THE EVE R B LE SSED V IR GIN M ARY - 21 N OVE MBER 31.
 According to St Theophylact “... when  By our own Humility and Obedience to God, we
hospitality begins to hinder us from doing BECOME LIVING EXAMPLES OF HIS HOLY GOSPEL,
what is more important, then paying thereby SERVING OUR LORD AND FACILITATING THE
attention to the Divine Truth of God is SPREAD OF HIS DIVINE TRUTH.
preferable.” ✳ “...a certain woman from the crowd raised her voice and
 St Martha missed the point and purpose of His said to Him: “Blessed is the Womb that bore Thee,
Visit to their home, while her sister, ST MARY, and the breasts that nursed Thee!” And He replied:
TOOK ADVANTAGE OF THE OCCASION TO LEARN “More than that: Blessed are those who hear the
Word of God and keep It!”
WHATEVER SHE COULD FROM CHRIST.
 Although the smug Pharisees and Scribes had
 OUR LORD DOES NOT FORBID HOSPITALITY BUT RATHER
slandered and blasphemed the Divine
EXTRAVAGANCE, DISTRACTIONS AND ANXIETY CAUSED
Miracles of Christ Jesus, THIS SIMPLE AND
BY IT
GUILELESS WOMAN PRAISED AND GLORIFIED THEM
 HOSPITALITY OUGHT TO BE SIMPLE so that we are able
THROUGH HER WORDS THAT WORTHILY HONOURED AND
to pay full attention to what is being spoken.
REVERENCED HIS ALL PURE AND HOLY MOTHER.
 ST MARTHA SIGNIFIED ACTIVE VIRTUE WHILE ST MARY
 OUR SWEET LORD CORRECTED HER – not by
SIGNIFIES DIVINE VISION.
denouncing His Ever Blessed Mother, but by
 St Theophylact explained that “... action entails
EMPHASISING HER AMAZING FAITH AND LIFE OF
distractions and disturbances but Divine
HUMBLE OBEDIENCE TO GOD IN ALL THINGS.
Vision, having become the ruler of grievous
 The Greek word “Menounge,” is also translated
passions, devotes itself entirely to the
as “Yes, indeed!” for IT CORRECTS BY AMPLIFYING
Contemplation of Divine Words and
– NOT BY NEGATING.
Judgements.”
 “...Blessed are those who hear the Word of God
 “... One Thing is needed... which will not be
and keep it!” is a very clear and concise
taken away...” is DIVINE TRUTH
Statement.
 We must PAY VERY CAREFUL ATTENTION TO CHRIST’S
 Our Lord Jesus explicitly told us that THOSE WHO
TEACHINGS AND COMMANDMENTS so that we can
LISTEN CAREFULLY AND THEN DO EVERYTHING POSSIBLE
APPLY EVERY ONE OF THEM TO OUR OWN THOUGHTS,
TO APPLY EVERY DIVINE WORD OF TEACHING AND
WORDS AND DEEDS – our personal
COMMANDMENT TO THEIR WORDS, THOUGHTS AND
circumstances.
DEEDS – as our Lady, Theotokos did
 St Theophylact pointed out that “... Activity has a
throughout Her entire Life – ARE INDEED BLESSED
part that will be taken away from it – the
BY GOD.
cares and distractions that accompany it, for
 Our Lady, THEOTOKOS IS MAGNIFIED AND BLESSED BY
as we progress and attain to Divine Vision,
GOD AND ALL MANKIND FOREVER – NOT ONLY BECAUSE
we are freed tom distractions and
SHE CONSENTED TO BEAR OUR GREAT DIVINE SAVIOUR,
troubles...
BUT – “... more than that...” BECAUSE SHE WAS –
 However, “... those who are engaged in Divine
FROM HER EARLIEST CHILDHOOD – HUMBLE AND
Vision shall never be deprived of ‘... that
OBEDIENT TO GOD IN ALL THINGS.
good part...’ which is the Vision of God ...
 We need to follow Her Perfect Example of
when they are Deified. Those who are
ABSOLUTE HUMILITY AND OBEDIENCE.
found worthy to see God become God-like...”

T H E I NSP IRE D W ISDOM OF OU R H OLY F ATH ER S

S T S E RAP H IM OF S AR OV S T P AISIOS OF M OU NT AT H OS

The Door to Repentance is open to everyone but Let us not expect that the vain world will easily be
we do not know who will go through it first – we uprooted from within us as long as we are
who judge others or those whom we judge! content to remain within the vain world. When
we distance ourselves from the fallen world,
E LDE R P HILOTHE OS

The characteristic feature of True Repentance is then our intellect also distances itself easily from
profound emotion, devastation and sorrow of the world and wants to be close to God.
the heart, which is sad – not because it is going S T J OH N OF K R ONSTAD T

to be punished, but because, with its sin, it If we hate our enemy we show how stupid we are,
saddened and angered our Lord God Who is because if our enemy is hunting us, we are also
our infinitely Loving and Tender Heavenly hunting him inside ourselves. And is not
Father. It is the sighs, the compunctions, the hunting the worst and most brutal persecution,
Prayers, the Fasts and the tears, for such with hatred for our enemy tormenting us? If
Repentance is genuine and real. only we knew what a Triumph and a Blessing it
is to Love our enemies and act Beneficially to
S T S E RAP H IM OF S AR OV

We should not be disturbed in our Spiritual Life by them.

any hostile force. On the contrary, we should S T I GNATIOS B R IANC H ANINOV
have trust in the Words of our Lord God Who We have a long Struggle ahead of us. We have to
said: “… do not fear what others fear, and do cultivate Courage within and inspect the
not dread anything for God is with us – the Lord objects of our love, for if obsessed by them we
our God Whom we are to regard as Holy and must rid ourselves of them for that is what our
Whom we are to Fear!” Lord asks of us.
S T J OH N C HRY SOSTOM
A BBA E UP REP IOS
`Those who want their words to have an effect on If we believe that God is trustworthy and powerful,
their audience should not stop giving then Hope only in Him and you will become a
encouragement and advice on the same sharer in His Good Things.
things, nor should they change the subject until
they have seen that a previous exhortation has A NONY M OU S
taken root properly in their soul. That is what If we have True Faith but do not have Works of
Teachers do. They do not go on to reading with Faith our Faith has neither result nor Benefit!
the children until they have learnt the letters
properly.

32. T H E E NTRY INTO THE TEM PLE OF THE EVE R B LE SSED V IRGIN M ARY - 21 NO VEM BE R
 Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria & All Africa
Archdiocese of Good Hope
All Glory, Honour and Worship to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now
and forever, and unto the Ages of ages. Amen. Remembering also our Most Holy, Most
Pure, Most Blessed and Glorious Lady, Maria, Theotokos, yet Ever Virgin, together with
all the Saints. And let us commit ourselves and one another and our whole Life to
Christ our God. Amen.
TONE (7) VARYS/GRAVE 22 NOVEMBER 2020

24TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

AFTERFEAST OF THE ENTRY INTO THE TEMPLE
9TH SUNDAY OF ST LUKE – THE RICH MAN AND HIS BARNS

The Feast of St Philemon, Equal to the Apostles, St Archippos & St Onesimos, of the 70
Apostles of Christ and St Apphia, wife of St Philemon – St Michael, Prince of Tver – St
Peter Yaropolk, Prince of Vladimir Volhynia – St Cecilia, St Valerin, St Tiburtios, and St Maximos of Rome – St Procopios the
Reader of Caesarea, Palestine – St Menignos of Parium – St Agabbas of Syria – St Michel the soldier of Potouka, Bulgaria – St
Kallistos Xanthopoulos of Mount Athos – St Alexis Benemanskii of Tver – St Elias Gromoglasov, New Martyr of Tver

R ESUR REC TION G OSPEL 2 - M AR K 16 : 1 - 8

Arise, O Lord, my God, and let Thy Hand be lifted up: forget not Thy poor forever.
I thank Thee, O Lord: with my whole heart
T H E E P ISTL E OF S T P AUL TO TH E EP HE SIANS 2 : 14 – 22
Brethren, our Lord Jesus Christ Himself is our Peace, Who has made both One, and has broken down the
middle wall of separation. The enmity - the Law of Commandments contained in Ordinances - He has
abolished in His Flesh so from the two He has created in Himself one New Man, thus making Peace.
And He has Reconciled them both in One Body with God through the Cross, thereby putting to death
enmity by His Death
And He came to preach Peace to you who were afar off and to those who were near. For through Him we
both have access by one Spirit to the Father.
Therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow Citizens with the Saints, and Members of
the Household of God, having been built on the Foundation of the Apostles and Prophets, Jesus Christ
Himself being the Chief Cornerstone, in Whom the whole structure, being fitted together, grows into a
Holy Temple in our Lord, in Whom you also are being built together for a Dwelling Place of God in the
Spirit.
This Epistle to the Christian Community of Ephesos Having been created in the Image and Likeness of
was written by St Paul circa 61 – 63, during his God our Creator (our Lord Jesus Christ), which
imprisonment in Rome. has been distorted by voluntary and
It concerns the Divine Mystery of Salvation in the involuntary sin, WE NEED TO REGAIN THAT LOVE, PEACE
Holy Church of Christ – the Sacred Body of Christ AND JOY WITH WHICH HE CREATED US.
– which is not only for all mankind but for all These Divine Attributes are essential to Eternal Life
Creation, which affects not only this preparatory in His Heavenly Kingdom of Love, for, without
period before Eternity, but also our Eternal Life them, we cannot become worthy Citizens and
or Eternal Death. Co-Heirs.
The Sacred Body/Church of our Lord Jesus Christ is Our Lord Jesus Christ has fulfilled the Old Covenant
central and vital to the Life of all mankind. and Reconciled mankind with God by means of
This Epistle deals with the Work of our Triune Lord His New Covenant of Love.
God in our Salvation, now and Eternally, the The ‘… wall of separation…’ refers to A SECTION OF
Divine Blessings of our Lord Jesus Christ to His THE TEMPLE IN JERUSALEM, WHICH SEPARATED THE OUTER
Holy Church and all His Faithful Disciples, our COURTYARD OF THE GENTILES where visitors (non-
response to Divine Grace and the Strength and believers) and Faithful were allowed to enter
Assistance we receive from God to endure and FROM THE INNER COURTYARD OF THE TEMPLE.
overcome the persistent Spiritual Warfare with According to the Old Covenant, THE FAITHFUL COULD
which we must contend throughout this short NOT APPROACH GOD AND WERE RESTRICTED BY MANY
lifespan. LAWS.
ONLY ONCE A YEAR THE OLD COVENANT HIGH PRIEST ENTERED
✳ “ … our Lord Jesus Christ Himself is our Peace, Who has THE MOST SACRED SECTION OF THE TEMPLE – THE HOLY
made both One, and has broken down the middle wall of OF HOLIES – and presented a blood Offering to
separation…” God for the Forgiveness of his own sins as well
 Our Lord Jesus Christ is our ‘Lord of Peace’ for as the sins of the Faithful.
GOD IS THE DIVINE PERSONIFICATION OF LOVE/AGAPE. OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST HAS REMOVED ALL SUCH
He epitomises and teaches us everything RESTRICTIONS WITH HIS NEW COVENANT OF LOVE so that
concerning that DIVINE LOVE, WHICH INCLUDES PEACE we can present the Lord our God with our
AND JOY that is way beyond our limited human Prayers at any moment –- unrestricted by time
comprehension. or place - and not only through the intercessory
HIS LOVE, PEACE AND JOY UNITES HIS ENTIRE CREATION, Prayers of our Holy Priesthood.
which was created due to the Love of God.  Healing of mankind is also twofold
JUST AS IT IS NATURAL FOR US TO LOVE, IT IS ALSO NATURAL TO ✳ “…The enmity - the Law of Commandments contained in
BE PEACEFUL AND JOYFUL. Ordinances - He has abolished in His Flesh so from the two

24TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST – 9TH OF ST LUKE – THE RICH FOOL AND HIS BARNS – 22 NOVEMBER 2020 33.
 He has created in Himself one New Man, thus making
Peace. And He has Reconciled them both in One Body with
God through the Cross, thereby putting to death enmity by
His Death…”
 MANKIND’S ‘BROKENNESS was twofold for WE WERE
SEPARATED
1. FROM EACH OTHER – Gentile [non-believer] from
Israelites/Judeans [Believers/Faithful]
2. FROM GOD [due the Fall caused by the sin of
disobedience and selfishness]
 OUR LORD’S HEALING is likewise twofold:
1. The Creation of a Unified humanity – HIS
HOLY CHURCH.
2. The RAISING OF OUR UNIFIED HUMANITY TO GOD
 THE INCARNATION OF GOD the Eternal Son of God
Unified humanity, and HIS SACRIFICIAL DEATH
AND VICTORIOUS RESURRECTION Raised our
humanity to God.
 According to OUR LORD’S INCARNATION “…He has
created in Himself one New Man…” since
He is GOD-MAN – both THE SON OF GOD AND THE
SON OF MAN[kind]
 Our Lord’s Incarnation was for the Salvation of
mankind by teaching His Divine Truth
directly to us and SHOWING US BY HIS OWN
PERFECT EXAMPLE HOW TO FULFIL THE WILL OF OUR
HEAVENLY FATHER in order to REGAIN HIS DIVINE
LIKENESS AND LOVE, with which He created us.
 DURING THE HOLY MYSTERY OF BAPTISM, WE CAST OFF
OUR “… OLD MAN…” – our ‘ancestral sin’ or
sinful, fallen nature - and are
Restored/Regenerated to our former, created
state – as a “… New Man…”
However, WE NEED TO LIVE IN CHRIST IN ORDER TO
CONTINUE OUR GOOD SPIRITUAL PROGRESS towards
Spiritual Perfection and Eternal Life.
THIS REQUIRES A PERSONAL COMMITMENT TO FULFIL
THE WILL OF OUR HEAVENLY FATHER BY LIVING IN
CHRIST by applying all His Divine Truth – His
Divine Commandments and Teachings – to
our thoughts, words and deeds, whereby we
acquire Agape/Divine Love and Spiritual
Perfection.
 OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST “…has Reconciled [us] in
One Body with God through the Cross…”
 Only by being FAITHFUL DISCIPLES of Christ who
WORSHIP COMMUNALLY in His One, Universal,
Orthodox Church and CONSTANTLY STRIVE to
become Christ-like - Spiritually Perfect – by
applying His Divine Truth to our thoughts,
words and deeds – LIVING IN CHRIST - are we
actually RECONCILED WITH GOD and enjoy a
close, intimate Relationship with Him.
 THE ACQUISITION OF AGAPE IS THE WHOLE PURPOSE OF
THIS PREPARATORY LIFESPAN, because thereby
1. our Relationship with God and each other is
Perfected
2. we are Saved and receive Eternal Life
3. we become worthy Citizens and Co-heirs of
God’s Heavenly Kingdom of Love.
 GOD IS LOVE so being created His Image and
Likeness, WE MUST ALSO ACQUIRE HIS PERFECT AND
DIVINE LOVE, which Restores us to our created,
Perfect State.
✳ “…And He came to preach Peace to you who were afar off
and to those who were near. For through Him we both have
access by one Spirit to the Father….”
 THIS REFERS TO OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST WHO PREACHES
AND TEACHES US ABOUT LOVE, “…Peace…” AND JOY,
WHICH RECONCILES US WITH GOD AND WITH EACH
OTHER so that we LIVE IN PEACE.
34. 24TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST – 9TH OF ST LUKE – THE RICH FOOL
 “… you who were afar off…” refers to HIS “…LOST
SHEEP …” OF THE NATION OF ISRAEL, which Christ
first and foremost tried to Save and
Reconcile with God, before Saving the rest of
humanity.
 These were HIS CHOSEN PEOPLE who, over the
centuries, HAD DRIFTED AWAY from God and His
Old Covenant INTO APOSTASY due to
disobedience to His Divine Laws and
intermarriage with pagan Gentiles.
It also refers to THOSE WHO MISUNDERSTOOD OR WERE
IGNORANT OF AND REJECTED OR DISOBEYED HIS DIVINE
WILL, thereby separating themselves from
God and each other.
 “… those who were near…” refers to THE OLD
COVENANT FAITHFUL who legalistically followed
every “… letter of the Law…” yet FAILED TO DO
SO WITH MERCY AND LOVE, which God intended.
This also refers to THOSE WHO BELIEVE IN A VENGEFUL,
WRATHFUL GOD WHO PUNISHES THE WICKED, which
is TOTALLY OPPOSED TO THE REALITY AND
TRUTH OF OUR LORD GOD WHO IS LOVE ITSELF –
Who is infinitely Kind, Merciful and
Compassionate.
✳ THROUGH OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST we “…have access by
one Spirit to the Father…”
 Through THE DIVINE TRUTH OF CHRIST and BY THE
ENABLING POWER AND DIVINE GIFTS OF GOD THE
HOLY SPIRIT. we can enjoy A SACRED
RELATIONSHIP WITH OUR HEAVENLY FATHER and with
each other.
 OUR LORD JESUS AND GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT PROVIDES US
WITH EVERY MEANS POSSIBLE TO DRAW CLOSE TO GOD
OUR HEAVENLY FATHER, which make it possible
for us to become worthy Citizens and Co-
Heirs of His Heavenly Kingdom of Love.
 THIS IS IMPOSSIBLE FOR US ALONE TO ACHIEVE!
✳ “…Therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but
fellow Citizens with the Saints, and Members of the
Household of God, having been built on the Foundation of
the Apostles and Prophets..”
 We “…are no longer strangers and foreigners…”
because BY THE HOLY MYSTERIES OF BAPTISM AND
CHRISMATION, WE BECOME THE ADOPTED “CHILDREN
OF GOD/LIGHT.”
 AS FAITHFUL DISCIPLES OF CHRIST WHO LIVE IN CHRIST
WE BECOME “…fellow Citizens with the Saints, and
Members of the Household of God…”
 Our Orthodox Faith is STRICTLY ACCORDING TO THE
DIVINE TRUTH OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, HIS HOLY
PROPHETS AND APOSTLES, “…having been built on
the Foundation of the Apostles and Prophets, Jesus
Christ Himself being the Chief Cornerstone…”
 THE TEACHINGS, COMMANDMENTS AND PROPHECIES OF
OLD COVENANT PREPARED GOD’S CHOSEN PEOPLE
THE
OFISRAEL for the First Appearance of our
Divine Saviour/Messiah.
 ACCORDING TO the Divine Revelations, Teachings
and Commandments of GOD’S NEW COVENANT
OF LOVE, WE who are His Faithful Disciples ARE
HIS CALLED PEOPLE OF THE “NEW ISRAEL,”
 We are thereby SAVED, REGENERATED, RESTORED,
RENEWED, REBORN, ENLIGHTENED AND ELEVATED by
our Lord Jesus Christ’s Salvific New
Covenant, with Its Divine Truth – Teachings
and Commandments
 Only thereby are we able to
1. LIVE IN CHRIST by applying His Divine Truth to
our thoughts, words and deeds
2. PREPARE, CORRECT AND SUSTAIN OURSELVES
physically and spiritually
AND HIS BARNS – 22 NOVEMBER 2020
 3. ACQUIRE AGAPE/DIVINE LOVE AND ETERNAL LIFE in  EVERYTHING CONCERNING THE ORTHODOX FAITH IN OUR
His Heavenly Kingdom of Love. TRIUNE LORD GOD – Verbal and Written Old
✳ “…Jesus Christ Himself being the Chief Cornerstone, in and New Covenant Faith and
Whom the whole structure, being fitted together, grows into Teachings/Sacred Traditions has been
a Holy Temple in our Lord, in Whom you also are being granted to mankind by our Lord God “…in
built together for a Dwelling Place of God in the Spirit….” Whom the whole structure, being fitted together,
grows into a Holy Temple in our Lord…”
 OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST IS “… the Chief
 Each of us are individual Holy Temples of God,
Cornerstone…” – very Foundation of our
who, altogether, are essential Members or
entire existence.
part of the Eternal, Living “…Holy
 ACCORDING TO THE INFINITE LOVE AND WILL OF GOD OUR
Temple…” of God.
HEAVENLY FATHER OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST IS
1. OUR DIVINE CREATOR, WHO CREATED US IN HIS  As Faithful Disciples of Christ each of us, “…
being fitted together grows into a Holy
PERFECT, LOVING IMAGE AND LIKENESS from the
Temple…” BY LIVING IN CHRIST JESUS ACCORDING
clay of the Earth, after having created
TO HIS DIVINE TRUTH.
everything visible and invisible from
 We are not Spiritually Independent individuals
nothingness.
who can ‘do their own thing,’ nor follow our
2. OUR DIVINE TEACHER, WHO ENLIGHTENS AND
own selfish pathway.
ELEVATES US AND OUR FALLEN NATURE by means
 WE HAVE BEEN SANCTIFIED BY THE VITAL HOLY MYSTERIES
of His Divine Revelations and Truth that
of Baptism, Chrismation, Repentance-
proves the Reality and Purpose of our
Confession, Eucharist and Unction.
existence.
 WE ARE MATURING MEMBERS of the One, Holy,
3. OUR DIVINE SAVIOUR, Whose voluntary
Universal, Orthodox and Apostolic Church –
Incarnation shows us exactly how to
the One Eternal and Sacred Body of Christ
acquire His Divine Love and Spiritual
our Lord.
Perfection, which Restores our original
 We are “…are being built together for a Dwelling
created State and Purpose as God’s
Place of God in the Spirit…” because Eternal Life
worthy, Righteous Children and Co-Heirs
in God’s Heavenly Kingdom of Love requires
of His Eternal Kingdom of Love.
us to MAKE GOOD SPIRITUAL PROGRESS DURING THIS
4. OUR DIVINE PROPHET, Whose Divine Revelations
VERY LIMITED PREPARATORY LIFESPAN before
grant us Sacred Knowledge concerning His
Eternity.
Eternal Kingdom of Love, Peace and Joy,
 We need to become SPIRITUALLY MATURE AND
which motivates and encourages us to
PERFECT so that we can WORTHILY AND
Strive all the more to acquire the greatest,
RIGHTEOUSLY ACCOMMODATE THE VERY PRESENCE OF
most vital Divine Virtue of Love, which is
OUR TRIUNE LORD GOD WITHIN US.
Spiritual Perfection.
 When we are in a Blessed State of SPIRITUAL LIFE,
5. OUR DIVINE KING, TO WHOM WE VOLUNTARILY AND
we enjoy the Divine Presence around and
FREELY VOW ETERNAL ALLEGIANCE, which we
within us.
demonstrate by the extent to which we fulfil
 When our sins cause us to fall into the miserable
the Will of our Heavenly Father in all
state of SPIRITUAL DEATH, we have distanced
circumstances.
ourselves from God and His Divine Blessings.
T H E H OLY G OSPEL ACCORDING TO ST LUKE 12 : 16 – 21
T H E R ICHFOOL & HIS BARNS
At that time, our Lord Jesus spoke this Parable: “…The ground of a certain Rich Man yielded plentifully.
And he thought to himself: ‘What shall I do, since I have no room to store my crops?’ He said: ‘I will
do this: I will pull down my barns and build greater, and there I will store all my crops and my
goods. ’And I will say to my soul: “Soul: you have many goods laid up for many years. Take your
ease. Eat, drink and be merry.”’
“God said to him: ‘Fool! This night your soul will be required of you. Whose then will those things be,
which you have provided?’
“So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich towards God!”
✳ “...our Lord Jesus spoke this Parable...” ✳ “…The ground of a certain Rich Man yielded plentifully
 Our Lord Jesus Christ often used Parables TO …” BECAUSE OF THE ABUNDANTLY PROVIDENTIAL GRACE
TEACH HIS VITAL SACRED LESSONS OF LOVE to His OF OUR LORD GOD, to Whom we owe everything.
People and all mankind.  EVERYTHING WE HAVE OR NEED IS FREELY GIVEN TO US BY
 These often dealt with very different, opposing OUR LORD GOD
characters and situations with which the  Everything belongs to God Who ‘loans’ us
people could identify and properly everything we need for this short sojourn on
comprehend. Earth.
 These Sacred Parables – like all our Lord’s  This is clearly evident from the fact that WE ENTER
Teachings – are extremely significant Sacred AND LEAVE THIS LIFE WITHOUT ANY MATERIAL
Lessons to each and every one of us POSSESSIONS OR WEALTH we accumulated in this
because WE ARE ALL TEMPTED AND SURROUNDED BY world.
OVERWHELMING GREED, SELFISHNESS, SELF-  “... a certain Rich Man...” DOES NOT MEAN THAT ALL WHO
INDULGENCE AND EGOCENTRIC MATERIALISM. ARE WEALTHY NEED BE LIKE THIS PERSON WHO
✳ “...The ground of a certain Rich Man yielded plentifully. And possessed far more than he actually needed
he thought to himself: ‘What shall I do, since I have no room to sustain his life and welfare, yet KEPT IT ALL
to store my crops?’ He said: ‘I will do this: I will pull FOR HIMSELF.
down my barns and build greater, and there I will store all  WE ALL ACCUMULATE FAR MORE THAN WE ACTUALLY NEED
my crops and my goods. ’And I will say to my soul: “Soul: to sustain our life and welfare.
you have many goods laid up for many years. Take your
ease. Eat, drink and be merry.”’

24TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST – 9TH OF ST LUKE – THE RICH FOOL AND HIS BARNS – 22 NOVEMBER 2020 35.
 OUR LORD BLESSES US WITH MORE THAN ENOUGH TO MEET
OUR OWN NEEDS SO THAT WE CAN SHARE WITH OTHERS
WHOSE NEEDS ARE OFTEN FAR GREATER THAN OUR OWN.
 By sharing our abundant Blessings with others,
WE EXPRESS OUR LOVE AND GRATITUDE TO GOD.
 We must THANK OUR LORD GOD FOR HIS CEASELESS
PROVIDENCE AND PRAY FOR ALL THOSE WHOSE
PHYSICAL LABOURS HAVE PROVIDED FOOD, CLOTHING
AND SHELTER FOR US.
 The fact that the Rich Man “...thought to himself...”
implied HIS LACK OF FAMILY OR FRIENDS with
whom to discuss such matters and share his
copious harvests.
 HE WAS TOO INVOLVED WITH HIS WORLDLY GOODS TO
DEVELOP A CLOSE RELATIONSHIP with God and
other human beings.
 It also revealed HIS EGOCENTRIC CHARACTER THAT WAS
SELF-SERVING, GREEDY AND MISERLY.
 By asking himself “... what shall I do...”
obviously the answer will be EGOCENTRIC AND
SELF-INDULGENT.
 ALL THOSE WHO HAD LABOURED SO HARD AND FOR SO LONG
to cultivate and harvest his vast crops, WERE
UTTERLY INVISIBLE AND IRRELEVANT to the Rich
Man.
 HE SEEMED NOT TO EVEN CONSIDER SHARING ANY OF HIS
PERISHABLE CORNUCOPIA WITH THEM, which was
exceedingly far more than he could possibly
consume before it rotted uselessly.
 INSTEAD OF SHARING AT LEAST SOME OF THE HARVEST with
those who had actually planted, sown and
reaped the huge crops – with those more
needy than himself – the Rich Man’s only
concern was HOW HE COULD STORE AND KEEP IT ALL
FOR HIMSELF!
 NEITHER DID HE GIVE A THOUGHT TO OFFERING HEARTFELT
THANKSGIVING PRAYERS TO GOD for such a good
harvest.
 HE WAS UTTERLY OBSESSED WITH WEALTH AND
POSSESSIONS, very much like so many of us in
this greedy, self-absorbed world.
 THE RESOLUTION TO HIS PROBLEM OUGHT TO HAVE
COMPELLED HIM TO DISTRIBUTE A PORTION OR THE
of the harvest amongst his labourers
EXCESS
and all who were poor, needy and hungry.
 HIS ONLY RESOLUTION WAS TO “ ... pull down [his] barns
and build greater…” in order to “… store all [his
perishable] crops and … goods. ...”
 His only desire was to have THE LARGEST POSSIBLE
BARNS IN WHICH TO STORE ALL HIS WASTED, USELESS
WORLDLY GOODS.
 ALL HIS TEMPORARY POSSESSIONS BECAME USELESS AND OF
NO USE TO ANYONE.
 But worst of all, THE ABUNDANT CROPS THAT HAD
REQUIRED SO MUCH TIME AND LABOUR WOULD ROT
AWAY, WITHOUT SUSTAINING ANY LIFE AT ALL – A GREAT
SIN AGAINST GOD AND HIS FELLOW MANKIND, WHICH
WOULD ETERNALLY CONDEMN HIM.
 MATERIAL POSSESSIONS ARE ONLY USEFUL IN THIS VERY
SHORT AND TEMPORARY LIFE, having been GRANTED
TO US BY DIVINE PROVIDENCE.
 THEY HAVE NO SPIRITUAL BENEFIT FOR OUR SALVATION
AND ETERNAL LIFE, UNLESS WE USE THEM CORRECTLY.
 BY SHARING OUR BLESSED ABUNDANCE with those who
are less fortunate than US WE GLORIFY GOD AND
EXPRESS OUR LOVE FOR HIM AND OUR FELLOW
MANKIND.
 St John Chrysostom believed that THE ONLY
“BARNS” WE NEED, we already have, which ARE
“... THE STOMACHS OF THE POOR.”
 St Basil the Great taught us that
36. 24TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST – 9TH OF ST LUKE – THE RICH FOOL
1. THE BREADthat is stored in our pantries [or
which we waste] BELONGS TO THE HUNGRY;
2. THE UNUSED COAT (and clothing) BELONGS TO
THOSE WHO ARE NAKED AND COLD;
3. THE SHOES lying mouldy and unworn BELONG
TO THOSE WHO ARE BAREFOOT
4. THE MONEY that we so greedily collect and
hoard, BELONGS TO THE POOR AND DESTITUTE
 The Rich man thinks to himself: “... Soul, you have
many goods laid up for many years...” but NONE
OF IT WILL BENEFIT ANYONE’S IMMORTAL SOUL!
 St Ambrose cautioned us: “... the things that we
cannot take with us are not ours. Only
Virtue will be our Companion when we
Repose...”
 In ancient times, when Joseph STORED UP GRAIN in
Egypt, it WAS STRICTLY FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE
WHOLE NATION DURING LEAN TIMES OR FAMINE.
 Whatever we think we possess, in Truth, IS LENT
TO US BY ALMIGHTY GOD WHO PROVIDES US WITH
EVERYTHING WE REALLY NEED.
 HE USUALLY GRANTS US AN ABUNDANCE, which is a
Divine Test TO SEE WHAT WE DO WITH IT!
 In the Holy Mystery of Matrimony, one of the
Prayers for the Newly Betrothed Couple
BESEECHES GOD TO GRANT THEM AN ABUNDANCE SO
THAT THEY ARE ABLE TO SHARE AND DISTRIBUTE IT
amongst those less Blessed than them.
 Our Divine Saviour has made it absolutely clear
that for WHATEVER WE DO FOR OTHERS AS ACTS OF
(Unconditional) LOVE/CHARITY GOD WILL BLESS US
A HUNDRED TIMES MORE, which is proved over
and over again
 OUR FINAL JUDGEMENT IS BASED ON OUR RELATIONSHIP
WITH GOD AND WITH OUR FELLOW SINNERS – our
neighbours.
 WHATEVER WE DO TO OR FOR OTHERS IS CERTAINLY
RETURNED TO US “A HUNDREDFOLD” – both good
and evil!!
 THE FOOLISH RICH MAN’S DESIRE to “... take [his] ease –
eat, drink and be merry...” REVEALS A “FLESHY” SOUL
THAT IS ATTACHED AND HELD CAPTIVE BY THE DESIRES
AND GRIEVOUS PASSIONS OF THE FLESH.
 In order to receive Eternal Life, OUR IMMORTAL SOUL
NEEDS TO CONTROL AND DOMINATE OUR MORTAL
FLESH.
 OUR SPIRITUAL STRUGGLES ARE CEASELESS – until we
draw our very last breath!
 WE ONLY HAVE THIS VERY SHORT LIFESPAN TO PERFECT OUR
IMMORTAL SOUL.
 By CONSTANTLY REPENTING - correct our errors - we
STRIVE TO ACQUIRE DIVINE LOVE AND ALL THE HOLY
VIRTUES that Perfect us according to the Will of
our Heavenly Father.
✳ “...God said to him: ‘Fool! This night your soul will be
required of you. Whose then will those things be, which you
have provided?’
 ONLY GOD can address the Foolish Rich Man as
“…Fool!...” because He KNOWS THE MAN’S
SPIRITUAL CONDITION.
 It is A DEROGATORY TERM THAT WE ARE SEVERELY
DISCOURAGED FROM USING as Faithful Disciples in
Christ’s Holy Church of Love/Agape.
 It is A JUDGEMENT THAT ONLY GOD CAN MAKE.
 WE ARE CAUTIONED AGAINST AND FORBIDDEN TO CRITICISE
AND JUDGE OTHERS because any condemnation
against others will become our own Eternal
Condemnation.
Our Lord’s prophetic words “...This night your soul will
be required of you...” shows us that ONLY GOD OUR
HEAVENLY FATHER KNOWS THE EXACT LENGTH OF TIME
EACH OF US IS ALLOTTED.
AND HIS BARNS – 22 NOVEMBER 2020
 THE ‘ANGELS OF DEATH’ WOULD CARRY THE RICH MAN’S
SOUL INTO HADES to await our Divine Saviour
and His Final Judgement.
 Since the Harrowing of Hades and the Victorious
Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ,
RIGHTEOUS SOULS ARE NO LONGER HELD CAPTIVE IN
HADES BY DEATH – but unrepentant sinners
suffer terrifying foretastes of Eternal Death
(Hell) in Hades.
According to God’s New Covenant of Love, two
Guardian Angels accompany our immortal soul
into Eternity.
During 40 days (our time) they act as our Spiritual
Advocates who defend us against the
accusations of the demons who reveal all our
sins, trying to claim us.
The sins we have Repented by means of the Holy
Mystery of Repentance-Confession, are no
longer written in our Book of Life, but there
are so many other sins we have not Repented.
Therefore, we must live a Repentant Life
Our Lord reminds us that WE CAN TAKE NOTHING BUT
LOVE WITH US INTO ETERNITY “…
WHEN WE DEPART THIS PREPARATORY LIFESPAN, ALL THE
TEMPORARY, WORLDLY POSSESSIONS we cling so tightly
onto REMAIN BEHIND in this material world, so God
asks us to consider “…whose then will those things
be, which you have provided?’
 THIS DIVINE REMINDER IS THE KEY TO UNDERSTANDING
THE SIGNIFICANCE OF SPIRITUAL LIFE
rather than a worldly lifestyle
indulgence.
 WE WILL BE JUDGED AND CONDEMNED
SEVERELY
ACCORDING TO WHAT GOD GAVE US AND WHAT WE DID
WITH EVERYTHING WE RECEIVED.
 THE NEW COVENANT OF LOVE REQUIRES US TO LOVE EACH
OTHER UNCONDITIONALLY – TO LOVE ALL MANKIND –
as our Lord Jesus Christ taught us and
commanded us to do.
 Our Holy Fathers constantly urge us to
1. ‘REMEMBER YOUR BAPTISM’ and what it actually
means to us.
T H E I NSP IRE D , ET
E LDE R P HILOTHE OS Z E RV AKOS
Whatever we get used to doing when we are
young will give us pleasure when we are old as
well – whether good or bad. This is what St
Gregory tells us. If we were used to stealing or
lying as a child we will still continue to do so
when we are mature. Even if we are
dishonoured, punished and embarrassed, we
will continue to take pleasure in our vices. If we
enjoyed drinking to excess when we were
young, we will still enjoy getting drunk when we
are old, even when we realise what harm it is
doing to us and how it affects our family and
friends. The same is true with regard to any
addiction for addicts would rather do without
food than be deprived of whatever they are
addicted to.
This also applies to the Holy Virtues for if we get
used to attending Church when we are young,
we will continue to attend for the rest of our life.
If we are used to praying, partaking of Holy
Communion, Repenting-Confessing and being
Charitable, we will get the same pleasure when
we are mature.
But if we learn any wickedness as a child, our sins
become far worse as we grow older and our
immortal soul becomes more depraved and
alienated from all goodness and purity.
24TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST – 9TH OF
2. ‘REMEMBER DEATH’ to constantly KEEP IN MIND THE
PURPOSE OF THIS LIFESPAN AND WHAT LITTLE TIME
WE HAVE to reach Spiritual Perfection (to the
best of our ability and by the Grace of God.)
 Instead of hoarding useless material wealth
and possessions, we ought to STRIVE TO ACQUIRE
DIVINE LOVE AND ALL THE OTHER VITAL HOLY VIRTUES
THAT KEEP US IN A STATE OF SPIRITUAL LIFE.
 UNREPENTED SIN KEEPS US IN A STATE OF SPIRITUAL DEATH!
✳ “...So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich
towards God!”
 IF WE DO NOT GET OUR REALLY IMPORTANT PRIORITIES
RIGHT – like putting God before all our own
selfish, greedy and worldly desires – THEN,
WE, TOO, ARE INDEED SELF-DELUDED FOOLS!
 IF OUR PRIORITY OR OBSESSION IS THE ACQUISITION OF
MATERIAL WEALTH AND SOCIAL STATUS rather than
a close Relationship with God, we already
“... have [our] reward,...” as our Lord Jesus
Christ pointed out – and He is our Divine
Judge Who has the final word on the
Eighth Day at our Final Judgement!!!
 This means that BEING OBSESSED WITH TEMPORARY,
CORRUPTIBLE MATERIAL AND WORLDLY INDULGENCES,
WITHOUT ANY REGARD FOR GOD AND OUR FELLOW
MANKIND, WE WILL RECEIVE NO ETERNAL LIFE
because we failed to Struggle and Strive to
acquire Spiritual Perfection.
 WE CAN ONLY SERVE ONE MASTER, which means that
IN CHRIST WE ARE EITHER COMMITTED TO GOD OR TO MAMMON
of self- (worldly wealth and status, etc)
 OUR TRIUNE, LOVING LORD GOD, GRANTS US everything
in this lifespan, as well as ETERNAL TREASURE
THAT IS BEYOND MEASURE OR PRICE.
 Being “…rich towards God…” means WE PUT GOD
AND OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH HIM AND WITH ALL
OTHERS BEFORE ANYTHING ELSE, DOING WHATEVER WE
CAN TO FULFIL HIS COMMANDMENT OF LOVE.
 Laying up treasure for ourselves means that WE
ARE GREEDY, AVARICIOUS AND EGOCENTRIC – UTTERLY
SELFISH AND UNWILLING TO DISTRIBUTE ANY OF IT TO
THOSE IN NEED.
ER NAL W ISD OM OF OU R H OLY FA THE R S
E LDE R S OP HR ONY OF E SSEX
The Path of the Christian, in general terms, is like
this: Initially we are attracted to God by the Gift
of Divine Grace, and once we have been thus
attracted, then there begins a long period of
trial.
Our freedom is tested, as is our Trust in God – and
the Test is harsh and difficult. At first, our
requests to God – great and small – even those
barely expressed – are fulfilled by God, and
usually very quickly and in wonderful ways. But
when the period of Testing begins, then
everything changes and it is as if the Heavens
have closed and deaf to our Entreaties.
Does God then abandon us? Is this possible?
Not at all! We need to Struggle and Strive much more
so that our Faith is Strengthened, and becomes
Steadfast and firmly established in all
circumstances, because God is Love, and Love never
fails us!
A BBE SS G ABR IELL A
If anything is unpleasant, we must not even think
about it and never speak of it to others.
S T G RE GORY THE TH EOLOGIAN
The Divine Law commands us to rescue and take
care of any animal that strays or falls into
danger. Given that people are not of any less
value, we should show others great Kindness
since we have a Sacred Duty to be sympathetic
even to irrational creatures.
ST LUKE – THE RICH FOOL AND HIS BARNS – 22 NOVEMBER 2020 37.
 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 ) P L AGAL 4 2 9 NOVEMBER 2020

25TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

13TH SUNDAY OF ST LUKE – INHERITING ETERNAL LIFE

The Feast of St Paramon & 370 Martyrs of Bithynia – St Dionysios, Bishop & Hieromartyr of Corinth - St
Philomenos of Ancyra - St Philomenos, the New Martyr - St Akakios of Sinai – St Nektarios the Obedient
of Kiev Near Caves Monastery – St Valerian – St Phaedros – St Abibos, Bishop of Nekresi, Georgia

R ESUR REC TION G OSPEL 3 - M ARK 16 : 9 - 20

O KTOEH OS – P R OKEIME NON – T ONE (8) P L AGAL 4

The Lord shall reign forever – Thy God, O Zion, from generation to generation.
Praise, O my soul, the Lord!
T H E E PISTLE OF S T P AUL TO TH E EP HE SIANS 4 : 1 – 7
Brethren, …as a Prisoner for our Lord, I beseech you to lead a Life that is worthy of the Calling to which
you have been Called, with all Lowliness and Meekness, with Patience, forbearing one another with
Love, eager to maintain the Unity of the Spirit in the Bond of Peace.
There is One Body, and One Spirit, just as you were Called to the One Hope that belongs to your Calling.
There is One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism, One God and Father of us all, Who is above all and
through all, and in all.
To each of us Grace was granted according to the Measure of Christ’s Gift.
✳ This chapter of St Paul’s Epistle to the Ephesians  OUR CREED OF FAITH therefore OUGHT TO POSITIVELY
concerns our response to God’s Divine Grace. INFLUENCE OUR PERSONAL CONDUCT!
Without the Divine Grace of God, we cannot In other words – WE CANNOT PROFESS TO LOVE THE
accomplish nor acquire anything of True, LORD OUR GOD BUT NOT LOVE ONE ANOTHER!
Eternal Value and Benefit. NOR CAN WE PROFESS TO BE FAITHFUL DISCIPLES OF OUR
LORD JESUS CHRIST YET LIVE A SELF-INDULGENT
✳ “…as a Prisoner for our Lord, I beseech you to lead a Life LIFESTYLE THAT IS UTTERLY UNWORTHY and against
that is worthy of the Calling to which you have been Called, all the Teachings of our Lord Jesus Christ
with all Lowliness and Meekness, with Patience, forbearing and His Perfect Example in all
one another with Love, eager to maintain the Unity of the circumstances!
Spirit in the Bond of Peace..”  The Holy Virtues of Love, such as “…Lowliness and
 ST PAUL WAS A VOLUNTARY “…Prisoner for our Meekness, with Patience…” are essential
Lord...” SINCE HE WAS IMPRISONED IN ROME AND HAD Spiritual Acquisitions which ENABLE US TO
BEGUN HIS MARTYRDOM for the sake of our Lord BECOME CHRIST-LIKE AND SPIRITUALLY PERFECT.
Jesus Christ and His New Covenant of Love.  These Holy Virtues enable us to become
 As Faithful Disciples of Christ we ought to BE “…forbearing [to] one another with Love, eager to
READY AND WILLING TO SACRIFICE OURSELVES AND OUR maintain the Unity of the Spirit in the Bond of
LIFE FOR THE SAKE OF OUR LORD’S SALVIFIC DIVINE Peace…”
TRUTH.  Our thoughts – [attitude] - words and deeds
 If we have sincerely committed ourselves to must ALWAYS CONTRIBUTE TO, INSTIGATE AND
Christ, HAVING VOWED ALLEGIANCE TO GOD AT OUR SUSTAIN HOLY UNITY, HARMONY AND LOVE.
BAPTISM, WE MUST CONTINUE TO “…lead a Life that ✳ “…There is One Body, and One Spirit, just as you were
is worthy of the Calling to which [we] have been Called to the One Hope that belongs to your Calling. There
Called…” is One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism, One God and Father
 Christ our Lord has Called us all to Follow Him. of us all, Who is above all and through all, and in all…”
 Only when we are willing to become His Faithful There is only One, True and Living Church /Body of
Disciples can we learn how to BECOME WORTHY Christ, which is firmly founded on the One
AND RIGHTEOUS CITIZENS AND CO-HEIRS of God our Divine Spirit of Agape/Love.
Heavenly Father’s Eternal Kingdom of Love. The Eternal, Holy Church of Christ is Enlightened,
 St Paul implored us all to REALISE THAT WHAT HAS Preserved, Protected, Guided and Empowered
BEEN GRANTED TO US so that we are thereby by God the All Holy, Life-giving Spirit according
motivated to FULFIL EVERYTHING THAT WE ARE IN to the Will of God our Heavenly Father.
CHRIST – to live every moment according to  ALTHOUGH WE ARE MANY DIFFERENT, INDIVIDUAL PEOPLE,
our Life in Christ – as His Faithful Disciples. WE SHARE THE SAME
 St Paul turned the focus of his Epistle to the 1. NEW NATURE IN CHRIST JESUS through our Holy
Ephesian Christian Community – and now, to Baptism and Chrismation.
us – from what God does for us to WHAT WE ARE 2. SPIRITUAL STRUGGLES against the ceaseless
TO DO IN RESPONSE TO HIS DIVINE GRACE, TRUTH AND Spiritual Warfare that is waged against us
LOVE. throughout this Journey of Preparation
 THE DEGREE WHEREBY WE BELIEVE HIS DIVINE TRUTH towards Eternity.
DEFINITELY AFFECTS HOW WE LIVE!

38. 25TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST – 13TH OF ST LUKE – INHERITING ETERNAL LIFE – 29 NOVEMBER 2020
 3. SPIRITUAL AND PHYSICAL STRIVINGS to regain The Perfect Harmony of our Triune God is due to the One
our Divine Likeness to Christ Who created Godhead acting according to the Will of God the Father,
us perfectly in His Image and Likeness through God the Son, by the Power and Energy of God the
 Although WE ARE ALL SANCTIFIED MEMBERS OF THE ONE Holy Spirit.
MOST EXALTED BODY OF CHRIST – His Holy Church
– THE GREATNESS AND GLORY IS ASCRIBABLE ONLY TO
 “…One Body… One Spirit… One Hope …One Lord, One
Faith, One Baptism, One God and Father of us all…”
OUR TRIUNE LORD GOD.
reveals, explains and expresses the PERFECT
We can NEVER CLAIM ANY CREDIT for any success or
UNITY OF THE HOLY CHURCH OF CHRIST.
accomplishments for ourselves because
 CHRISTIAN MORALITY IS not based on mankind’s
EVERYTHING IS POSSIBLE ONLY BY THE GRACE AND
ideas but on THE LIVING REALITY - THE LIFE OF
MERCY OF GOD!
GOD THE HOLY TRINITY IN HIS HOLY CHURCH.
 THE COHESIVENESS OF THIS SACRED BODY OF CHRIST IS
 St Paul combined the Three Persons of the Holy
ALMIGHTY GOD’S WORK IN GOD THE HOLY SPIRIT, so
Trinity – “One Spirit... One Lord... One God...”
any vainglory, egoism, divisiveness and
with HIS HOLY CHURCH, THE HOLY MYSTERY OF
quarrelling is strictly dishonourable and
BAPTISM AND THE THEOLOGICAL VIRTUES of “...
wicked – to be avoided and guarded
Hope...” and “... Faith...” into ONE AWESOME
against at all costs!
REALITY – THE CONCRETE BASIS OF HOLY LIVING!
 TO LIVE A HEAVENLY LIFE IN CHRIST, WE MUST ALSO
 EACH DIVINE PERSON OF THE HOLY TRINITY SANCTIFIES,
THINK, SPEAK AND ACT IN SOLIDARITY, with all due
but THE DIVINE SANCTIFICATION IS ONE, for our
Humility and Obedience to God and His Holy
HOLY BAPTISM IS ONE and THE DIVINE GRACE OF
Church while we Struggle for our personal
THE HOLY MYSTERY IS ONE.
Spiritual Growth, Progress and Perfection.
 WHILE THE HOLY CHURCH OF CHRIST IS ONE IN UNITY
 It is noteworthy that the one Holy Virtue of
AND ESSENCE IT IS EXTREMELY DIVERSE IN HER HOLY
Lowliness was uncommon to Greco-Roman
GIFTS AND FUNCTIONS.
Philosophy.
 UNITY DOES NOT MEAN ‘UNIFORMITY’ for EACH OF US
 This vital Divine and Holy Virtue of Lowliness –
MEMBERS IS UNIQUE IN THE SIGHT OF THE LORD OUR
Humility and Obedience - was taught to us
GOD and each of us is granted the necessary
by the Words and Deeds of our Divine
Gifts to FULFIL OUR SPECIALLY DEDICATED SACRED
Saviour, Jesus Christ.
ROLE IN THIS SHORT LIFESPAN ON EARTH.
THE HOLY GOSPEL ACC OR D ING TO ST LUKE 18: 18 - 27
At that time, a certain Ruler asked our Lord Jesus, saying: “Good Teacher: what shall I do to inherit Eternal
Life?” Jesus said to him: “Why dost thou call Me ‘Good’? No one is Good except God. Thou knowest
the Commandments: ‘Do not commit adultery; do not murder; do not steal; do not bear false
witness; Honour thy Father and thy Mother...’”
He said: “All these I have kept from my youth.” Hearing these things, Jesus said to him: “Thou still lack
one thing: sell all that thou hast and distribute to the poor, and thou will have Treasure in Heaven,
and come, follow Me.”
When he heard that, he became very sorrowful - being very rich. Seeing how sorrowful he was, Jesus
said: “How difficult it is for those who have riches to enter the Kingdom of God! For it is easier for a
camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the Kingdom of God.”
Those who heard, said: “And who can be Saved?” He said: “Things that are impossible for mankind are
possible for God.”
✳ “...a certain Ruler asked our Lord Jesus, saying: “Good committing something blasphemous with
Teacher: what shall I do to inherit Eternal Life?”...” which they could justifiably accuse Him and
 Although the “… certain Ruler…” WAS thus destroy Him.
UNIDENTIFIED, our Holy Fathers believed our  THIS PARTICULAR RULER SINCERELY SOUGHT OUR LORD’S
Lord Jesus Christ referred to someone who ENLIGHTENMENT CONCERNING ETERNAL LIFE.
was in charge of one of the Synagogues of  Those who studied the Old Covenant Faith, Law
that region. and Holy Scriptures taught and advised
The Synagogues [Congregations] were specially allocated others.
places wherever the Old Covenant Faithful lived and  These were respectfully addressed as “Rabbi”
could gather together for Spiritual Instruction and [Teacher] because THEY TAUGHT, DISCUSSED AND
Discussion, Prayers and Worship. The Rulers of DEBATED IN ALL THE SYNAGOGUES throughout the
these Congregations were usually erudite Teachers land and elsewhere throughout the world.
or ‘Rabbis’ of the Verbal and Written Sacred
 THE RULER KNEW THAT CHRIST POSSESSED EXTRAORDINARY
Tradition, which consisted of the Mosaic Law, the
Psalms, the Holy Scriptures and Teachings of the WISDOM AND SPIRITUAL KNOWLEDGE but HE DID NOT
Holy Prophets. ACKNOWLEDGE HIM AS THE LONG-AWAITED GREAT
The Old Covenant Faith prepared God’s Chosen People MESSIAH.
for the Appearance of the Great Divine Messiah  OUR LORD JESUS IS OUR MOST SUPREME TEACHER WHO
Who would establish an Eternal, Heavenly Kingdom. immediately corrects our errors and SETS US
This “Ruler” would not have been a Tetrarch Ruler who ON THE RIGHT PATH TO SALVATION AND ETERNAL LIFE.
governed various regions under the authority of the
Roman Empire, for they were usually pagan Gentiles.  The most significant question every one of us
needs to consider is “...what shall I do to
 He did not approach our Lord Jesus in order to inherit Eternal Life?”
test him, but TO SEEK SPIRITUAL ENLIGHTENMENT  OUR LORD HAS GIVEN US A VERY CLEAR PATH TO FOLLOW.
FROM SOMEONE WHOM HE CONSIDERED AS BEING NO  His DIVINE TRUTH LEADS US TO ETERNAL LIFE IF APPLIED
MORE THAN A VERY WELL INFORMED AND “…good to our words, thoughts and deeds.
Teacher...” of the Old Covenant Laws and  Nothing truly worthy is gained unless we OFFER
Scriptures. OUR SACRIFICES FREELY AND EAGERLY.
 MANY OTHER EDUCATED MEN TRIED TO TEST OUR LORD  Once we begin to UNDERSTAND THE TRUE PURPOSE OF
JESUS in order to show how clever they THIS SHORT LIFESPAN - the preparatory period
thought they were or to lure Him into before Eternity - AND THE SIGNIFICANCE OF

25TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST – 13TH OF ST LUKE – INHERITING ETERNAL LIFE – 29 NOVEMBER 2020 39
 ETERNITY, we will certainly be motivated to
FULFIL EVERYTHING THAT IS REQUIRED OF US WITHOUT
COMPLAINT AND WITH DETERMINED COMMITMENT.
✳ “…Jesus said to him: “Why dost thou call Me ‘Good’? No
one is Good except God. Thou knowest the Commandments:
‘Do not commit adultery; do not murder; do not steal; do
not bear false witness; Honour thy Father and thy
Mother...’”
 By saying: “...No one is Good except God…” our
Lord Jesus Christ DID NOT DENY THE TRUTH THAT
HE HIMSELF IS GOD INCARNATE WHO IS ABSOLUTELY
GOOD.
 Unlike us who are habitual and wilful sinners.
OUR LORD JESUS, Who is God-Man, IS PERFECTLY
GOOD because HE IS NATURALLY SINLESS AND
INFINITELY LOVING.
 Our Lord’s Words were meant TO LEAD THE RICH
YOUNG RULER TO THIS KNOWLEDGE AND
ENLIGHTENMENT.
 No human being can be as Perfect and Good
as only God is – for HE IS LOVE.
 DIVINE LOVE – AGAPE – ENCOMPASSES ALL DIVINE TRUTH
– all God’s Revelations, Commandments and
Teachings.
 THE ACQUISITION OF DIVINE LOVE – to the best of our
ability – IS THE SPIRITUAL PERFECTION WE STRIVE
FOR.
 Our Lord Jesus mentioned 5 MOSAIC
COMMANDMENTS: "... Do not commit adultery;
do not murder; do not steal; do not bear false
witness; Honour thy Father and thy
Mother...’”
 According to Judaic Tradition, THE FIRST TWO
COMMANDMENTS WERE THE ONLY DIVINE
COMMANDMENTS THAT MOSES RECEIVED DIRECTLY
FROM GOD. [EXODUS 20: 2 – 17 & DEUTERONOMY 5: 6 – 17]
 EXODUS 20: 2- 3 “… I Am the Lord your God…
you shall have no other gods before Me…”
 THE DIVINE NAMES “Lord” [Kyrios] and “God”
[Theos] relate to “I Am” [Ego Eimai].
 Our Lord Jesus Christ is Eternal God, “… without
beginning or end…” because HE IS THE
ETERNAL, ONLY BEGOTTEN SON AND WORD OF GOD
OUR HEAVENLY FATHER – “…True God of True
God...”
 OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST ETERNALLY EXISTS TOGETHER
WITH GOD OUR HEAVENLY FATHER AND GOD THE
HOLY, LIFE-GIVING SPIRIT.
 We exclusively Worship, Honour and Glorify GOD
THE FATHER, AND GOD THE SON AND GOD THE HOLY
SPIRIT.
 OUR ONE, ALMIGHTY GOD CONSISTS OF THREE SEPARATE
PERSONS Who are UNITED TOGETHER IN PERFECT
HARMONY AND LOVE.
 Thus everything is according to the Will of God
our Heavenly Father, through the Words and
Deeds of God our Divine Saviour, by the
Power and Energy of God the Life-giving
Holy Spirit
 According to St Athanasios the Great: “… false
gods do not exist in themselves, for this
Divine Commandment referred to the future
and whatever is in the future, does not yet
exist.”
 WE ARE FORBIDDEN TO WORSHIP ANY FALSE GODS
INVENTED OR MADE BY MANKIND.
 EXODUS 20: 4 “…You shall not make for
yourself an idol or likeness of anything in
Heaven Above or on Earth beneath, or in the
waters on Earth…”
 An idol or image depicts imaginary ‘gods’ with
form or shape, whereas OUR ETERNAL, TRUE AND
40. 25TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST – 13TH OF ST LUKE – INHERITING ETERNAL LIFE – 29 NOVEMBER 2020
LIVING LORD GOD CANNOT BE DEPICTED for He is
Invisible and Incorporeal.
 SINCE THE INCARNATION OF GOD THE ETERNAL SON OF
GOD WE CAN NOW BEHOLD AND DEPICT AS “…THE SON
OF MAN[kind]”, our Lord Jesus Christ, while the
other two Divine Persons – OUR HEAVENLY
FATHER AND THE ALL HOLY SPIRIT – REMAIN INVISIBLE
TO US, never having Manifested Themselves.
The Three Identical Angels Who visited Abraham at the
Oaks of Mamre were depicted as the Holy Trinity by
the Inspired Iconographer, St Andrei Rublev, which
is regarded as being the only acceptable Holy Icon
of our Triune Lord God.
Icons depicting our Lord Jesus’ Transfiguration and
Resurrection, and various other Holy Icons of Christ,
usually show two or three different coloured
“mandorla” or shapes around and behind Him,
signifying the Omnipresence of God the Father and
God the Holy Spirit by their Divine Glory and Light.
The mandorla is an oval shaped aureola or frame that
surrounds the entire Body of Christ Glorified , which
is different from a halo that surrounds the heads of
Christ, Theotokos and all the Saints, signifying their
Spiritual Perfection.
 The Old Covenant Mosaic Laws were gradually
increased to 613 Commandments, which are
recorded in the Sacred Scriptures of Exodus,
Leviticus and Numbers, and then reiterated
and added to in Deuteronomy, concerning
moral Laws and Dietary Laws.
✳ “…He said: “All these I have kept from my youth.” Hearing
these things, Jesus said to him: “Thou still lack one thing:
sell all that thou hast and distribute to the poor, and thou
will have Treasure in Heaven, and come, follow Me.”
 FORMAL OBSERVANCE OF THE DIVINE COMMANDMENTS
DOES NOT MAKE ANY OF US RIGHTEOUS IN THE SIGHT
OF GOD.
 STRICT OBSERVANCE OF SACRED LAW WITHOUT LOVE AND
MERCY HAS ALWAYS BEEN A MOST DIFFICULT OBSTACLE
TO OVERCOME.
 Having faithfully kept all the Holy
Commandments of God, THE RICH YOUNG RULER
WAS AWARE OF SOMETHING ESSENTIAL THAT HE NEEDED
TO ACQUIRE, which was why he asked our Lord
Jesus for Spiritual Enlightenment.
 WE ALL NEED
1. TO KNOW WHAT WE LACK so that we can correct
ourselves and make good Spiritual
Progress.
2. A SPIRITUAL FATHER who can correctly Guide,
Enlighten and encourage us when we
weaken, stray or fall.
3. A DAILY SPIRITUAL ACCOUNTING/EXAMINATION OF
OURSELVES so that we identify our
weaknesses, Repent our sins and
maintain our Life in Christ
4. BECOME SPIRITUALLY AWARE AND WATCHFUL in
order to avoid temptations, grievous
passions and all threats to our Spiritual
Welfare
5. FULL PARTICIPATION IN ALL HOLY SERVICES AND HOLY
MYSTERIES – communal Prayers,
Thanksgiving and Worship - at Church.
6. THE HOLY MYSTERIES of REPENTANCE-CONFESSION,
and HOLY EUCHARIST/COMMUNION as well as
FASTING according the Guidelines of our
Holy Church.
 Our Lord instructed this Rich Young Ruler to
“…sell all that thou hast and distribute to the
poor, and thou will have Treasure in
Heaven…” because He knew that HE WAS VERY
ATTACHED TO HIS MATERIAL POSSESSIONS, WEALTH AND
SOCIAL STATUS, WHICH PREVENTED HIM FROM MAKING
GOOD SPIRITUAL PROGRESS.
  Our Lord does not expect us to donate,
abandon nor renounce all our worldly
goods, finances and social positions, but WE
ARE EXPECTED TO SHARE OUR MATERIAL GOODS WITH
THOSE WHO ARE NEEDY, POOR AND DESTITUTE OR FOR
THE BENEFIT OF OTHERS WHO ARE SUFFERING.
 Our Lord has repeatedly taught us how to PUT
UNCONDITIONAL LOVE INTO PRACTISE by taking
care of the hungry, the naked, the homeless,
the weak and the vulnerable who surround
us.
 ALL ACTS OF UNCONDITIONAL LOVE BESTOW UPON US
IMMEASURABLE, UNIMAGINABLE “… Treasure in
Heaven…”
 If we desire Eternal Life in God’s Heavenly
Kingdom of Love, WE MUST ACQUIRE DIVINE LOVE,
which is THE GREATEST AND ETERNAL HOLY VIRTUE,
WHICH ENCAPSULATES ALL THE OTHER HOLY VIRTUES
that are so vitally essential for this current
lifespan before Eternity.
 Each human being is unique so CHRIST DOES NOT
ASK EVERYONE TO MAKE THE SAME TYPE OF SACRIFICE
before following Him.
 OUR OBSESSION WITH WORLDLY POSSESSIONS AND SOCIAL
SPIRITUAL
STATUS PREVENTS US FROM FULFILLING OUR
POTENTIAL because they cause us to NEGLECT
OUR SACRED DUTIES TO GOD AND OUR FELLOW
MANKIND.
BY RIDDING OURSELVES OF OUR ABUNDANT WORLDLY
from their enslaving
POSSESSIONS WE ARE SET FREE
burden and responsibilities.
BY DISTRIBUTING OUR EXCESSIVE POSSESSIONS AND
amongst the poor, the needy and the
WEALTH
destitute, we EXPERIENCE THE TRUE JOY OF GIVING
GENEROUSLY AND FREELY TO OTHERS.
 St John Chrysostom believed that “...the giving
away of the Young Ruler’s vast earthly
possessions was the least of our Lord’s
Instructions because the ability and the
willingness to follow Christ in all things is a
far greater and more difficult Calling...”.
 Our Lord reveals the fact that HIS ETERNAL,
SPIRITUAL TREASURES ARE FAR SUPERIOR AND MORE
SATISFYING than any temporary, fleeting
material or worldly ‘treasures.’
 Instead of accumulating such temporary,
corruptible possessions and wealth, we must
USE EVERY MOMENT OF THIS PREPARATORY PERIOD TO
STRIVE SPIRITUAL PERFECTION – prepare
FOR
ourselves for Eternal Life in His Heavenly
Kingdom BY ACQUIRING ALL THE HOLY VIRTUES -
ESPECIALLY LOVE/AGAPE.
 The second part of Christ’s Divine Instruction for
the Rich Young Ruler to “… inherit Eternal
Life…” was Christ’s Divine Calling to “…come,
follow Me...”
 CHRIST CALLS US ALL TO FOLLOW HIM by applying all
His Divine Teachings and Commandments to
our thoughts, words and deeds SO THAT WE CAN
BECOME SPIRITUALLY PERFECTED AND CHRIST-LIKE.
This is the only way we can “… inherit Eternal
Life…” in His Heavenly Kingdom of Love.
 To achieve Theosis or Spiritual Perfection we
must not only be HUMBLE AND OBEDIENT, but also
WILLING TO SACRIFICE ANYTHING AND EVERYTHING IN
TO FAITHFULLY AND CORRECTLY FOLLOW
ORDER
CHRIST – to GO WHEREVER HE LEADS US WITH
COMPLETE TRUST AND CONFIDENCE IN GOD.
 Our Spiritual Process towards Eternity is not a
“solo Journey” because WE ARE ALL PROCEEDING
TOWARDS ETERNITY – whether we are Believers
or not!
25TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST – 13TH OF ST LUKE – INHERITING ETERNAL LIFE – 29 NOVEMBER 2020
 WE CANNOT MAKE ANY SPIRITUAL PROGRESS UNLESS WE
ARE GUIDED, TAUGHT, ENCOURAGED AND ASSISTED by
God, by our Spiritual Fathers and Teachers,
as well as by our fellow Pilgrims who are
SPIRITUALLY EXPERIENCED AND ENLIGHTENED BY THE
GRACE OF GOD.
 When our Lord invites us to “... follow Me...” He
wants us to BECOME HIS FAITHFUL DISCIPLES OF
CHRIST BY FULFILLING HIS DIVINE TRUTH – by
applying all His Teachings and
Commandments to our thoughts, words and
deeds – IN IMITATION OF HIS PERFECT EXAMPLE.
When committed to Life in Christ, by the Grace of
God we can achieve amazing things, but
especially Spiritual Perfection whereby our
Divine Likeness is restored.
✳ “…When he heard that, he became very sorrowful - being
very rich…”
 The Ruler was “…very sorrowful …” because
“…being very rich…” HE COULD NOT BEAR THE
CONCEPT OF PARTING WITH ANY OF IT.
 HIS WORLDLY POSSESSIONS AND SOCIAL STATUS MEANT FAR
MORE TO HIM THAN ETERNAL LIFE.
 His heart and soul were so CAPTIVATED BY THESE
FLEETING, TEMPORARY, UNBENEFICIAL AND
CORRUPTIBLE THINGS that HE SURRENDERED TO THEM
RATHER THAN reaching for the infinite Bliss of
Everlasting Life by ACCEPTING CHRIST AND HIS
NEW COVENANT OF LOVE.
 He was extremely sorrowful because HIS
IMMORTAL SOUL WAS TRAPPED and THE “…one
thing…” HE REALLY NEEDED BECAME IMPOSSIBLE
FOR HIM.
HIS WORLDLY POSSESSIONS AND SOCIAL STATUS HAD
DOMINATED, OPPRESSED AND ENSLAVED HIS IMMORTAL
SOUL, which could not proceed properly
towards Eternal Life in God’s Heavenly
Kingdom.
 WHEN OUR SOUL IS STIFLED BY THE DESIRES OF THE FLESH –
the selfish demands of our mind and body –
IT BECOMES “...FLESHY...” AND CANNOT RETURN TO
GOD.
✳ “…Seeing how sorrowful he was, Jesus said: “How difficult it
is for those who have riches to enter the Kingdom of God!
For it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle
than for a rich man to enter the Kingdom of God.”
 “...it is difficult for a rich man to enter the
Kingdom of Heaven...” UNLESS DIVESTED OF ALL
WORLDLY CONCERNS AND ATTACHMENTS.
 When we RENOUNCE THE DESIRE FOR WORLDLY
POSSESSIONS AND SOCIAL STATUS, we are FREE TO
MAKE GOOD SPIRITUAL PROGRESS, and will already
experience a Foretaste of the Love, Joy and
Peace of God’s Heavenly Kingdom.
 OUR OBSESSION WITH ANY MATERIAL AND TEMPORARY
THINGS DRAW US AWAY FROM GOD, which is why
these are harmful to our Spiritual Welfare
and Progress.
 When everything is materially flourishing for us,
WE OFTEN NEGLECT OUR PRAYERS AND WORSHIP.
 THE MORE WE HAVE, THE LESS INCLINED WE BECOME TO
FULFILLING OUR SACRED DUTIES TO GOD AND EACH
OTHER – especially BY NOT SHARING OUR
ABUNDANCE WITH OTHERS, which ultimately
CONDEMNS US.
 The expression “...it is easier for a camel to go
through the eye of a needle...” had several
meanings.
 OUR LORD OFTEN USED EXTREME EXAMPLES IN ORDER TO
EMPHASISE HIS SACRED LESSONS.
41
  Some believe that instead of “…a camel…”
passing through the eye of a fine sewing
needle, it was THE IMPOSSIBILITY OF A THICK
“…rope…” BEING THREADED THROUGH THE EYE OF A
NEEDLE.
 THE TALMUD USED THE WORD “ELEPHANT” INSTEAD OF
“CAMEL.” – another gross exaggeration TO
EMPHASISE A SIGNIFICANT POINT.
 Others regarded it as reference to HEAVILY LADEN
CAMELS OR BEASTS OF BURDEN THAT HAD TO BE
UNLOADED AND THEN SQUEEZED THROUGH THE SMALL
that was usually set into the
PEDESTRIAN GATE
great, protective doors of the ancient cities.
 This explanation reminds us that UNLESS WE
UNBURDEN OURSELVES OF OUR EARTHLY GOODS AND
CHATTELS, WE CANNOT ENTER THE
NARROW GATE OF
GOD’S ETERNAL KINGDOM!
 Whatever the case might have been – simple or
more obscure – IT IS IMPOSSIBLE FOR THOSE WHO
ARE MORE CONCERNED ABOUT THEIR WORLDLY GOODS
THAN THEIR SPIRITUAL WELFARE TO RECEIVE
SALVATION AND ETERNAL LIFE in God’s Heavenly
Kingdom of Love, Peace and Joy.
 AN OBSESSION WITH MATERIAL THINGS AND SOCIAL STATUS
that are merely temporary, destructible and
disappointing, CAUSES US TO IGNORE AND NEGLECT
OUR SACRED DUTIES AND LIFE IN CHRIST.
THE ETE R NAL , INSP IR ED
A BBE SS THEOSEMNI OF CRETE
We have to respect each other, whether we make
mistakes or not. We should not destroy, wound
nor berate others because Love requires us to
exculpate them, to Love them unconditionally
and to take the blame upon ourselves.
A BBA P IME N
We all need Humility and the Fear of God more
than we need to breath. Two wrongs do not
make anything right, so if anyone does us
wrong, we must return it with Good, for in this
way our good actions expunge their
wrongdoing.
E LDE R AM BR OSIOS L AZAR IS
We must forgive each other. We must not quarrel
and annihilate each other. We must put iodine
on the wounds of our fellow sinners and be
Joyful. We must Love and forgive one another.
We must Pray, Love God and all mankind, our
Lady, Theotokos and all our Saints. No curse
should emerge from a mouth that prays!
E LDE R J OSE PH OF V ATOP AID I
A humbled heart, which has first been wounded by
the arrows of the enemy and then, after
Repentance, by the Paternal Love of our Divine
Saviour, has no other way of expressing itself
but by tears. It is naïve to think that we can
follow in the Footsteps of Christ without tears!
E LDE R TH AD DEU S V ITOVNIC
Those who Live in the Kingdom of Heave radiate
Saintly Thoughts. The Kingdom of God creates
within us an atmosphere of Paradise – quite the
opposite of the hellish atmosphere that is
exuded by those who have Hades in their heart.
The Role of Christians in the world is to filter the
Earth’s atmosphere, so that the Atmosphere of
the Kingdom of God continuously gains ground.
S T AM PH IL OC H IOS M AKRIS
The ‘newspapers of Heaven’ write about everything
that happens here – both the good and the
bad. The Faithful should be simple in their
42. 25TH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST – 13TH
 NO WORLDLY STATUS AND MATERIAL POSSESSIONS
ETERNAL SALVATION UNLESS THEY
CONTRIBUTE TO OUR
ARE CORRECTLY PUT TO USE for the sake of our
Love of God and our fellow sinners.
 IT IS NEVER TOO LATE TO TURN TO GOD and make up
for the precious time we have lost, BY
REPENTING OUR SINS AND NURTURING A CLOSE
RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD through Faithful
worship, Prayer, Fasting and everything that
is essential for our Eternal Salvation.
✳“... Those who heard, said: “And who can be Saved?” He
said: “Things that are impossible for mankind are possible
for God.”
 Although we realise WE MUST PERSEVERE AND ENDURE
A DIFFICULT JOURNEY, we can rest assured in the
Knowledge that WITH GOD ALL THINGS ARE INDEED
POSSIBLE!
 GOD GRANTS US HIS DIVINE GRACE when we are
sincerely and steadfastly engaged in a
constant Spiritual Struggle against all
temptations and sin.
 HIS DIVINE GRACE EMPOWERS AND ENABLES US to
perform wonderful Spiritual Feats for the
sake of His Glory, Honour and Worship.
 OUR LORD PROVIDES US WITH EVERY NECESSITY that
enables us to make good Spiritual Progress.
W ISD OM OF OU R H OLY FA THE R S & H OLY M OTH ERS
actions and pure in their thoughts and
emotions. They should seek God with a Pure
heart, and Meet Him in simplicity because a “..
a Pure Heart passes easily through the Gates of
Heaven.”
E LDE R G AV R IIL T SAF OS
We have lots of reasons to be tired, sad or fallen.
But we do not have the right to give up – to
surrender. We do not have the right to lay our
burdens down.
S T J OH N OF K R ONSTAD T
When our flesh is tested by illnesses, we must
remember that what is suffering and become
debilitated is the greatest enemy of our
Salvation. This is why we should put up with our
afflictions and ailments bravely in the Name of
our Lord. We should also remember that every
illness is a form of suffering that is allowed by
God for our sins. It Cleanses us, Reconciles us to
Him and brings us back to His Love.
S T BA SIL THE G RE AT
This mind of ours, which is so quick and sharp to
see the transgressions of others is very sluggish
when it comes to recognising and Repenting
our own failings!
S T I AKOV OS T SAL IKIS
If we are not Spiritually Strong and the behaviour
of others bothers us, we must not condemn
them. It is better to avoid them and to have no
contact or dealings with them. And if they are
heretics, then we should avoid them entirely
and have nothing to do with them because by
keeping company with heretics is dangerous. It
poisons us, undermines us and delivers a
mortal Spiritual Wound to us.
S T J OH N OF K R ONSTAD T
Our Lord God allows us to be punished in order to
head off approaching woes and prevent
wickedness from increasing.
OF ST LUKE – INHERITING ETERNAL LIFE – 29 NOVEMBER 2020
 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 NOVEMBER 2020

ST ANDREW THE FIRST CALLED APOSTLE OF CHRIST

Also the Feast of St Frumentios, Archbishop of Abyssinia, Ethiopia – St Vakhtang Gorgasali,

King of Georgia – St Samuel of Georgia – St Peter of Georgia

P R OKE IME NON – P SALM 18 – T ONE (8) P L AGAL 4

His Proclamation went forth into all the earth, and His Words to the ends of the world.
The Heavens declare the Glory of God; the firmament shows the Creation of His Hands.
F IR ST EP ISTLE OF S T P AUL TO TH E C OR INTH IANS 4 : 9 – 16
Brethren, God has set forth us, the Apostles, last, as it were appointed to Death, for we are made a
spectacle unto the world, and to Angels, and to men. We are fools for Christ’s sake, but you are wise in
Christ; we are weak, but you are strong; you are honourable, but we are despised. Even unto this
present hour, we both hunger and thirst, and are naked, and are buffeted, and have no dwelling-
place. And we labour, working with our own hands. Being reviled, we Bless; being persecuted, we
suffer it; being defamed, we Entreat. We are made as the filth of the world - the offscourings of all
things unto this day.
I do not write these things to shame you, but as my Beloved Children, I warn you. Although you have ten
thousand Instructors in Christ, you do not many Fathers. In Christ Jesus through the Gospel I have
begotten you. I beseech you, therefore - be imitators of me.
✳ “...God has set forth us, the Apostles, last, as it were HAVE TAKEN OFFENCE OR FEARED THE SAME
appointed to Death, for we are made a spectacle unto PERSECUTION and extremely difficult lifestyle of
the world, and to Angels, and to men…” the Holy Apostles of Christ.
 Our Lord Jesus Christ Called His Apostles TO SERVE  St Paul wanted them to understand that THE
AND TO FULFIL THE WILL OF OUR HEAVENLY FATHER – APOSTLES WOULD DO WHATEVER IT TOOK, so that ALL
even to suffer persecution and Holy DISCIPLES OF CHRIST WOULD BE ABLE TO LIVE IN PEACE
Martyrdom so as TO BRING ALL HIS LOST SHEEP AND LOVE WHILE THE FAITH of our Lord Jesus
INTO THE SPIRITUAL SAFETY OF HIS HOLY CHURCH AND Christ – His Divine Truth - WAS CAREFULLY, AND
HEAVENLY KINGDOM. STEADILY NURTURED AND FIRMLY ESTABLISHED in their
 The Holy Apostles were“...made a spectacle...” TO heart and soul.
ALL CREATION because of their unwavering  St Paul contrasted THE ARDUOUS AND UNCERTAIN
Faith in Christ and His New Covenant of CIRCUMSTANCES OF THE HOLY APOSTLES OF CHRIST
Love, even to the point of endless against the relative comfort of the Corinthian
persecution, suffering, hardships and Christian Community by admitting: “...we
martyrdom. hunger and thirst... are naked... buffeted...
 THE DEPTH OF THEIR FAITH, ENABLED AND EMPOWERED have no dwelling-place...”
the Holy Apostles - and all Holy Martyrs - TO ✳ "...And we labour, working with our own hands. Being
ENDURE such terrible humiliation, degradation reviled, we Bless; being persecuted, we suffer it; being
and persecution, BECAUSE THEY UNDERSTOOD AND defamed, we Entreat. We are made as the filth of the
FULLY ACCEPTED CHRIST’S DIVINE TRUTH. world - the offscourings of all things unto this day…”
 They understood that THIS LIFESPAN IS A PREPARATORY  ST PAUL AND ALL THE OTHER HOLY APOSTLES WORKED
PERIOD OF OUR GREATEST STRUGGLES BEFORE HARD TO PROVIDE FOR THEMSELVES AND HELP OTHERS
ETERNITY. “…we labour, working with our own hands…”
✳ “…We are fools for Christ’s sake, but you are wise in Christ; so that they were NOT UNNECESSARY BURDENS on
we are weak, but you are strong; you are honourable, but the newly founded and often very poor
we are despised. Even unto this present hour, we both Christian Communities.
hunger and thirst, and are naked, and are buffeted, and have
no dwelling-place…”.
 They set the best example for those to whom
they preached, DEMONSTRATING AND CONFIRMING
 “... We are fools... weak... despised...” emphasised BY THEIR WORDS AND ACTIONS, THE NEW COVENANT OF
THE UNCOMPREHENDING OPINIONS OF THOSE WHO
LOVE: “…we Bless... we suffer it (tolerate) ...
NEITHER BELIEVE NOR UNDERSTAND DIVINE TRUTH.
 ST PAUL USED IRONY AND SARCASM AS BITTER MEDICINE TO we Entreat (prayed for their persecutors] ...”
CURE OUR UNBELIEF AND LACK OF FAITH in God’s  This is HOW WE MUST REACT TO ANY ADVERSITY that tests
Love and Great Mercy. us to the extreme.
 DIVINE TRUTH IS THE MOST POWERFUL SPIRITUAL 1. We must AVOID SIMILAR NEGATIVE REACTIONS AND
RETALIATIONS, which always worsens any
ANTIDOTE against the evil one’s deceptions
that mislead us. threatening or negative circumstances.
2. We must STRUGGLE AGAINST AND EITHER AVOID OR
 St Paul told the Corinthians and others who RESIST ALL TEMPTATIONS AND GRIEVOUS PASSIONS.
would hear or read these words: “... you are 3. We must do our utmost to RESPOND WITH LOVE,
Wise IN CHRIST... you are strong... KINDNESS, PATIENCE, TOLERANCE, AND MERCY.
honourable...” to REASSURE, COMFORT AND SOOTHE
THEIR IMMATURE EGO – ESPECIALLY THOSE WHO MIGHT

S T A NDR EW Z EBEDEE – F IR ST CA LLED AP OSTLE OF CH R IST 30 N OVEM BE R 43.

 4. We must ENTREAT GOD’S MERCY ON THOSE WHO  ONLY GOD KNOWS OUR TRUE SPIRITUAL STATE.
HURT OR HARM US, “... for they know not what  THE FRUIT OF OUR LABOURS OF LOVE WILL SPEAK VOLUMES,
they do...” while we, ourselves must REMAIN SILENT.
5. We must BESEECH HIS FORGIVENESS FOR ANYTHING  THEY ENDURED all their humiliation and suffering
WE MIGHT HAVE DONE THAT CONTRIBUTED TO THE FOR THE PURE JOY OF SERVING OUR LORD AND SAVIOUR
PROBLEM – THEREBY RECONCILING THE FALLEN WORLD TO GOD.
 The Golden Commandment of Love instructs us ✳ “…I do not write these things to shame you, but as my
to ALWAYS DEAL WITH OTHERS IN THE SAME GOOD AND Beloved Children, I warn you. Although you have ten
POSITIVE MANNER AS WE WOULD LIKE THEM TO thousand Instructors in Christ, you do not have many
INTERACT WITH US. Fathers. In Christ Jesus through the Gospel I have
 The Holy Apostles and Faithful Disciples ENDURED begotten you. I beseech you, therefore - be imitators of
ALL KINDS AND DEGREES OF DISRESPECT AND PUBLIC me.
HUMILIATION – being treated as “…the filth of  St Paul soothed and cautioned his Faithful Flock
the world - the offscourings of all things…” by reminding them of his Spiritual
Yet - instead of retaliating in a similar Fatherhood. “…as my Beloved Children, I warn
disrespectful manner by striking back at you…”
their persecutors – THEY RESPONDED WITH  THE HOLY CHURCH OF CHRIST IS SIMILAR TO ANY OTHER
FAMILY – with maturing children who need
UNCONDITIONAL, DIVINE LOVE – AGAPE!
THIS IS HOW WE BECOME TRUE CHRISTIANS – CHRIST-LIKE! parental guidance.
 No matter how society or individual people  As Struggling Disciples of Christ, WE WHO ARE THE
MATURING CHILDREN, NEED OUR SPIRITUAL FATHERS TO
might regard us, we must NEVER BE ASHAMED
TEACH AND GUIDE US according to their own
NOR DISCOURAGED AS STRUGGLING DISCIPLES OF
CHRIST. Spiritual Knowledge and Experience.
 PERSECUTION, CALUMNY, JEALOUSY AND DISFAVOUR IS NOT  ST PAUL URGED US AS FAITHFUL DISCIPLES OF CHRIST TO
IMITATE HIM JUST AS HE CEASELESSLY STROVE TO
RESTRICTED to the fallen world, but can also
arise from within the Ranks of our Holy IMITATE OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST.
Church and Christian Communities.
H OLY G OSPEL ACC ORD ING TO S T J OH N 1 : 35 - 52
At that time, John stood with two of his Disciples. And looking at Jesus as He walked, he said: “Behold!
The Lamb of God!” And having heard him speak, the two Disciples followed Jesus. Jesus turned, and
seeing them following Him, said to them: “What do you seek?” They said to Him: “Rabbi:” (which is to
say, when translated: ‘Teacher,’) “... where art Thou staying?” He said to them: “Come and see.”
They went and saw where He was staying, and remained with Him that day. (It was about the tenth hour.)
Andrew, the brother of Simon Peter, was one of the two who had heard John speak, and had followed
Him. Finding first his own brother, Simon, he said to him: “We have found the Messiah!” (which is
translated: ‘the Christ.’) And he took him to Jesus. Looking at him, Jesus said: “Thou art Simon – the
son of Jonah. Thou shalt be called ‘Cephas,’” (which is translated: ‘Rock.’)
The following day, Jesus wanted to go to Galilee. And He found Philip, and said to him: “Follow Me.”
Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. Philip found Nathanael and said to him: “We
have found Him of Whom Moses in the Law – and also the Prophets – wrote: Jesus, the son of Joseph of
Nazareth!” And Nathanael said to him: “Can anything Good come out of Nazareth?” Philip said to him:
“Come and see!”
Jesus saw Nathanael coming towards Him, and said of him: “Behold! Truly an Israelite - in whom there is
no deceit!” Nathanael said to Him: “How dost Thou know me?” Answering Jesus said to him: “Before
you were called by Philip - while under the fig tree, I beheld thee.” Nathanael answered, and said to
Him: “Rabbi! Thou art the Son of God! Thou art the King of Israel!” Jesus replied, and said to him:
“Because I said to thee; ‘I beheld thee under the fig tree,’ dost thou believe? Thou shalt see greater
Things than these!”
And He said to him: “Truly, truly, I say to thee: hereafter thou shalt see Heaven open, and the Angels of
God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man.”
St John the Beloved Apostle of Christ is known by the Son of Man] and that – believing – you may
various titles such “…the Evangelist…” and “… have Life in His Name…” [JOHN 20:31]
the Divine…”
He was closely related to our Lord Jesus Christ ✳ “…At that time, John stood with two of his Disciples. And
through our Lady, Theotokos and was utterly looking at Jesus as He walked, he said: “Behold! The Lamb
devoted to our Lord since his youth, which is of God!” And having heard him speak, the two Disciples
why he is known as “the Beloved Apostle of followed Jesus…”
Christ,” to whom our Saviour entrusted the care  ST JOHN THE BAPTIST IMMEDIATELY IDENTIFIED OUR LORD
and protection of His Ever Blessed Mother. JESUS CHRIST AS “… the Lamb of God…”
He is worthily entitled “St John the Theologian” due because He is our Divine Saviour Who is THE
to the profundity of His Holy Gospel, his Epistles MOST PERFECT AND PURE SACRIFICE FOR THE SINS OF
and the Book of Revelation/the Apocalypse. ALL MANKIND.
He is also referred to as “St John of Patmos” and “St  In the Proskomidi (Preparatory Service) the
John of Ephesos” where he spent most of his Priest cuts out the central section of the
public Ministry and, assisted by St Prochoros, Oblation Loaf, which is “The Lamb” that
wrote this Holy Gospel, which is considered as BECOMES THE BODY OF CHRIST AT THE
being the last of the four Holy Gospels. CONSUBSTATION OF THE HOLY GIFTS BY GOD THE
This Holy Gospel was written circa 96, and HOLY SPIRIT DURING THE HOLY MYSTERY OF
concerns the Incarnation of God the Eternal Son EUCHARIST.
of God “… so that you may believe that [our  ISAIAH 53 : 7 - 8 “… Although He was persecuted, He did
Lord] Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God [and not open His Mouth. He was led as a Sheep to the
slaughter, and as a Lamb is silent before His
shearers, so He does not open His Mouth…”
44. S T A ND REW Z E BEDE E – F IR ST C ALL ED AP OSTL E OF C HR IST 30 N OVEM BE R
 The Shepherd of Israel, and now of the whole
world also became ‘… the Lamb of God Who
takes away the sin of the world.’” [ST GREGORY
OF NYSSA; JOHN 1:29]
 ISAIAH 53: 8 – 10 “… His Life is taken from the Earth, and
because of the lawlessness of My People He is led to
death. I will appoint evil men for His Burial and rich
men for His Death because He committed no
lawlessness, nor was deceit found in His Mouth. The
Lord wishes to Cleanse Him of His Wounds, and if
you give an Offering for sin, your soul shall see a
Long-lived Seed.
 Although Christ was led to death, DEATH COULD
NOT HOLD HIS PERFECT, SINLESS BODY.
 God our Heavenly Father Cleansed our Lord
Jesus – God His Beloved Son – of His Wounds
because HIS BODY COULD NOT REMAIN SUBJECT TO
CORRUPTION and Death.
 OUR DIVINE SAVIOUR’S SACRIFICIAL OFFERING ENABLES US
TO RECEIVE the same Divine Healing and
Eternal Life – RESURRECTION AND ETERNAL LIFE.
 ST JOHN THE BAPTIST WAS THE LAST AND GREATEST OF
GOD’S HOLY PROPHETS WHO PREPARED HIS PEOPLE FOR
THE APPEARANCE OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST Who is
the Great Divine Messiah of all mankind,
Whom they had awaited for centuries.
 ST JOHN IS THE “FORERUNNER” OF OUR LORD because
he proclaimed the Coming of the Heavenly
Kingdom of God and our Divine Saviour both
on Earth, and down in Hades, before our
Lord smashed open the gates of Hades and
led His Righteous People to Paradise.
Forerunners always went ahead of great, powerful
Rulers, Kings or conquerors, or those of significant
importance, to prepare the people and everything
necessary for their arrival and reception.
 St John, like all the other Holy Prophets of God,
prepared the people for the Coming of the
Divine Saviour of all mankind Who
Reconciles us with God and with each other.
 After “…having heard him speak…” –
preaching about our Divine Saviour - and
having Repented their sins and received
Baptism from St John, not only “… two
Disciples…” but MANY HIS FAITHFUL DISCIPLES
BEGAN TO FOLLOW OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST.
 The first Faithful Disciples of our Lord Jesus
Christ had been DISCIPLES OF ST JOHN THE
BAPTIST AND FORERUNNER TO CHRIST.
 These were ST ANDREW AND ST SIMON PETER/CEPHAS,
sons of Jonah, ST NATHANAEL BARTHOLOMEW AND
ST JOHN AND ST JAMES, who were sons of St
Salome, a daughter of St Joseph the
Betrothed, and St Zebedee, a Fisherman of
Galilee, who were nick-named by Christ as
being “Sons of Thunder” because of their
quick tempers.
 MANY PEOPLE WERE KNOWN BY MORE THAN ONE NAME,
which can be confusing. These names were
according to the various cultures, dialects
and nationalities, and also nicknames.
 It was a common literary device for writers not
to use their own names, so ST JOHN NEVER
MENTIONED HIMSELF BY NAME.
Due to the profound Humility of OUR LADY,
THEOTOKOS, She, too, WAS OFTEN REFERRED TO IN AN
OBLIQUE MANNER.
Several of the Apostles and Disciples were related to
our Lady, Theotokos, who was legally Betrothed to
St Joseph the Carpenter, Her aged Uncle.
Because of Her Sacred Vow of Chastity, the Temple
Priests had elected St Joseph as Her legal
S T A NDR EW Z EBEDEE – F IR ST CA LLED
Guardian and Protector, and thus, according to
Mosaic Law, the children of St Joseph and his late
wife, Salome, [a sister of St Anna] became the
children of Theotokos, [their maternal cousin.]
✳ “…Jesus turned, and seeing them following Him, said to
them: “What do you seek?” They said to Him: “Rabbi:”
(which is to say, when translated: ‘Teacher,’) “... where art
Thou staying?” He said to them: “Come and see.”
 OUR LORD JESUS KNOWS ALL OUR THOUGHTS EVEN BEFORE
WE HAVE FORMED OR EXPRESSED THEM but HE WANTS
US TO consider His rather obvious questions,
in order to EXAMINE AND ACKNOWLEDGE OURSELVES
AND OUR CIRCUMSTANCES.
 “What do you seek?” IS A HIGHLY SIGNIFICANT
QUESTION to every one of us, which we should
CONTEMPLATE VERY CAREFULLY AND HONESTLY, for all
too often, WHAT WE WANT/DESIRE AND WHAT WE
NEED/REQUIRE CAN BE VASTLY DIFFERENT.
 “…Rabbi…” WAS THE RESPECTFUL WAY OF ADDRESSING
TEACHERS OF THE OLD COVENANT FAITH - those
who were Spiritually Enlightened or
educated well enough to discuss, instruct,
interpret or preach Its True Purpose and
Meaning.
 Although they enquired “… where art Thou
staying…” He knew there was far more
significance to their question, so He invited
them to “…’Come and see’…” - thereby
inviting us all to FOLLOW HIM AND EXPERIENCE HIS
DIVINE TRUTH THAT GRANTS US FAR MORE THAN WE
CAN EVER IMAGINE!
✳ “…They went and saw where He was staying, and remained
with Him that day. (It was about the tenth hour.) Andrew,
the brother of Simon Peter, was one of the two who had
heard John speak, and had followed Him.
 St Andrew and St John were the first two
Apostles of Christ, who had followed Him to
His lodgings “… and remained with Him that
day…”
 “… the tenth hour…” was 16:00 [4 p.m.]
according to Judaic time, for their day
began at sunrise or 06:00 [6 a.m.]
 With regard to the significance of “… the tenth
hour…” according to St Augustine: “… if the
tenth number pertains to the [Old Covenant]
Law, the Master of the Law is no other than the
Giver of Law…. He is the Master of His own
Law, and teaches it…”
✳ Finding first his own brother, Simon, he said to him: “We
have found the Messiah!” (which is translated: ‘the Christ.’)
And he took him to Jesus. Looking at him, Jesus said:
“Thou art Simon – the son of Jonah. Thou shalt be called
‘Cephas,’” (which is translated: ‘Rock.’)
 The Calling of St Simon Peter occurred after St
Andrew told him “We have found the
Messiah!” and then introduced him to our
Lord Jesus, Who nick-named him “…
‘Cephas’…” [Petras/Peter] for UPON HIS TYPE OF
ROCK-SOLID FAITH, CHRIST’S CHURCH WOULD BE
ESTABLISHED.
✳ “…The following day, Jesus wanted to go to Galilee. And He
found Philip, and said to him: “Follow Me.” Philip was
from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. Philip
found Nathanael and said to him: “We have found Him
of Whom Moses in the Law – and also the Prophets –
wrote: Jesus, the son of Joseph of Nazareth!” And
Nathanael said to him: “Can anything Good come out of
Nazareth?” Philip said to him: “Come and see!”
 “… the following day…” when our Lord Called St
Philip to Follow Him he became one of the
Twelve Apostles.
AP OSTLE OF CH R IST 30 N OVEM BE R 45.
 St Philip was a Hellenistic Judean who “… was
from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and
Peter…” and had also been a Disciple of St
John the Baptist.
 Immediately after his Calling, St Philip hastened
to St Nathanael Bartholomew having so
joyfully proclaimed: “We have found Him…
Jesus, the Son of Joseph of Nazareth!”
 St Nathanael/Barnabas’ response “Can
anything Good come out of Nazareth?”
probably meant that it was the least
expected place from which our Great Divine
Messiah would come.
Like others who had studied Holy Scriptures, our Lord
was not expected to have come from such an
insignificant town as Nazareth, when in fact He had
been born in the Royal City of King David –
Bethlehem, being of Royal Lineage according to that
of His All Pure, Holy and Virgin Mother, Theotokos.
 Furthermore, BEING IDENTIFIED AS “…the Son of
Joseph the Carpenter…” ALSO CAUSED MUCH
DOUBT AS TO HIS TRUE IDENTITY, for St Joseph was
merely the legal Guardian and Protector of
both Theotokos and Christ Jesus while He
grew into adulthood.
 St Philip responds to the voiced astonishment of
St Nathanael Bartholomew by simply
repeating the Words of our Lord: “Come and
see!”
 Like many others, St Nathanael was also known
as “Bartholomew” for he was “the son of
Talmai” - Hebrew “Bar Talmai.” Greek:
Bartholomeios [Βαρθολομαῖος]
✳ “…Jesus saw Nathanael coming towards Him, and said of
him: “Behold! Truly an Israelite - in whom there is no
deceit!”
As soon as our Lord met St Nathanael He
mentioned his genuine, sincere Purity of heart
and soul for CHRIST KNEW THAT ST NATHANAEL WAS
ALWAYS STRAIGHTFORWARD, TRUTHFUL AND HONESt -
having no need or desire to deceive others.
✳ “…Nathanael said to Him: “How dost Thou know me?”
Answering Jesus said to him: “Before you were called by
Philip - while under the fig tree, I beheld thee.” Nathanael
answered, and said to Him: “Rabbi! Thou art the Son of
God! Thou art the King of Israel!” Jesus replied, and said
to him: “Because I said to thee; ‘I beheld thee under the fig
tree,’ dost thou believe? Thou shalt see greater Things than
these!”
 OUR LORD KNEW EXACTLY WHAT ST NATHANAEL HAD BEEN
DOING AND THINKING – “…Before you were called
by Philip - while under the fig tree, I beheld
thee…” even before St Philip arrived and
gave him the Good News that at last our
Divine Messiah had Appeared as Promised
by God and prophesied by His Holy Prophets
throughout the centuries.
 Although whatever occurred while St Nathanael
was UNDER THE FIG TREE was not stated, St John
Chrysostom believed that it WAS THE USUAL
MEETING PLACE OF ST PHILIP AND ST NATHANAEL,
where they discussed the Appearance of our
Great Divine Messiah.
 OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST’S CLEAR AND TRUTHFUL
FOREKNOWLEDGE AND ABILITY TO SEE DEEP WITHIN THE
HEART AND SOUL OF ST NATHANAEL SPARKED HIS
HEARTFELT JOY AND CONFESSION OF FAITH:
“…Rabbi! Thou art the Son of God! Thou art
the King of Israel!”
From that moment St Nathanael Bartholomeos
became one of our Lord’s most Faithful
Apostles who would serve Him and the New
46. S T A NDRE W Z EBE DEE – F IRST
Covenant of Love and Salvation even unto
Martyrdom and Eternity..
 “…Son of God…” and “…King of Israel…” are
two AWESOME, UNIQUE, RIGHTFUL AND WORTHY
TITLES OF THE LONG-AWAITED DIVINE MESSIAH.
 These Divine Titles have A LEVEL OF DIVINE MYSTERY
in their meaning INDICATING SOMEONE OF
HEAVENLY ORIGIN WHO WOULD USHER IN THE
KINGDOM OF GOD:
 D A N I E L 7 : 2 4 – 2 5 : “... One like the Son of Man
was coming with the Clouds of Heaven, until
He came to the Ancient of Days and
approached Him. Then Dominion, Honour,
and the Kingdom were given to Him, and all
peoples, Tribes, and languages served Him.
His Authority is an Everlasting Authority,
which shall not pass away, and His Kingdom
shall not be destroyed.”
 G E N E S I S 2 8 : 1 2 – 1 5 THE COMING OF OUR LORD JESUS
CHRIST, WHO RECONCILES, UNITES AND CONNECTS
MANKIND WITH HIS HEAVENLY KINGDOM WAS
FORESEEN BY ST JACOB the ancient Prophet of
God who saw a Vision of A LADDER THAT
CONNECTED HEAVEN AND EARTH upon which
God’s Angelic Hosts were descending and
ascending.
 OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST IS THIS DIVINE LADDER WHO
UNITES AND CONNECTS US TO HEAVEN.
1. HE ALONE MAKES OUR ASCENSION TO HEAVEN
POSSIBLE
2. HE ALONE IS BOTH GOD THE ETERNAL SON OF GOD
OUR HEAVENLY FATHER.
3. HE ALONE TEACHES US AND SHOWS US HOW TO FULFIL
THE WILL OF OUR HEAVENLY FATHER by means
of His own Perfect Example – His Humble
and Obedient Words and Deeds.
 Our Lord told St Nathanael Bartholomew not to
believe in Him only because He said: “… I
beheld thee under the fig tree…” for he
would actually Experience personally “…
greater Things than these!”
 WE MUST NOT DEPEND UPON ONLY WHAT WE ARE ABLE TO
SEE AND EXPERIENCE NOW, NO MATTER HOW AMAZING,
for there is SO MUCH MORE TO BEHOLD AND TO
EXPERIENCE BY DIVINE GRACE, that we cannot
presently bear nor comprehend with our
limited abilities and Spiritual Immaturity.
 Our Faith should never be founded only upon
selected portions of the Sacred Scriptures,
Writings, Divine Miracles or Spiritual
Experiences.
✳ “…And He said to him: “Truly, truly, I say to thee: hereafter
thou shalt see Heaven open, and the Angels of God
ascending and descending upon the Son of Man.”
 OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST REPEATEDLY TOLD HIS APOSTLES
AND DISCIPLES THAT THEY WOULD WITNESS MANY
GREAT DIVINE MYSTERIES WHEN GOD’S INDESCRIBABLE
AND UNIMAGINABLE GREAT HEAVENLY WONDERS WERE
REVEALED TO THEM, even while on Earth.
 When ‘… Heaven open[s]…” DIVINE MIRACLES AND
THE DIVINE GRACE OF ALMIGHTY GOD ARE GRANTED
to His Faithful Disciples ACCORDING TO THE WILL
OF GOD OUR HEAVENLY FATHER.
 “ … the Angels of God ascending and descending
upon the Son of Man…” referred to THE DIVINE
PROMISE OF GOD TO HIS FAITHFUL.
 G E N E S I S 2 8 : 1 5 “…I Am with you and will keep
you wherever you go… for I will not leave
you until I have done what I have spoken to
you…”
OUR LORD GOD HAS NEVER AND WILL NEVER DISAPPOINT NOR
FAIL US! We must fulfil His Divine Will in all
circumstances, if we hope to receive Eternal
Life in His Heavenly Kingdom of Love.
C ALLE D A POSTLE OF CH R IST 30 N OVE MBER