tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22375415513739151502024-03-15T12:54:47.563-07:00Starting On The Royal PathSafe Resources For Newcomers to the Orthodox FaithJoannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12000679422093371576noreply@blogger.comBlogger316125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2237541551373915150.post-10805130574661349112024-03-15T12:39:00.000-07:002024-03-15T12:54:02.767-07:00Supplicatory Canon to St. Eudocia<span><p style="color: #006882; font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Commemorated March 1/14</p>
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<span><b style="caret-color: rgb(201, 33, 30); font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 15px;"><span style="color: #ea9999;">LIFE</span></b><br /></span>
<span><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><a href="https://www.holytrinityorthodox.com/calendar/los/March/01-01.htm"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: x-small;">https://www.holytrinityorthodox.com/calendar/los/March/01-01.htm</span></a></p>
<p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 19px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 19px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 10px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">>Shared Library </span>https://app.box.com/s/fidluwvb48ffrhzly22uq2zvvzb56byl</p><p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 10px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">>>Services Folder </span>https://app.box.com/s/pqjj0oxqyhgsvhig9fac11z6e3wxb559</p><p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 10px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">>>>St. Eudocia Canon </span>https://app.box.com/s/k6bj1tn08aqp8qa1p5f0lpexzfpsu9jm</p>
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<p style="color: #c9211e; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b>THE SUPPLICATORY CANON TO ST. EVDOKIA THE SAMARITAN</b></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b>Ode One</b></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><i>The charioteer of Pharaoh </i></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 54px; min-height: 16px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><i>O Saint of God, intercede in our behalf.</i></b></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 54px; min-height: 16px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">O righteous Martyr Evdokia, by thine intercessions with Christ the Lord,</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Scatter Satan’s darkness,</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Which because of my transgressions hath brought sorrow to my soul;</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">And replace it with peace, love, and grace divine, those bright beams of light,</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Sent by Christ the Sun of true Righteousness.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 54px; min-height: 16px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><i>O Saint of God, intercede in our behalf.</i></b></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 54px; min-height: 16px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">The grace-filled words of blest Germanus, who then read aloud of the Judgment Day,</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Moved thee, Evdokia,</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">To seek out thy soul’s salvation, which was perishing in sins.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Thus his words like the nets of the Fishermen brought thee unto life</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">By thy faith and blood shed for Christ our God.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 54px; min-height: 16px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><i>Glory.</i></b></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Thy wealth and land and great possessions didst thou gladly scatter among the poor,</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">And by Christ’s baptism</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Thy pure soul was cleansed and strengthened to endure all to the end,</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">For which cause thou didst win the unfading crown in a place of light,</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">From whence thou dost pray that our souls be saved.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 10px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 11px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><i>Both now.</i></b></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Through thee the Word of God the Father, by His great compassion and love for man,</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Took flesh of His own will</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">To raise up our fallen nature which was bound by death and sin.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Hence to thee do we offer with grateful hearts joyous hymns of praise,</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">For thou art the Mother of Christ our God.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 54px; min-height: 16px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b>Ode Three</b></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><i>Of the vault of the heavens</i></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 54px; min-height: 16px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><i>O Saint of God, intercede in our behalf.</i></b></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 10px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 11px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 10px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 11px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Blessed tears of repentance </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Ran down thy cheeks, righteous one,</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">When thy sleeping soul was awakened</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">To ponder things on high,</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">And Christ’s dread Judgment Day,</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">And the perdition of sinners:</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Pray, O Evdokia,</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">That we be among the saved.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 54px; min-height: 16px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><i>O Saint of God, intercede in our behalf.</i></b></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 54px; min-height: 16px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Having truly abandoned</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">The fleeting things of the earth,</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">O belov’d of Christ Evdokia,</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Thou didst embrace with zeal</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">The blest angelic life,</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Wherein thou greatly didst struggle,</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Such that God’s Good Spirit</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Adorned thee with wondrous gifts.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 54px; min-height: 16px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><i>Glory.</i></b></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">A most glorious wonder</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Was wrought in thee, blessed one,</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">For thou who before wast a river</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Of filth and carnal sins</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Art now become by grace</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">A dwelling place of the Spirit,</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">And the sweetest savour</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Of thy Sacred Bridegroom Christ.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 54px; min-height: 16px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><i>Both now.</i></b></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">O Directress of all those</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Who trust in thee, Bride of God,</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">By thy grace direct the desires</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Of both my heart and mind</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">To Christ my Lord and God,</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">And help me keep His commandments,</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">That bright lamp which leadeth</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">The faithful to endless life.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 54px; min-height: 16px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><i>Ode Four</i></b></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><i>Thou art my strength;</i></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 54px; min-height: 16px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><i>O Saint of God, intercede in our behalf.</i></b></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 54px; min-height: 16px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">The righteous prayer</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Of blest Germanus in thy behalf</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Hath been answered</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">By our Saviour Jesus Christ,</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Whose holy name</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Thou didst glorify</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Through thy great repentance</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">And struggles in wondrous martyrdom.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Hence pray, O Evdokia,</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">That we be counted worthy</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">To all glorify God by our faith and life.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 54px; min-height: 16px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><i>O Saint of God, intercede in our behalf.</i></b></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 54px; min-height: 16px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">For seven days</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Thou didst fast praying with fervent tears,</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Then Saint Michael,</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">The Archangel of the Lord,</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Shewed thee those men</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">All arrayed in white, </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">And the evil giant,</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Whom also thou slewest by thy faith.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Hence, guide us to repentance,</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">The haven of salvation,</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">That through thee we may enter the realms of light.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 54px; min-height: 16px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><i>Glory.</i></b></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">The Cross of Christ</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Which the Archangel then signed thee with</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Was thy safeguard</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">In thy strict monastic life,</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">O zealous one,</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">And in martyrdom.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Sign us with the Lord’s Cross,</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Preserve us who ever praise thy name;</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">For thou, O Evdokia,</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Art mighty in the Saviour,</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Since thou art His pure bride, O all-lauded one.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 54px; min-height: 16px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><i>Both now.</i></b></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">O blameless one,</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Calm all the waves of my heart and mind,</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">For the passions</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">And our sly and evil foe</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Now seek to drown</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">My poor darkened soul.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">But be quick to save me,</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Enlighten and guide me in my life,</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">For thou, O Theotokos,</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Didst give birth to the Saviour,</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">The Beginner and Finisher of our Faith.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 54px; min-height: 16px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b>Ode Five</b></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><i>Wherefore hast Thou deprived me</i></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 54px; min-height: 16px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><i>O Saint of God, intercede in our behalf.</i></b></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 54px; min-height: 16px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">The true spiritual beauty</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Of thy soul, O grace-filled one, in truth hath far surpassed</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">That of comely faces,</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Which in time lose their beauty and youthfulness:</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">For the Lord transformed thee</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">From a renowned and sinful harlot</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">To His bride through afflictions and martyrdom.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 10px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 54px; min-height: 11px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><i>O Saint of God, intercede in our behalf.</i></b></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 54px; min-height: 16px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Through thy thorough repentance</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">And thy struggles for the Lord thou didst live on the earth</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Like the holy Angels,</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Thus becoming for all men a guiding light;</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">For thou wast a teacher</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">In word and deed of Christ’s commandments,</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Which lead all the repentant to Paradise.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 54px; min-height: 16px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 54px; min-height: 16px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><i>Glory.</i></b></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">After Christ’s holy laver,</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Mourning and thy blessed tears became another font</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">By the Holy Spirit,</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Which then wondrously washed thy pure soul of wounds;</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Hence thou art a fountain</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Within the Fount of Life, our Saviour,</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Who refreshes our souls through thy prayers, O Saint.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 54px; min-height: 16px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><i>Both now.</i></b></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">O All-pure Theotokos,</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">By that fire which dwelt in thee yet did not burn thy womb,</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Burn up all my evil</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Base desires and fill me with love for Christ,</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">For thou art more holy</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Than all the ranks of holy Angels</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Who in heaven now hymn thee with us, O Maid.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 54px; min-height: 16px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b>Ode Six</b></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><i>Entreaty </i></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 54px; min-height: 16px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><i>O Saint of God, intercede in our behalf.</i></b></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 54px; min-height: 16px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">O wise one, when thou hadst found the Precious Pearl,</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Christ the Lord, Who made thee rich in the Spirit,</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Thou didst give all</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Thy great wealth to the needy,</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">And thou didst shed all thy blood to attain His love.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Hence, grant our souls thy fiery zeal,</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">That we too may seek out our true Living God.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 54px; min-height: 16px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><i>O Saint of God, intercede in our behalf.</i></b></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 54px; min-height: 16px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">The white robe of thy baptism thou didst wear</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">All thy life, O bride of Christ Evdokia,</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">And thou didst keep clean the robe of thy spirit</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">By thy great struggles for God and thy martyrdom.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Hence, now with all those robed in white</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Thou dost pray for our souls at the throne of Christ.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 54px; min-height: 16px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><i>Glory.</i></b></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">The devil through Philostrartus tempted thee,</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">O divinely-wise and chaste Evdokia,</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">But by the Lord</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Thou didst turn back his arrows,</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">And thou didst rescue a soul that was bound by him:</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">For Philostratus rose from death</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">And believed in Christ God through thy holy prayers.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 54px; min-height: 16px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><i>Both now.</i></b></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">O Lady, since thou didst bear the Root and Cause</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Of tranquility and peace, Christ the Saviour,</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Do thou entreat</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Him for us as His Mother,</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">And quell the storms of my passions, O All-pure One,</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">That with a peaceful heart and mind</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">I may glorify thee in the House of God.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 54px; min-height: 16px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b>Ode Seven</b></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><i>The three Hebrew Children </i></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 54px; min-height: 16px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><i>O Saint of God, intercede in our beahalf.</i></b></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Raise up our minds slain by the passions</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Through the Cross as thou didst raise to life that young man,</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">And deliver our souls from death by thine entreaties,</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">For thou hast boldness with the Lord, O Great Martyr Evdokia.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 54px; min-height: 16px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><i>O Saint of God, intercede in our behalf.</i></b></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 10px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 11px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Having been cleansed of all the passions</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Thou wast set up by the Lord, O Evdokia,</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">As a far-shining lamp to shed the light of Christ God</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">On all those who run unto thee for divine illumination.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 54px; min-height: 16px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><i>Glory.</i></b></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Fasting and prayer and sacred stillness</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Were sweet food for thee, O wondrous Evdokia;</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Thus thy soul soared on high, beyond the highest heaven,</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Beholding while yet in the flesh Christ the Lord the King of Glory.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 54px; min-height: 16px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><i>Both now.</i></b></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Rejoice in the Lord, O Ever-virgin,</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">For thou gavest birth to Christ the world’s Redeemer,</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Who was slain on the Cross for all the sins of mankind,</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Thus rescuing our souls from death by His death and Resurrection.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 54px; min-height: 16px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b>Ode Eight</b></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><i>Let us ever extol </i></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 54px; min-height: 16px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><i>O Saint of God, intercede in our behalf</i></b>.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">“I am with thee in all the sacred suff’rings</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Thou endurest for Me,</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">And I shall recompense thee:”</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Thus said the Lord for Whom with joy thou didst contest,</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">And these words have come true, for by thy </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Beheading thou hast won crowns of glory.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 54px; min-height: 16px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><i>O Saint of God, intercede in our behalf.</i></b></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Thou didst raise from the dead those who repented</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">And believed in the Lord,</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">O all-famed Evdokia.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Hence pray that on the Last Day we may rise with thee,</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">And go forth to meet Christ, our true Sacred</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Bridegroom, and enter His blest Kingdom.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 54px; min-height: 16px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><i>Glory.</i></b></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Having in thee the Fire of the Godhead,</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Thou didst burn up as chaff</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">The threats of all the tyrants,</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">And like the Three wise Children standing in the flames,</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Thou too didst prevail in all thy great temptations, </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Through Christ Who shone within thee.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 54px; min-height: 16px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><i>Both now.</i></b></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Come illumine our souls, O Theotokos,</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">With the light of thy Son,</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">The Ever-shining Daystar,</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">For thou by grace art truly a pure cloud of light</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Banishing the darkness brought on by the </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Passions and filling us with great joy.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 54px; min-height: 16px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b>Ode Nine</b></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><i>The heavens were astonished </i></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><i>O Saint of God, intercede in our behalf.</i></b></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">The fierce attacks of Satan could not shake thee,</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Though he tried thy steadfast soul repeatedly,</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">For thou, O Saint,</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Like a mighty oak tree rooted in God,</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Didst stand by faith in every storm,</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Meanwhile giving shelter and safe retreat</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">To those who through thy contest</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Left all their graven idols</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">And worshipped Christ the true and Living God.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 54px; min-height: 16px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><i>O Saint of God, intercede in our behalf.</i></b></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">With peace and great rejoicing thou wentest forth</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">As a bride adorned in white to meet thy Lord,</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Who beckoned thee</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">To His Bridal Hall in the realms above;</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">And thus the sword, O valiant one,</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Cut thy earthly bonds and procured for thee</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Unfading crowns in glory</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">From whence, O Evdokia,</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Thou dost entreat Christ that He save our souls.</p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><i>Glory.</i></b></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Thy pure soul in the heavens now bringeth joy</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">To the Angels of God who all honour thee,</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">While we on earth </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Also feel thy presence, O holy one;</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">For Christ was well-pleased to bestow</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">On thy fragrant relics His saving grace.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">And we now who approach them</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">With faith and love, O Martyr,</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Obtain relief from all our trials in life.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 54px; min-height: 16px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><i>Both now.</i></b></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">The Burning Bush on Sinai prefigured thee,</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">As did Aaron’s rod, O Theotokos Maid,</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">For God the Word</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Took up His abode in thy virgin womb:</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">He kept thee wholly incorrupt,</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">And was born a Man through thee seedlessly,</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Like a most Sacred Flower</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">That blossomed from a dry tree.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Hence we, the faithful, ever call thee blest.</p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 10px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Copyright 1996 Ephraim Figueroa</p>
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<span><div>.</div></span>Joannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12000679422093371576noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2237541551373915150.post-21285959997899943192024-03-15T08:09:00.000-07:002024-03-15T08:14:17.960-07:00Women's Lenten Retreat
<span><div>.</div></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0gSV2PFFy-mJbBM7EbG4eACFWeiDJayAqtMG2M75fsxB2EPhbJRVFyIPpCDtIXGXDqKTR6BVEqn7DPklxRziAmUecRgjzq5V7P_UwjbE0D0asMNd8qBVOZzy8sHRKdCFxM0v5LSg-5I6cDz1NqFr4ROca_wBhyIYrJ2iwgCe7PevYyUS3HuGdn2lhiPk/s1166/Flyer%20final%201%20.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1166" data-original-width="900" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0gSV2PFFy-mJbBM7EbG4eACFWeiDJayAqtMG2M75fsxB2EPhbJRVFyIPpCDtIXGXDqKTR6BVEqn7DPklxRziAmUecRgjzq5V7P_UwjbE0D0asMNd8qBVOZzy8sHRKdCFxM0v5LSg-5I6cDz1NqFr4ROca_wBhyIYrJ2iwgCe7PevYyUS3HuGdn2lhiPk/s16000/Flyer%20final%201%20.png" /></a></div><br /><span><br /></span>
<span><div>.</div></span>Joannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12000679422093371576noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2237541551373915150.post-87523975844808866572024-03-10T12:50:00.000-07:002024-03-15T12:52:29.502-07:00Gospel Call to Monasticism<span><p style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Introduction to the book:</p>
<p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"> <b>Abbess Thaisia of Leushino</b><i style="caret-color: rgb(4, 41, 57); color: #042939; font-size: 13px;"> 1989, Platina</i></p>
<p style="color: #042939; font-family: Avenir; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><i> The Autobiography of a Spiritual Daughter of St. John of Kronstadt </i></p>
<p style="color: #042939; font-family: Avenir; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><i> who asked her to write down her life and her visions 1989</i></p>
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<p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">The Gospel Call to Monasticism</p>
<p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">by Nun Brigid</p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: right;"><i>If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell what thou hast, </i></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: right;"><i>and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure </i></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: right;"><i>in heaven: and come and follow Me</i>.</p>
<p style="color: #7f7f7f; font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: right;">Matthew 19:21</p>
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<p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">In traditional Christianity, the monastic life is seen as a "standard" or "norm" of the evangelical<span style="background-color: #c0edfe;">1</span> life, since it strives to fulfill not only those commandments of Christ that are common to all Christians, but also the various "counsels" He gave to those who are willing to accept them. These counsels include the renunciation of earthly possessions: <span style="font-family: Times; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><i>"If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell what thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven"</i></span> <span style="color: #7f7f7f; font-family: "Arial Narrow"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">(Mt. 19:21)</span>; the renunciation of marriage and family lie: <span style="font-family: Times; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><i>"For there are eunuchs who have made themselves so for the sake of the Kingdom of Heaven. Let him accept it who can"</i></span> <span style="color: #7f7f7f; font-family: "Arial Narrow"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">(Mt. 19:12).</span> <span style="font-family: Times; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><i>"Everyone who has left house, or brothers, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for My name's sake, shall receive a hundredfold, and shall possess life everlasting"</i></span><span style="font-family: "Iowan Old Style"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><i> </i></span><span style="color: #7f7f7f; font-family: "Arial Narrow"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">(Mt. 19:29</span><span style="color: #7f7f7f;">)</span>; and the renunciation of all the business of the world (as far as possible) that might distract or hinder one from the search for that "one thing needful," the salvation of one's soul: <span style="font-family: Times; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><i>"Therefore, take no thought, saying, 'What shall we ear?" or 'What shall we drink?' or "wherewithal shall we be clothed?'"</i> </span><span style="color: #7f7f7f; font-family: "Arial Narrow"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">(Mt. 7:31)</span> <span style="font-family: Times; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><i>"For what does it profit a man, if he gains the whole world, but lose his own soul?"</i> </span><span style="color: #7f7f7f; font-family: "Arial Narrow"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">(Mt. 16:24-26)</span> Similar ideas can be found in many different places throughout the Gospels.</p>
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<p style="color: #0f79a5; font-family: Avenir; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">1. i.e. based on the <i>Evangelia</i>, or Gospel.</p>
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<p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Martha and Mary, who are both considered saints in the Orthodox Church, are recognized in patristic literature as "types" of the Christian in the world (Martha) and the monastic (Mary). Our Lord chides Martha for her misplaced complaint against her seemingly self-indulgent sister: <span style="font-family: Times; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><i>"Martha, Martha, thou are anxious and troubled about many things; and yet only one thing is needful Mary has chosen the best part, and it will not be taken away from her"</i></span> <span style="color: #7f7f7f; font-family: "Arial Narrow"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">(Lk 10:41-43).</span> Martha's "busyness" — even in her service of the Lord Himself — cannot replace that "best part" that Mary has chosen, quietly sitting at the feet of her Lord.</p>
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<p style="color: #0a2d40; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"> Let me interject something here. I once read a patristic commentary on this Mary-Martha scripture that shows additional perspective on this scripture. If He was chiding at all, He was pointing out a difference in her and her sister for that moment. He was reminding Martha that not everyone can always be required to be a server like she is doing now. Christ did not say that <b>He Himself</b> will not take away Mary's sitting-at-His-Feet, but that the sitting-at-Feet is something <b>that does not get taken away in eternity</b>. He compared the difference in the fruits. This idea is perfectly in line with the monasticism vs. marriage idea. The world needs both marrieds and monastics. </span></p><p style="color: #0a2d40; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"> He also adds in the word "chosen" — that answering a call to 'monasticism' needs to be a free-will choosing, and He points out that Mary has made that choice. Mary has chosen something that does not get taken away from her in eternity. Most of our works on earth will be gone when earth-as-we-know-it is gone. </span></p><p style="color: #0a2d40; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"> The works themselves will be gone, but the affects our works had on our souls will be eternal. This is why we always want to do everything for the glory of God. The works will perish, but the man will not perish. ~jh</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: Times; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Avenir; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">Monasticism is often called "the angelic life" because it mystically foreshadows the future, heavenly life, where the resurrected will be "like the angels," without earthly cares. </span><i>"The children of this world marry and are given in marriage. But those who shall be accounted worthy of that world and of the resurrection from the dead, neither marry nor take wives . . . for they are equal to the angels"</i><span style="font-family: Avenir; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><span style="color: #7f7f7f; font-family: "Arial Narrow"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">(Lk. 20:34-36)</span><span style="color: #7f7f7f; font-family: Avenir;">.</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">St. Paul, in the first Epistle to the Corinthians, explains more fully why our Lord counsels those "who can accept it" to remain unmarried:</p>
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</span><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span><p style="font-family: Times; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><i>. . . I say to the unmarried and to widows, it is good for them if they so remain. . . I would have you free from care. He who is unmarried is concerned about the things of the Lord, ow he may please God. Whereas he who is married is concerned about the things of the world, how he may please his wife; and he is divided. And the unmarried woman, and the virgin, thinks about the things of the Lord, that she may be holy in body and in spirit. Whereas she who is married thinks about the things of the world, how she may pease her husband; he who does not give her in marriage does better </i><span style="font-family: Avenir; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"></span><span style="color: #7f7f7f; font-family: Avenir; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"></span><span style="color: #6c6c6c; font-family: "Arial Narrow";">(I Cor. 7:38).</span></p><p style="font-family: Times; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p></span><span><p style="font-family: Times; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Avenir; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">A widow </span><i>"will be more blessed, in my judgment, if she remains as she is"</i><span style="font-family: Avenir; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><i>(I Cor. 7:40)</i><span style="font-family: Avenir; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">.</span></p></span></blockquote><span>
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<p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Though, in accordance with the Gospel, monastic life has always been recognized by the Church and the faithful as a "better" way, Christian marriage also has God's blessing, and can be the vehicle for one's sanctification and salvation. As St. Gregory the Theologian says in his <i>Oration on Holy Baptism</i>, "We do not dishonor marriage because we give higher honor to virginity."<span style="background-color: #c0edfe;">2</span> It should be understood, too that monasticism's objective "superiority" does not mean that individual monastics are all therefore "better," by virtue of their way of life, than other Christians. Indeed, it is very wrong to think of monasticism as some kind of "exclusive" society composed of a spiritual "elite." Monasticism is repentance; and the doors of repentance are open to all who will enter in, whether thief, harlot, prodigal, or righteous. Anyone may become a monastic. Some come to monasticism in their youth, some in old age, some after leading very adventurous and independent lives, some after leading very sheltered lives. As for <i>why</i> people choose monasticism, St. John of the Ladder has this to say: "All who have willingly left the things of the world, have certainly done so for the sale of the future Kingdom, or because of the multitude of their sins, or for love of God. If they were not moved by any of these reasons, their withdrawal from the world was unreasonable."<span style="background-color: #c0edfe;">3 </span> He qualifies tis a little later by saying:</p>
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</span><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><span><p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">Let us not abhor or condemn the renunciation due merely to circumstances. . . I have seen seed casually fall on the earth and bear plenty of thriving fruit. . . . I have also seen a person come to a hospital with some other motive, but the courtesy and kindness of the physician overcame him, and on being treated with an astringent, he got rid of the darkness that lay on his eyes. Thus for some, the unintentional was stronger and more sure than what was intentional in others.<span style="background-color: #c0edfe;">4</span></p></span></blockquote><span>
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<p style="color: #0f79a5; font-family: Avenir; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">2. <i>Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers</i>, second series, vol vii, tr. by Edwin Hamilton Gifford, D.D., (Eerdmans Publ. Co., Grand Rapids, Michigan, 1983) p. 365</p>
<p style="color: #0f79a5; font-family: Avenir; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">3. <i>The Ladder of Divine Ascent</i> by St. John Climacus (Holy Transfiguration Monastery, Boston, Massachusetts, 1978) p. 4</p>
<p style="color: #0f79a5; font-family: Avenir; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">4. <i>Ibid</i>., p. 8</p>
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<p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Thus, there is no general rule whereby those who should be monastics can be distinguished from those who shouldn't. Those become monastics who freely <b><i>will</i> </b>to be so, who consciously put aside thought of marriage or career, and choose to persevere with patience in the difficulties of monastic life.</p>
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<p style="font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Avenir;">The monastic's renunciation of the world takes place on two levels, as characterized by the worlds of St. Paul: </span><span style="font-family: Times; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><i>"The world is crucified to me, and I to the world"</i></span><span style="color: #6c6c6c; font-family: "Arial Narrow";">(Gal. 6:14)</span><span style="color: #7f7f7f; font-family: Avenir;">.</span><span style="font-family: Avenir;"> The first level of renunciation, when a man "crucifies the world to himself" is by far the easiest. Abba Dorotheos explains: "The world is crucified to a man when a man renounces the world to become a solitary, and leaves parents, wealth, possessions, business dealings, and the giving of presents."</span><span style="background-color: #c0edfe; font-family: Avenir;">5</span><span style="font-family: Avenir;"> Having crucified the world to himself, a man begins to realize that the world is still within him, in the form of passions. Then he must try to "crucify himself to the world," a far more difficult struggle. "How can a man be crucified to the world? When after being freed from external things he begins to combat against pleasure itself, against the desire of having things, against his own will, and he puts to death his evil passions. Then he himself is crucified to the world and is worthy to say with the Apostle, 'the world is crucified to me, and I to the world.'"</span><span style="background-color: #c0edfe; font-family: Avenir;">6</span><span style="font-family: Avenir;"> A true monastic life cannot begin for the novice monk until he truly comes to know himself and can face the reality of the evil in his own heart. This may sound simple, but it is often a very painful and difficult journey at this point. If he is willing to accept the fact that he is a fallen creature, then there is hope that a genuine spiritual life can begin for him. The monk must be like the repentant harlot of the Gospels who </span><span style="font-family: Times; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><i>"began to bathe His [Jesus'] feet with her tears, and wiped them with the hair of her head, and kissed His feet,"</i></span> <span style="color: #7f7f7f; font-family: Avenir;">(</span><span style="color: #6c6c6c; font-family: "Arial Narrow";">Lk. 7:38)</span><span style="font-family: Avenir;"> quite aware of her own sinfulness, but also fill of love for her Savior Who came </span><span style="font-family: "Iowan Old Style"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><i>"to call sinners, not the righteous"</i></span> <span style="color: #7f7f7f;"><span style="font-family: Arial Narrow;">(Mt. 9:13)</span><span style="font-family: Avenir;">.</span></span><span style="font-family: Avenir;"> A monk is one who is aware of his sinfulness and is repenting, but who also hopes, like the harlot, to hear the words addressed to her: </span><span style="font-family: Times; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><i>"Her sins, which are many, shall be forgiven her, for she has loved much"</i></span> <span style="color: #7f7f7f;"><span style="font-family: Arial Narrow;">(Lk. 7:47)</span></span><span style="color: #7f7f7f; font-family: Avenir;">.</span></p>
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<p style="color: #0f79a5; font-family: Avenir; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">5. <i>Discourses and Saying</i> by St. Dorotheos of Gaze, tr. by Eric P. Wheeler, (Cistercian Publications, Kalamazoo, Michigan, 1977) p. 85.</p>
<p style="color: #0f79a5; font-family: Avenir; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">6. <i>Ibid.</i>, p. 85</p>
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<p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">The great 4th-century desert father, St. Macarius of Egypt further explains there two renunciations:</p>
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</span><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><span><p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">When man transgressed the commandment, and was exiled from Paradise, he was bound down in two ways and with two different chains. One was in this life, in the affairs of this life, and in the love of the world, that is to say, the love of fleshly pleasures and lusts, of wealth, and glory and possessions, of wife and children, of kinsfolk, of country, of particular places, of clothes, and of all other things of sense, from which the word of God bid him be loosed by his own free choice. . . Accordingly, as soon as a man hears the word of God, and makes the effort and casts away the affairs of this life and the bonds of this world, and denies all the fleshly pleasures, and looses himself from these, then, when attending constantly upon the Lord and giving all his time to Him, he s in a position to discover that there is another wrestling, in the heart, another hidden opposition, and another war with the suggestions of the spirits of wickedness, and another contest in from of him. . . But this was can be brought to naught by the grace and power of God. . . . If, however, a man is entangled among the things of sense by the affairs of this world, and meshed in various earthly bonds. . . he does not so much as discover that there is another wrestling and pummelling and battling within.<span style="background-color: #c0edfe;">7</span></p></span></blockquote><span>
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<p style="color: #0f79a5; font-family: Avenir; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">7.<i> Spiritual Homilies</i> by St. Macarius of Egypt, tr. by A.J. Mason, (Eastern Orthodox Books, Willits, California, 1974) pp. 168-169. </p>
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<p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Having renounced the world in the first sense, the monk is in a position to fight against the cause of evil in the world, the evil in his own heart.</p>
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<p style="font-family: Cochin; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><b>THE CHILIASTIC BARRIER</b></p>
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<p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">The materialistic mind of our society has difficulty with this simple, yet profound Gospel call to reject the ways of the world — a call that takes its most perfect and radical form in monasticism. Faith in the reality of God, and the future Kingdom, and the fallenness of our world has been replaced with faith in "progress" and man's "perfectibility" through proper education, science, and appropriate social measures. A real, living faith that is willing to sacrifice worldly security and comfort is rare in our wealthy country, even among Christians. Though our society does not openly condemn Christianity, its materialism and wealth have killed faith more effectively than the direct persecution of Christianity by Communism. Whereas monasticism in America is poor both in numbers and quality, it is thriving in Eastern Europe.</p>
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<p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">One current thrust against traditional monasticism argues that monastics should return to the cities, because the cities are the "deserts" of the modern age. Yet cities are still what they have always been — centers of commerce and culture, and learning and vice, full of magnificent buildings and other structures, the showcases of the best and worst men can produce. Monastics seek to put behind them what is temporal and belongs to fallen man and have therefore always sought out the wilderness of the world. The wilderness is God's own creation, where one can contemplate Him through His handiwork. The confusion of what is man's and what is God's is a chief characteristic of modern secular thought.</p>
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<p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Thus, since even the first steps of monasticism are not understood today, it is not surprising that its deeper meaning and goals remain hidden from the understanding of modern men, especially those in such materialistic societies as those in the West. In a interview in <i>Epiphany</i>,<span style="background-color: #c0edfe;">8</span> Benedictine <span style="font-family: Avenir;">Brother David Steindl-Rast states that the goal of Christianity us to transform our present fallen world and society into the "other world," especially through politics. Monastics are represented as trying to transform the little corner of the world surrounded by their monastery wall into a "heaven on earth." Those involved in "peace work" are trying to do the same thing, but on a broader and therefore, it is implied, more effective scale. But there is a fundamental misunderstanding here: there will be no "heaven on earth," no final resolution of the battle between good and evil, until the Second Coming of Christ. </span><span style="font-family: Times; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><i>"Do you thing that I am come to give peace upon earth? I tell you nay, but rather a sword."</i></span> <span style="color: #7f7f7f;"><span style="font-family: Arial Narrow;">(Lk. 12:51-52)</span><span style="font-family: Avenir;">.</span></span><span style="font-family: Avenir;"> Christianity does not seek to create a future earthly Utopia; it strives to save souls </span><b><i>now</i></b><span style="font-family: Avenir;">, by preparing them to live in the heavenly kingdom. A rebellious non-acceptance, on the personal level, of the circumstances of our fallen world makes a Christian life nearly impossible. These circumstances include the existence of disease and death, the injustice prevalent in the world, and the strife caused by the passions of greed, lust, hatred, fear, etc. The miracle of Christianity is that God has given us the power to save our souls through these very fallen circumstances, if only we will to do so and call upon His help. It is through a Christ-like endurance of the vicissitudes of life that we acquire the virtues, and God's grace. These circumstances then become the instruments of our sanctification. Paul encourages those who are married to bear patiently each other's weaknesses; those who are slaves to give heartfelt service to their masters; those who are masters to struggle with love of authority. He does not counsel those who are oppressed by the circumstances of our fallen world to rise up in rebellion, but to overcome the "evil" of our fallen state through the "good" of love for God and man, and the practice of the virtues. Of course, it is also our duty to replace outward evil with outward good where we can, so that those who are weak may not despair — but with the idea of </span><b><i>saving souls</i></b><span style="font-family: Avenir;">, not of creating a worldly Utopia.</span></p>
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<p style="color: #0f79a5; font-family: Avenir; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">8. <i>Epiphany Journal</i>, Spring, 1985, pp. 62-73.</p>
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<p style="font-family: Cochin; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><b>THE ARENA OF THE HEART</b></p>
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<p style="font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Avenir;">This applies equally to monasteries. Monasteries are not meant to be Utopias. There are arenas where men, having accepted the fact of their fallen state, work to be healed of the evil in their own hearts. The outward evils of societies are the products of the evil within men's hearts, and not the other way around. </span><span style="font-family: Times; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><i>"For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, immorality, thefts, false witness, blasphemies"</i></span> <span style="color: #7f7f7f;"><span style="font-family: Arial Narrow;">(Mt. 15:19)</span></span><span style="color: #7f7f7f; font-family: Avenir;">.</span><span style="font-family: Avenir;"> As St. Macarius explains above, having renounced the world, the monastic is in a position to battle with evil itself, not just its symptoms. It is precisely in those saints who, by God's help, have purified their hearts, that we come closer to seeing a "heaven on earth." This is especially true of the hermit saints, who often exhibited a harmony with nature that no modern ecologist can rival. </span><span style="font-family: Times; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><i>"For behold, the Kingdom of God is within you"</i></span> <span style="color: #7f7f7f;"><span style="font-family: Arial Narrow;">(Lk. 17:21)</span><span style="font-family: Avenir;">,</span></span><span style="font-family: Avenir;"> not in some Utopian society, either inside or outside the monastery.</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">The essence of monastic life lies in cleaning the heart of the passions that separate man from God, and making it receptive to His grace, to the advent of His coming. It would be beyond the scope of this short article to explain this path in detail, for it is a whole science in itself, complex yet divinely simple. The interested reader is encouraged to find and read some of the classic monastic texts that are not available in English. Such are the <i>Ladder</i> of St. John of Sinai,<span style="background-color: #c0edfe;">9</span> the <i>Discourses</i> of Abba Dorotheos,<span style="background-color: #c0edfe;">10</span> or the more contemporary <i>Arena</i> by Bishop Ignatius Brianchaninov.<span style="background-color: #c0edfe;">11</span> The lives of monastic saints, found in such books as the <i>Paradise of the Fathers</i><span style="background-color: #c0edfe;">12</span> (about the 4th-century Egyptian monks) or the <i>Northern Thebaid</i><span style="background-color: #c0edfe;">13</span> (about the more recent monastic fathers and mothers of the Russian wilderness) are no less enlightening — in these one can see <b><i>how</i> </b>Christian principles have been applied in real life. These lives have inspired countless Christians on their own paths to salvation.</p>
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<p style="color: #0f79a5; font-family: Avenir; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">9. <i>The Ladder of Divine Ascent</i>, op. cit.</p>
<p style="color: #0f79a5; font-family: Avenir; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">10. <i>Discourses and Sayings</i>, op. cit.</p>
<p style="color: #0f79a5; font-family: Avenir; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">11. <i>The Arena: An Offering to Contemporary Monasticism</i> by Bishop Ignatius Brianchaninov, tr. by Archimandrite Lazarus, (Holy Trinity Monastery, Jordanville, New York, 1983).</p>
<p style="color: #0f79a5; font-family: Avenir; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">12. <i>The Paradise of the Fathers</i> by Palladius, tr. by E.A, Wallis Budge (St. Nectarius Press, Seattle, Washington, 1980).</p>
<p style="color: #0f79a5; font-family: Avenir; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">13. <i>The Northern Thebaid</i> by Ivan M. Kontzevitch (St. Herman Press, Platina, California, 1975).</p>
<p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 19px;"><br /></p></span>Joannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12000679422093371576noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2237541551373915150.post-61328421900683536422024-03-09T16:35:00.000-08:002024-03-10T12:52:09.424-07:00Letter to the American Church<span><p style="font-family: Avenir; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #042939; font-family: "Trebuchet MS"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">About the Author:</span> <span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #042939;"> </span><span style="color: #0c343d;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eric_Metaxas#">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eric_Metaxas#</a></span></span></p>
<p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="background-color: white; font-kerning: none;"><span style="color: #0c343d;"> American Greek father, German mother (probably Lutheran?), he now attends an Episcopal Church in Manhattan.</span></span></p>
<p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #0c343d;"> I don't necessarily recommend watching this documentary, but it is worth it to know about its existence. Despite that the creators of this documentary use the term "The Church" while having zero concept of what the Church really is, what they have observed and presented here is somewhat of interest to us. Maybe a heterodox version of RCS?</span></p><p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #0c343d;"> The author appears to be a sad fruit of the American Greek Church's fall into ecumenism. </span></p>
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<p style="color: #7f7f7f; font-family: Avenir; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">Epoch TV New Documentary</p>
<p style="color: #7f7f7f; font-family: Avenir; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">based on the book:</p>
<p style="font-family: Futura; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">Letter to the American Church</p>
<p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.theepochtimes.com/epochtv/letter-to-the-american-church-5569329">https://www.theepochtimes.com/epochtv/letter-to-the-american-church-5569329</a></p>
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<p style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Times; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Avenir; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><span style="font-kerning: none;">From New York Times best-selling author Eric Metaxas comes a riveting new film challenging audiences to take a stand, speak out, and take action in the face of evil. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-kerning: none; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><i>“Letter to the American Church”</i></span><span style="font-kerning: none;"> is a documentary adaptation of Metaxas latest book of the same name.</span></p>
<p style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Times; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"> Eric guides audiences through the striking similarities between the church in Hitler’s early 1930’s Nazi Germany, the political regimes of Mao and Stalin, and modern day America and her church. The historical and present parallels are unavoidable and grim.</span></p>
<p style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Times; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"> One man bravely and boldly spoke up in 1933 to warn the German church of the impending doom from the Nazi regime. His name was Dietrich Bonhoeffer, </span><span style="color: #042939; font-family: Avenir; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">[wiki link below]. </span><span style="font-kerning: none;">The majority of the church of his time chose not to listen or take action, therefore Hitler continued his reign of terror, death, and destruction. For the last 100 years, Marxism and communism has continued to evolve and spread throughout nations, slowly and silently infiltrating America.</span></p>
<p style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Times; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"> Join Eric along with Charlie Kirk, Dr. James Lindsey, John Amanchukwu, David Engelhardt, Rob McCoy, Seth Gruber, Victor and Eileen Marx and other leading voices in a movement that is sounding the alarm to a sleeping American church and God’s people everywhere.</span></p>
<p style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Times; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"> Metaxas delivers a chilling clarion call to the Body of Christ to be modern day “Bonhoeffers”. If the church does not wake up from her slumber to clearly understand Marxist doctrine, the tactics that are used to manipulate her into compliance with it, the national and international leaders and corporations who are promoting it, and which direction America is headed in, we will most certainly experience the same fate of previous totalitarian regimes.</span></p>
<p style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Times; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"> Audiences will see that silence in the face of evil is itself evil. Metaxas and his colleagues agree that this is the hour of the American church.</span></p>
<p style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 233); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; color: #0000e9; font-family: Times; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-kerning: none;"> Official website: <a href="https://lettertotheamericanchurch.com/"><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 233); color: #0000e9; font-kerning: none;">https://lettertotheamericanchurch.com</span></a></span></p>
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<p style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"> <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dietrich_Bonhoeffer">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dietrich_Bonhoeffer</a> 1906 – 1945</p>
<p style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; color: #18191a; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="background-color: white; font-kerning: none;"> a German Lutheran pastor, theologian and anti-Nazi dissident</span></p>
<p style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 19px;"><br /></p></span>Joannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12000679422093371576noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2237541551373915150.post-31877000716698221782024-01-17T13:20:00.000-08:002024-02-27T20:19:54.174-08:00Book Review: ROCA & GOC: A History<p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">ROCA & GOC: A HISTORY</p>
<p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">1920—2007</p>
<p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">Sbn. Nektarios Harrison, M.A. </p>
<p style="color: #6d78a5; font-family: "Avenir Next Condensed"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">At the time of publication the author's jurisdiction is unclear, but now (2024) he is in the Sister Churches.</p><p style="color: #6d78a5; font-family: "Avenir Next Condensed"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #343434; font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px;">Uncut Mountain Press, 2023 </span></p>
<p style="color: #6d90ce; font-family: "Avenir Next Condensed"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">independent, non-jurisdictional*</p>
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<p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">BOOK REVIEW</p>
<p style="color: #073c52; font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Reviewed by Joanna Higginbotham,<span style="font-family: "Avenir Next Condensed"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> ROCOR under Agafangel</span></p>
<p style="color: #073c52; font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">January 17, 2023</p>
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<p style="color: #042939; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Avenir;">My first impression was not good, but my first impressions are often flawed and incomplete -- so it was in this case. I read the introduction and the concluding chapter, and I was ready to criticize and reject the whole book based on that. The introduction is written by GOC Metr. Demetrios, and at first I was displeased to see our Sister Church endorsing a book authored and published outside of our Sister Churches, especially with the subject being </span><b><span style="font-family: arial;">us</span></b><span style="font-family: Avenir;">. Google indicates the author is associated with questionable activities going on outside the Sister Churches. Outsiders always get </span><b><span style="font-family: arial;">us</span></b><span style="font-family: Avenir;"> wrong. The concluding chapter is also the epilogue — I was at first and I still am unable to agree with any of the epilogue. </span></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="667" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibngGxJ_GJIngYDJtvxzeASU5CRE3LzvHaG5NMuRdBbY68BXTe38DrDm1Sz0yePDjZ12VtCLhVpJ2G15eFYU_rkW_X58hgjFYJXA1ImhYErm5AE77ExP4f_kyo25w_Ujrf0oTGwbY3pYbMYb1zOlpTSbk2g_8fnjlSTqxMz6DlpLSl3LB9ml1ClzcMbso/s320/71H2IXYLPVL._AC_UF1000,1000_QL80_.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><p style="color: #042939; font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p>
<p style="color: #042939; font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Sbn. Nektarios' epilogue sums up the 80-year ROCOR & GOC history as <span style="color: black;">"clouded with obscurity, biases from multiple sides, resentment, anger, animosity, sinful passions..." </span>I could argue with that, since I see that negative perception is in error.. Then the author's conclusion is that we need to be nice to each other, and remember we are all Orthodox Christians. I won't argue with that, but as a conclusion, it's most inadequate. </p>
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<p style="color: #042939; font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">The epilogue ignores completely the obvious conclusion that since the ROCOR-MP union in 2007, all the Sister Churches have recognized the ROCOR-Agafangel as the sole valid continuation of the ROCOR. Instead the reader is reminded that all the various groups that came out of ROCOR have a common past (St. Philaret, St. John, Abp. Averky); and it could be seen to imply they all are today equals because of that common past. It ignores that those who are separated from the Sister Churches are separated because they have apostasized. They have fallen away, they have decidedly left us. This is a deeper problem than any animosity that might have arisen as a result. Treating the symptoms will not affect a cure.</p>
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<p style="color: #042939; font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Next I read through the chapters, and I see the body of the book is actually aimed directly at the cure. This must be why Metr. Demetrios recommends the book. Let me take a break from criticizing the epilogue and shift over to some of what is good about this book. </p><p style="color: #042939; font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p>
<p style="color: #042939; font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">In his introduction, Metr. Demetrios says the book is <span style="color: black; font-family: Palatino; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><i>"...a voice of reason to those who are in ROCOR-MP, reminding them that we were once in Communion." </i></span> Chapters I–VI give a compiled history, 1920–2007, and certainly it is "a voice of reason" and more: it is <b>a voice in the wilderness</b>. The reader is given the important facts, and then left on his own to come to the conclusion. The conclusion is so obvious to me, I have to think the author left it unstated on purpose, so that the reader himself could experience the light bulb being turned on in his head. The opposite approach is first to state a conclusion and then try to support or prove that conclusion. The history in this book ends abruptly at 2007, with the severing of the ROCOR from the Sister Churches because of the ROCOR-MP union. This abrupt ending has an impact on the reader, but it would have more impact if there were no epilogue. Just end it there at chapter VI and omit the last chapter VII-epilogue. Keep the timeline, glossary appendix, index. Then the reader would be left to face the reality on his own and to ask himself, ok, then what does this mean? Now what?</p>
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<p style="color: #042939; font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">I appreciate this book for the carefully researched facts of our history. Sbn. Nekarios has accessed materials that are not normally available to English-speakers or laymen. This is of great value to us, especially now as our older generation is leaving us; one after another the eye-witnesses to this history are going to the next world. </p>
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<p style="color: #042939; font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Also, personally I am glad to have the opportunity to see the current situation in America from the author's unique perspective, — a contemporary newcomer's point of view. Sbn. Nektarios is not a newcomer to Orthodoxy, but he is a newcomer to the realization of the Sister Churches. His conversion story (on his blog) is the opposite of my path. I met Orthodoxy through the true ROCOR which today is a Sister Church. Sbn. Nektarios, on the other hand, met Orthodoxy through world-Orthodoxy, and step by step he has moved closer to the Sister Churches and now has become very aware of them. Now he is so close to us he appears to be an inch away from desiring to join us. Metr. Demetrios points this out, saying about Sbn. Nektarios:</p>
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<blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><i>"He knows that we, the GOC, are truly Orthodox. He is concerned for unity of the faith, and he wants to get this timely message out, for the days are evil. He is able to discern through the confusion by using the compass of the holy men of ROCOR."</i></p></blockquote>
<p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 19px;"><span style="color: #042939;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 19px;"><span style="color: #042939;">I hope the readers of this book will also come to this conclusion, — that, at this time, anyway, the presence and existence of the Sister Churches is our best signpost towards finding Christ's One Church that will be here to the end of time. Along with Metr. Demetrios, I recommend this book especially for folks in the ROCOR-MP, and for newcomers who are uncomfortable with world-orthodoxy, but unable to sort out the jurisdiction mess of all the "true" Orthodox — like is represented on Euphrosynos Cafe forum where you have a club of "trues" and jurisdictional ecumenists. </span></p>
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<p style="color: #042939; font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Page 29 quotes <i>Orthodox Life</i> magazine 1964 report of Metr. Philaret's enthronement:</p>
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<blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="font-family: Optima; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">"The enthronement of Metropolitan Philaret, which took place on Saturday and Sunday, May 17/30 — 18/31, developed into an unprecedented solemn feast which left a deep and abiding impression upon all. To a degree perhaps never before experienced by such a multitude, <b>participants in this feast felt themselves engulfed by the grace-endowing and holy mystery of the Church....</b></p></blockquote>
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<p style="color: #042939; font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">These are not just poetic words. The Mystery of Piety is real, the Mystery of the Church is real. The Church Triumphant is real, and her grace is unique, tangible, recognizable — it was noticed also at St. Philaret's ROCOR-Agafangel glorification in November 2008. </p>
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<p style="color: #1e4367; font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">_______________________</p>
<p style="color: #0b5a7c; font-family: Avenir; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">*</span>non-jurisdictional is my word, akin to non-denominational. </p>
<p style="color: #0b5a7c; font-family: Avenir; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Remember that Fr. Seraphim Rose and the St. Herman Press, while being open to all jurisdictions, clearly identlified with ROCOR under Philaret. The first issue of the Orthodox Word magazine states:</p>
<blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="color: #131213; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 12px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">"</span><i><span style="font-family: georgia;">Orthodox Word</span></i><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> magazine is </span></span><span style="color: #1f1f1f; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-kerning: none;">addressed </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-kerning: none;">to Orthodox of all nationalities, to Converts to the Orthodox faith, and to those outside the Church</span><span style="color: #b0b0b0; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-kerning: none;"> </span><span style="color: #1f1f1f; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-kerning: none;">who </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-kerning: none;">desire to learn more of her </span><span style="color: #1f1f1f; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-kerning: none;">faith </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-kerning: none;">and practice. The editors are members of the Russian </span><span style="color: #1f1f1f; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-kerning: none;">Orthodox </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-kerning: none;">Church Outside of Russia and obedient to th</span><span style="color: #1f1f1f; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-kerning: none;">e </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-kerning: none;">Synod </span><span style="color: #1f1f1f; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-kerning: none;">of </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-kerning: none;">that </span><span style="color: #1f1f1f; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-kerning: none;">Church; </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-kerning: none;">but our collaborators </span><span style="color: #1f1f1f; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-kerning: none;">will </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-kerning: none;">include members of other Orthodox </span><span style="color: #1f1f1f; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-kerning: none;">Churches... "</span></p></blockquote><p> </p><div><span style="color: #ff00fe;">other notes:</span></div>
<span><p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">• The author's Conversion Story (so far, 2023)</p>
<p style="font-family: "Avenir Next Condensed"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><a href="https://www.orthodoxtraditionalist.com/post/subdeacon-why-all-the-ecumenism-my-journey-into-holy-orthodoxy">https://www.orthodoxtraditionalist.com/post/subdeacon-why-all-the-ecumenism-my-journey-into-holy-orthodoxy</a></p><div><br /></div></span><span><span style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px;">• It could help the reader to know ahead of time that the GOC and the SIR are now considered the same Church being under the same Primate in Athens.</span></span><div><span><span style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span><span style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px;"><i>• Orthodox Life</i> magazine 1999 (4) pdf, featuring St. Glicherie, can be downloaded here: </span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://app.box.com/s/81gdt3nt88e268rf8z5409e77iicdnxb">https://app.box.com/s/81gdt3nt88e268rf8z5409e77iicdnxb</a></span></div><div><span><br /></span></div>Joannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12000679422093371576noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2237541551373915150.post-48728992770336559462024-01-10T07:43:00.000-08:002024-01-10T07:47:22.677-08:00On the Nativity of Christ, by St. Maximus Confessor <span><p style="background-color: white; color: #1c1a1b; font-family: Avenir; font-size: 15px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p>
<p style="background-color: white; color: #1c1a1b; font-family: Avenir; font-size: 15px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">Life of the Virgin</span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; color: #1c1a1b; font-family: Avenir; font-size: 15px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">Chapter 3</span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; color: #1c1a1b; font-family: Avenir; font-size: 15px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">Nativity</span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; color: #1c1a1b; font-family: Avenir; font-size: 15px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">download pdf:</span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; color: #1c1a1b; font-family: "Avenir Next Condensed"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><a href="https://app.box.com/s/ruufyy7o12vthwnws61054zxwjkf7wnw">https://app.box.com/s/ruufyy7o12vthwnws61054zxwjkf7wnw</a></span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; color: #1c1a1b; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 15px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p>
<p style="background-color: white; color: #1c1a1b; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 15px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p>
<p style="background-color: white; color: #1c1a1b; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">_______________</span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; color: #1c1a1b; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">A Review of The Life of the Virgin</span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; color: #1c1a1b; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 15px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">by St. Maximus the Confessor </span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; color: #1c1a1b; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">Translated with an Introduction and Notes by Stephen J. Shoemaker of the University of Oregon<br />
Hardback: Yale University Press, 2012</span></p>
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<p style="background-color: white; color: #1c1a1b; font-family: Avenir; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">Review by Jordan Daniel Wood, Englewood Review of Books</span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; color: #1c1a1b; font-family: Avenir; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">https://englewoodreview.org</span></p>
<p style="color: #1c1a1b; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 15px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p>
<p style="background-color: white; color: #1c1a1b; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 15px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="200" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVNH0aSwbuOcON57y4AxTYSiiwATZWNdHEwUHdt3rWYZFiLVAIoGRi0QUySM6IeJuISNEE3X_wr0dJ12IiKQPLkgeXzO_rVM_HbN3itRRFJa0UZ4bKbTeatJviNMIjLWM9YqYrR4o4IRx5LKwaNkFpv9oFWYtpKo83c8NetUemv4L3ODAl7ex0ppWRbg8/s1600/the-life-of-the-virgin-maximus-the-confessor-200x300.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><p style="background-color: white; color: #1c1a1b; font-family: Palatino; font-size: 15px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">Translated for the first time into English, <i>The Life of the Virgin </i>is the earliest complete hagiographical biography of Mary the mother of Jesus (1). That fact alone commends and justifies the excellent work Stephen J. Shoemaker has completed. What is more, <i>The Life </i>was almost certainly authored by the currently acclaimed (and justly so) Maximus the Confessor, a towering theological giant for Christian traditions East and West. Shoemaker makes the authorial case cogently in his “Introduction” to the work, citing the “unanimous” attribution of the manuscript to Maximus, highlighting several internal features of the text that place it in the early-mid 7th century (Maximus’s time), pointing to circumstantial evidence in Maximus’s historical-biographical context that contribute to the likelihood of his composing such a work, and even deferring to the seasoned intuition of Hans Urs von Balthasar, who was certainly no stranger to the thought-world of Maximus: for Balthasar, in <i>The Life </i>one finds “a Maximus, who is entirely new but recognizable,…. And is much more accessible than in most of his theological works” (12). Providing such a different portrait of Maximus, then, also commends Shoemaker’s timely translation.</span></p>
<p style="color: #1c1a1b; font-family: Palatino; font-size: 15px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 19px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p>
<p style="background-color: white; color: #1c1a1b; font-family: Palatino; font-size: 15px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">The only extant manuscripts of Maximus’s <i>Life </i>are in Old Georgian, translated from the Greek by Euthymius the Hagiorite atop Mount Athos in the 11th century. Other than a French critical edition and translation published in 1986 by Michel van Esbroek, Shoemaker had only the remaining eleven Old Georgian manuscripts from which to produc</span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; color: #1c1a1b; font-family: Palatino; font-size: 15px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">e his translation and compose his notes (2-3). Since I am no expert in Old Georgian, I cannot speak to the accuracy of Shoemaker’s emendations and corrections of Esbroek’s French version, but both the brevity and clarity of Shoemaker’s notes evince tedious scrutiny and linguistic acumen. The scholarly labor involved in producing this English translation, particularly in that it requires such expert knowledge of a rather obscure language, puts us all in Shoemaker’s debt.</span></p>
<p style="color: #1c1a1b; font-family: Palatino; font-size: 15px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 19px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p>
<p style="background-color: white; color: #1c1a1b; font-family: Palatino; font-size: 15px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">But such a labor is, as Shoemaker’s tone intimates, more than a display of scholarly ability. It is a labor of love that shares the aim of the work itself – to cultivate devotion to and emulation of Mary, Theotokos, the Mother of God. Shoemaker’s text is divided into nine clear chapters with a total of 134 sections. Within these pages Maximus the Confessor’s focus is steadfast, a focus which is punctuated by the rushing cascade of laudatory names he heaps upon the Virgin at both the beginning and the end of the work: “Hear this, all you nations, and take heed…let us hymn, praise, and glorify the all-holy, immaculate, and most blessed Theotokos and ever-virgin Mary,” trumpets Maximus in the opening lines. She is the “throne of the king more exalted than the cherubim and seraphim, the Mother of Christ our God, the city of God…the temple of the Holy Spirit, the source of living water, the Paradise of the tree of life” (36, §1). As such, Mary is eminently worthy of our praise, though “even if all the nations of humanity came together, they would not be able to attain the worthiness of her praise and glory” (37, §1).</span></p>
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<p style="background-color: white; color: #1c1a1b; font-family: Palatino; font-size: 15px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">A good bit of Maximus’s account of Mary’s life is familiar, since much of it is drawn from the canonical Gospels. However, he does not shy away from other, less conspicuous sources such as the <i>Protevangelium of James</i>, earlier homilies on various parts of Mary’s life, the 4th-century “Six Books” compilation on Mary’s Dormition, and even spiritually inspired Old Testament texts such as the Psalms (interestingly, Maximus vehemently rejects the value of the <i>Infancy Gospel of Thomas</i>, 89, §62). In the latter he finds a hermeneutical volatility which allows for spiritual interpretations of Scripture that prophetically testify to Mary’s virtue, goodness, knowledge, and worthiness. In one place, for instance, he notes that a given text (Psalm 44) is typically interpreted as speaking of the Church, but hastens to add that “there is nevertheless nothing at all that impedes understanding [these texts] as being about the holy Theotokos. For words spoken by the Holy Spirit should not be understood only in one way but in many ways, for they are a treasure house of good things” (41, §6).</span></p>
<p style="color: #1c1a1b; font-family: Palatino; font-size: 15px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 19px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p>
<p style="background-color: white; color: #1c1a1b; font-family: Palatino; font-size: 15px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">Maximus’s varying sources allow him to knit together a unified narrative that at once follows the canonical books while leaving room for a plethora of details not found in those books: that Mary’s parents, Anna and Joachim, were barren and so Mary’s birth was miraculous (38, §3); that Mary was dedicated to the Temple from birth and grew up in its courts (39-45); that an event occurred in the Temple one night that foreshadowed the Annunciation, wherein Mary saw a brilliant light and heard a voice say, “Mary, from you my Son will be born” (46, §14); that Joseph was a 70-year old man with grown children when betrothed to the ever-virgin Mary (48, §17); that Mary’s delivery of the Christ-child, being a reversal of the Eve’s curse, inflicted no child-bearing pains (53, §22); that the “star” the magi followed to the Nativity was no star at all, but a “rational power” that was “guiding them deliberately by the power and command of the creator” (67, §36); that Mary was in fact the first witness to the Resurrection of her Son (119, §92); and practically the entire narrative from the Resurrection to Mary’s Dormition, a spectacular event that includes the translation of Mary’s soul by Jesus into heaven, surrounded by all the apostles and myriads of angels (119-148).</span></p>
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<p style="color: #1c1a1b; font-family: Palatino; font-size: 15px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 19px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p>
<p style="background-color: white; color: #1c1a1b; font-family: Palatino; font-size: 15px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">Maximus’s hagiographical account never wavers from its intensely spiritual aim of cultivating true and pious devotion toward the Son and his Mother. But Mary herself is not just an object of praise and glory, though she is undoubtedly that. In Maximus’s retelling she becomes the preeminent disciple of Christ, a leader of the apostles, the hope and courage of all believers, and so a model and source of the divine life lived on earth. “Wherever [Jesus] went,” says Maximus, “she went with him, and she was considered the life and the light of his eyes and soul, going with him and listening to his words” (96, §68). And when the immense suffering of Christ’s Passion occurred, “I would say,” asserts Maximus, “even though it is a bold statement, that [Mary] suffered more than him and endured sorrows of the heart: for he was God and Lord of all things, and he willingly endured suffering in the flesh. But she possessed the frailty of a human being and a woman and was filled with such love toward her beloved and desirable son” (101, §73). Moreover, Mary is peerless in her tenacious presence through every single moment of Christ’s agonizing death, never leaving the foot of the cross, sleeping and praying ceaselessly at the tomb, and eventually becoming the first witness of the Resurrection. Indeed, her steadfast devotion at every moment of Christ’s life leads directly to her glorification, aside her Son (119, §92). Thus after Christ’s ascension, “the holy mother of Christ was the model and leader of every good activity for men and for women through the grace and support of her glorious king and son.” Amazingly, she even “instructed the holy apostles in fasting and prayer,” becoming the “steward on [Christ’s] behalf and teacher and queen of all the believers and those who hope in his name, men and women,” performed miracles and an abundance of good works from her dwelling in Jerusalem (John’s house); so she “became greater than all, as the sun is brighter than the stars (123, §96; 129, §102). And at her miraculous death, which like Christ’s birth was devoid of the pain of the curse, all the apostles – including John, Peter and Paul – along with the angels, gathered and honored Mary as she was ushered by Jesus himself to her place at his right hand (140-1, §§116-7).</span></p>
<p style="color: #1c1a1b; font-family: Palatino; font-size: 15px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 19px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p>
<p style="background-color: white; color: #1c1a1b; font-family: Palatino; font-size: 15px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">It is because of these astounding accolades that the Virgin, Theotokos, Mother of God, has become and remains – next to Christ – the ever-present intercessor for Christians before God. This is granted to her by her Son, and she declares it to those gathered at her Dormition: “And when I stand before him, I will not cease to pray and intercede on behalf of you and all Christians and the entire world, so that the one who sees mercy as necessary will have mercy on all believers and make them steadfast and guide them on the way of life” (132, §106). For she is the “dwelling place of the Holy Spirit, queen of all things, urn of gold receiving the manna, rod that sprouted from the root of Jesse…table of life, temple of light, ark of holiness, source of immortality, intellectual Paradise, cloud of light, unwavering pillar of brilliance…gate of God, which he alone passed through and it remained closed…all-holy mountain, Eden of the second Adam…mother of God, immaculate Virgin, most blessed Theotokos and ever-virgin Mary” (157, §132). All this because, “above all,” exclaims Maximus in direct address, “you are…the imitator of your son and God, and so through your intercessions with him, the gracious and benevolent one spreads forth his mercies and delights even more upon us” (156, §130). Because she is the unparalleled model of her Son, she is the unparalleled intercessor with Him – and because of these things, she is most worthy of praise. Shoemaker’s wonderful edition of Maximus the Confessor’s <i>The Life of the Virgin</i>, therefore, furthers Maximus’s own goal: to inculcate devotion and gratitude toward the Mother of God.</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">https://englewoodreview.org/maximus-the-confessor-the-life-of-the-virgin-feature-review/</p><div><br /></div></span>Joannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12000679422093371576noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2237541551373915150.post-64465011000516538622023-12-23T09:57:00.000-08:002024-01-04T09:47:26.174-08:00Toll Houses of the Aerial Rulers<span><p style="color: #006882; font-family: "PT Sans"; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">"...from the exacting toll houses of the aerial rulers..."</p>
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<p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #0c343d;">The prayer after the Canon to Jesus in the Old Believer's Prayer Book is not the same as the one found in the Jordanville Prayer Book. Why? Did ROCOR think it best to re-arrange the prayers somewhat to eliminate mention of the toll houses? Because many people have difficulty with the imagery of "toll houses," did our Synod hope to prevent needless time/energy wasted over what, apparently for many, can be a harmful controversy? This was the first possible explanation that came to my mind, but later I came to think not. Most likely the reason was to make the Jordanville Prayer Book more suitable for laymen and less obviously intended for monastics. The morning prayers we use at our icon corners are taken from the Matins Service which is originally first intended for monasteries. This we see especially in the Matins prayers where the abbot and the monks ask each other for mutual forgiveness.</span></p>
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<p style="font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #0c343d;"><span style="font-family: Avenir;">After discovering the full version of this prayer in the Old Believer's Prayer Book, I started using it in my morning prayers — </span><span style="font-family: Quicksand;">Prayer VIII</span><span style="font-family: Avenir;">, on page 23 of the Jordanville Prayer Book. I am posting the prayer here in case anyone else would like to have it. When I get to the word "superiors" I imagine the clergy and my elders-in-the-Faith who are those who have been in the Church longer than I. Monastics also strive to be obedient to each other, to "all the brethren in Christ." This is worthy of meditation, because true obedience is given out of love, and we are commanded to love one another. ~jh</span></span></p>
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<p style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 15px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><b>Morning Prayer VIII,</b></p>
<p style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 15px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><b>to our Lord Jesus Christ</b></p>
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<p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">O my plenteously merciful and all merciful God, Lord Jesus Christ, through Thy great love Thou didst come down and become incarnate so that Thou mightestsave all. And again, O Saviour. save me by Thy grace, I pray Thee. For if Thou shouldst save me for my works, this would not be grace or a gift, but rather a duty; yea, Thou Who art great in compassion and ineffable in mercy. For he that believeth in Me, Thou hast said, O my Christ, shall live and never see death. If, then, faith in Thee saveth the desperate, behold, I believe, save me, for Thou art my God and Creator. Let faith instead of works be imputed to me, O my God, for Thou wilt find no works which could justify me. But may my faith suffice instead of all works, may it answer for, may it acquit me, may it make me a partaker of Thine eternal glory. And let Satan not seize me and boast, O Word, that he hath torn me from Thy hand and fold. But whether I desire it or not, save me, O Christ my Saviour, forestall me quickly, for I perish. Thou art my God from my mother’s womb. Vouchsafe me, O Lord, to love Thee now as fervently as I once loved sin itself, and also to work for Thee without idleness, diligently, as I worked before for deceptive Satan. <span style="color: #343434;"> But supremely shall I work for Thee, my Lord and God, Jesus Christ, all the days of my life, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen. </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">And grant, O Lord, that I may have love and obedience toward my superiors (abbot) and toward all the brethren in Christ, without condemnation until my very last breath. O Lord, make me to know mine end, and the number of my days. And at the departure of my soul, send guardian angels of peace to protect my wretched soul from demonic attacks, from the exacting toll houses of the aerial rules and from the lot of the goats on Thy left. And eliver me from eternal torment, and vouchsafe me to stand at Thy right hand, O just Judge, with all those who from all ages have been pleasing unto Thee, through the prayers of Thy most pure Mother and of all the saints: For blessed art Thou unto the ages. Amen</p>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="548" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPkJPYvLJTXMLNlYeISFHW6bgjQI1tr44TTLzBxxrLYK1542_6uBPYjLnluwbFlnp89aYLtsHudkPTNU2s1Vv_V-GYo7f3eWxi6vxyjO3KFVmhYuNqyvXFKA9iF2PkuzT48-DWCb-dFinqpZalBYLNopGbTdSEMIM7BpNBW97ck6vBmi9h3FutPZhjiUc/w548-h640/Toll%20Houses.jpg" width="548" /></a></div><br /><p style="font-family: Times; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">At lower left we see the dying Theodora, with an angel receiving her soul.</span></p>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="558" data-original-width="594" height="602" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXg_DIlWXuhP4uBEe_S1JAnCExZoNDOWIfYJIgpIgMeeZg4geXWfN3KsYk9nuoY3FRc7ziKRn3pIz9c-7cCsK_ohyoPSRWXYZ6Sq_gUIrNUcbeO2ec3Bospd9-SfN4-nXY3632RQY4vaedYtMJocCwi7TQ1ENpP6nUOMKxBUrO2fcyrNtZ3h2jsAoDJvc/w640-h602/1.%20Toll%20Houses%20copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p style="font-family: Times; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">Two of 20 segments depicting the tollhouses in the Monastery of St. John of Rila, in Bulgaria.</span></p>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="579" data-original-width="646" height="574" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZapvib3S3szjowvzyguJnI3lZcy9gOMnTDVHsp3lrj0SO3NBZPXjcvbgTgnOGLFXPzaHM53CJUH8qKosWv4aUdO5whpI3nu5MuwOhwMDoyq2tknhFBsnE_bIMeLUZUqY7JOVNsaAGBnvCR7rb61BPlflu2sFSIFirg_aLpJ6ytFKM7lZYgWLKuG6RJlY/w640-h574/10.%20Toll%20Houses%20copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p>
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<p style="color: #6e0502; font-family: Copperplate; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">NOTES</p>
<p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Old Orthodox Prayer Book, 1986, pp.150-151</p>
<p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">cf. Jordanville Prayer Book, 1986, p. 232</p>
<p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">https://shop.churchofthenativity.net/collections/books/products/old-orthodox-prayer-book <span style="color: #45818e;">[ROCOR-MP]</span></p>
<p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><i>Soul After Death</i>, by Fr. Seraphim Rose</p>
<p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><i>Orthodox Dogmatic Theology,</i> by Archpriest Michael Pomazansky</p>
<p style="font-family: "Avenir Next Condensed"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Avenir; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">http://www.saintjonah.org/articles/tollhouses.htm </span>to this list I add Friday Matins canon to Theotokos Tone IV, Ode 8 <span style="caret-color: rgb(69, 129, 142); color: #45818e; font-family: Avenir;">[ROCOR-MP]</span></p>
<p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">"St. John taught the toll houses" see RRb archives July 2012 in Joanna's Shared Library</p>
<p style="font-family: "Avenir Next Condensed"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"> Sermon: "I believe in the Resurrection of the Dead" http://orthodox.cn/saints/manofgod/manofgod_en.doc.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Avenir Next Condensed"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Avenir; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><span style="color: #0f79a5; font-family: Avenir; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">copy here also</span><span style="font-family: Avenir; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span>http://www.holytrinitymission.org/books/english/sermons_john_maximovich.htm</p><div><br /></div></span>Joannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12000679422093371576noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2237541551373915150.post-14295256321436570982023-12-21T11:47:00.000-08:002024-01-18T08:53:12.363-08:00Book: Eternal Mysteries Beyond the Grave<span><div><span style="color: #134f5c;">Book: Eternal Mysteries Beyond the Grave </span></div><div><span style="color: #134f5c;">December 2023</span></div><div><br /></div></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHUJElOwk8fiodVVTBUw_q1WDjzYvfue9si4beiZ2G79n5LkxFw-sK10JntP00nuqNZHWXnH50BRXCnWtDfVpRYdygVNiVs1UYiiLsznBwDYC6-7BZlfmXSx0VPmBfOpB3S8FwuU72gXFxxld0pip8IL9rraE9EZuKY8-k8VKnzxjQ3FBS5QR6DFAHigg/s700/Eternal%20Mysteries%20Book.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="471" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHUJElOwk8fiodVVTBUw_q1WDjzYvfue9si4beiZ2G79n5LkxFw-sK10JntP00nuqNZHWXnH50BRXCnWtDfVpRYdygVNiVs1UYiiLsznBwDYC6-7BZlfmXSx0VPmBfOpB3S8FwuU72gXFxxld0pip8IL9rraE9EZuKY8-k8VKnzxjQ3FBS5QR6DFAHigg/s320/Eternal%20Mysteries%20Book.jpg" width="215" /></a></div><br /><span><br /></span>
<span><p style="font-family: Futura; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"> Eternal Mysteries Beyond the Grave <span style="color: #7f7f7f; font-family: Avenir; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">published 2012</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Arial Narrow"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><a href="https://www.holytrinitypublications.com/eternal-mysteries-beyond-the-grave">https://www.holytrinitypublications.com/eternal-mysteries-beyond-the-grave</a></p>
<p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">The 1968 edition has no Table of Contents, instead it has an INDEX:</p>
<p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 19px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Preface</p>
<p style="color: #0b5a7c; font-family: Avenir; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> 1. The Mystery of the Holy Trinity </span></p>
<p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"> 2. Orthodox Teachings on the Existence of God</p>
<p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"> 3. On the Immortality of Our Soul</p>
<p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"> 4. The Origin of Death</p>
<p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"> 5. The Actual Existence of the Devil</p>
<p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"> 6. On Fallen Angels</p>
<p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"> 7. St Anthony’s Struggles Against Devils</p>
<p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"> 8. What Is Death?</p>
<p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"> 9. What Is the Soul, and What Is Its Origin?</p>
<p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">10. How Significant for Our Lives Is Belief in Immortality?</p>
<p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">11. Proofs of Immortality</p>
<p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">12. The Particular Judgment</p>
<p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">13. What the Church Teaches Us About the Trials of the Departed</p>
<p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">14. The Journey Beyond Death</p>
<p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">15. The Mystery of Death</p>
<p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">16. The Mysteries of Life Beyond Death</p>
<p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">17. A General View on the Immortality of the Soul and on Life Beyond the Grave</p>
<p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">18. Testimony of the Departed About the Immortality of the Soul and About Afterlife</p>
<p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">19. Accounts of Passages through the Holy Torments</p>
<p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">20. The Remarkable Deaths of Christian Boys</p>
<p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">21. Two Visions of the Heavenly Kingdom</p>
<p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">22. The Life of Departed Souls Before the Universal Judgment </p>
<p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">23. Two Marvelous Occurrences</p>
<p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">24. The Miraculous Dream of the Novice Thecla</p>
<p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">25. The Tale of a Clairvoyant Girl</p>
<p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">26. The Experience of a Certain Ascetic</p>
<p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">27. Another Ancient Tale</p>
<p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">28. The Story of the Soldier Taxiotes</p>
<p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">29. One Hour of Hell on Earth</p>
<p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">30. What are the Sufferings of Hell?</p>
<p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">31. One Hour of Suffering in Hell</p>
<p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">32. How Important It Is to Remember the Dead</p>
<p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">33. The Departed Request the Living to Pray for Them and Are Grateful for Such Prayers</p>
<p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">34. The Departed Appear to Their Relatives and Friends to Tell Them of Their Death</p>
<p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">35. The Departed Take an Interest in Their Survivors</p>
<p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">36. More Accounts of Appearances of the Departed</p>
<p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">37. A Moral Conclusion to Be Drawn from the Previous Accounts</p>
<p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">38. What the Holy Scripture and the Fathers of the Church Teach About the Location of Paradise</p>
<p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">39. What the Holy Scripture and the Fathers of the Church Tell Us About the Location of Hell</p>
<p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">40. The Future Punishment of Sinners</p>
<p style="font-family: "Avenir Next Condensed"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Avenir; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">41. An Answer </span>to the Eternal Question: Shall We Live After Death? An Attack on Atheism and the Doctrine That Death Is Final </p>
<p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">42. More About Proofs of Man’s Immortality and of the Preservation of His Own Identity After Death</p>
<p style="font-family: "Avenir Next Condensed"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Avenir; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">43. A Final Word </span>on the Subject of Immortality: After His Death, Man Preserves His Identity and Leads a Fully Spiritual Life</p>
<p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">44. On the Holiness of the Christian Religion</p>
<p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">45. A Last Word on the Divine Origin of the Christian Religion</p>
<p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">46. The End of the World, the Resurrection of the Dead, and the Last Judgment</p>
<p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">47. The Blessed Condition of the Righteous in the Future Life</p>
<p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">48. About the Eternal Blessedness of the Saints</p>
<p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">49. Thoughts on the Omnipresent Wisdom of God <span style="color: black; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><span style="caret-color: rgb(11, 90, 124); color: #0b5a7c; font-size: 12px;">[a pdf of this chapter is in my Shared Library]</span></p>
<p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">50. A Defense of Christian Faith Against Disbelief</p>
<p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 19px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">________________________</p>
<p style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Futura; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"> Journey Beyond Death</p>
<p style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Avenir; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">This smaller book is 3 chapters from <span style="font-family: Futura; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">Eternal Mysteries Beyond the Grave</span></p>
<p style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: "Arial Narrow"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><a href="https://www.holytrinitypublications.com/the-journey-beyond-death">https://www.holytrinitypublications.com/the-journey-beyond-death</a></p>
<p style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Avenir; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">The main chapter is <span style="font-family: Futura; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">Journey Beyond Death</span> which recounts a vision that describes the toll houses. This toll house chapter is #14 in the 1968 edition.</p>
<p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 19px;"><br /></p></span>
<span><p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">________________________</span></p>
<p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">See the review published in the Orthodox Life magazine </span></p>
<p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">OL 1970 (6), Nov-Dec, page 39</p>
<p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><a href="https://app.box.com/s/5dyw4bocxucfmyjmwd4riqblcislsn8h">https://app.box.com/s/5dyw4bocxucfmyjmwd4riqblcislsn8h</a></p>
<p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 19px;">download could be necessary depending on your browser, viewing not always possible in Safari</p></span>
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<span><div>.</div></span>Joannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12000679422093371576noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2237541551373915150.post-85894227099835498462023-11-30T08:44:00.000-08:002023-12-02T06:40:13.112-08:00Catholicity of the Church<span><p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 19px;"><span style="color: #006882; font-size: 18px;">BOOK REVIEW </span></p><p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 19px;"><span style="color: #006882; font-size: 18px;"><i>Selected Essays</i>, by M. Pomazansky</span></p><p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 19px;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(4, 41, 57); color: #042939;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="color: #042939; font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"> Archpriest Michael Pomazansky of Jordanville (†1988, Oct22/Nov4) left us some valuable writings that have been translated into English. He had </span><span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-kerning: none; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">a clear concept of the Church</span><span style="font-kerning: none;"> and the ability to transmit this to others through his writings. </span></p><p style="color: #042939; font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"> This book review consists of preview pages: the Table of Contents and one particular essay (chapter) that, I believe, can help in discerning the Church. The most important thing to seek is fellowship (communion) with the Heavenly Church.</span></p><p style="color: #042939; font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"> At least some of these essays are available online, but you want to have a copy of this book in your home library. <i>~jh</i></span></p><p style="color: #042939; font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 19px;"><br /><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span></p>
<p style="font-family: Futura; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-kerning: none; font-size: x-large;">Selected Essays</span></p>
<p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">by Protopresbyter Michael Pomazansky</span></p>
<p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">Jordanville, 1996 </span></p>
<p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">240 pages</span></p><p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">$17°°</span></p><p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="color: #262626; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 17px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p>
<p style="background-color: white; color: #262626; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"> TABLE OF CONTENTS</span><span style="font-kerning: none; font-size: 9px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">.</span></p>
<p style="color: #262626; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 17px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p>
<p style="color: #262626; font-family: Cochin; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="background-color: white; font-kerning: none;">In Memory of Protopresbyter Michael Pomazansky</span></p>
<p style="color: #262626; font-family: Cochin; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="background-color: white; font-kerning: none;">Is This Orthodoxy?</span></p>
<p style="color: #262626; font-family: Cochin; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="background-color: white; font-kerning: none;">Children in Church</span></p>
<p style="color: #262626; font-family: Cochin; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="background-color: white; font-kerning: none;">On the Rite of Churching an Infant and the Prayer for a Woman Who Has Given Birth</span></p>
<p style="color: #262626; font-family: Cochin; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="background-color: white; font-kerning: none;">The Glorification of Saints</span></p>
<p style="color: #262626; font-family: Cochin; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 199, 0.98); font-kerning: none;">Catholicity and Cooperation in Church</span></p>
<p style="color: #262626; font-family: Cochin; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="background-color: white; font-kerning: none;">Everything Has Its Time, Its Place</span></p>
<p style="color: #262626; font-family: Cochin; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="background-color: white; font-kerning: none;">How Each of Us Can and Ought to Serve the Church</span></p>
<p style="color: #262626; font-family: Cochin; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="background-color: white; font-kerning: none;">An Outline of the Orthodox World-View of Father John of Kronstadt, Based on His Own Words</span></p>
<p style="color: #262626; font-family: Cochin; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="background-color: white; font-kerning: none;">The Liturgical Theology of Father A. Schmemann</span></p>
<p style="color: #262626; font-family: Cochin; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="background-color: white; font-kerning: none;">Liturgical Books: From Manuscript to Print</span></p>
<p style="color: #262626; font-family: Cochin; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="background-color: white; font-kerning: none;">A Luminary of the Russian Church, His Beatitude Metropolitan Anthony</span></p>
<p style="color: #262626; font-family: Cochin; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="background-color: white; font-kerning: none;">The Old Testament and Rationalistic Biblical Criticism</span></p>
<p style="color: #262626; font-family: Cochin; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="background-color: white; font-kerning: none;">Sophianism and Trends in Russian Intellectual Theology</span></p>
<p style="color: #262626; font-family: Cochin; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="background-color: white; font-kerning: none;">The Old Testament in the New Testament Church</span></p>
<p style="color: #262626; font-family: Cochin; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="background-color: white; font-kerning: none;">The Church of Christ and the Contemporary Movement for Unification in Christianity</span></p>
<p style="color: #262626; font-family: Cochin; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="background-color: white; font-kerning: none;">Our War is not Against Flesh and Blood, On the Question of the “Toll-Houses”</span></p>
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<p style="color: blue; font-family: Arial; font-size: 20px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>Catholicity and Cooperation in the Church.</b></span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>C</b>atholicity — this is not merely a sonorous word, but a theological concept of the loftiest significance. It is, of course, used in the Nicene Creed as one of the non-biblical terms to define the Church as one, holy, <i>catholic</i>, and apostolic. What does the original Greek word mean of it</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-kerning: none; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">self? The main root of this word, όλος, means, according to Lampe (G. W. H. Lampe, <i>A Patristic Greek Lexicon</i>, Clarendon Press, Oxford, 1965), “whole, entire, complete.” The prefix καν has as one of its three meanings the intensification of the word to whi</span><span style="font-kerning: none;">ch it is joined. Thus, in sum, the meaning is that of an unlimited fullness, all-inclusiveness, a "pleroma." "Catholicity" expresses what the Scriptures state of the Church, that in her </span><span style="color: #66008d; font-kerning: none;"><i>there is neither Greek nor Jew, nor circumcision, nor un-drcumcision, nor Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free, but Christ is all in all (Col. 3:11). And again, the Father... gave Him to be the head over all things to the Church, Which is His body, the fullness of Him that filleth all in all (Eph. 1:22-3). And again, That at the name of Jesus, every knee should bow, of things in the heavens, things in earth, and things under the earth (Phil. 2:10)</i>.</span><span style="font-kerning: none;"> Catholicity refers to the fact that the Church is not limited to space, by earthly boundaries, nor is it limited in time, that is, by the passing of generations into the life beyond the grave. In its catholic fullness, in its catholicity, the Church embraces both the Church of the called and the Church of the chosen, the Church on earth and the Church in Heaven. Such is the Orthodox understanding of the essence and elements of the Church in its perfect form, as our Orthodox services make especially clear.</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">A problem has arisen in some Russian theological circles due to the misinterpretation of the Russian word for catholicity, <i>sobornost</i>. This word, whose adjectival form has been used in the Slavonic translation of the Symbol of the Faith for a thousand years, is related to the Slavonic word for a council, sobor. In its present form as a noun, <i>sobornost</i> is indebted to the Russian Slavophiles, who employed it to define the uniquely lofty connotations of the Slavonic <i>sobornuyu</i> as used in the ninth article of the Creed: "I believe in One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church." "I will not presume to say," writes the Russian Orthodox thinker and devoted son of the Church, A. S. Khomiakov, "whether this profound realization of the essence of the Church (to translate the word 'Catholic' with the word 'Sobornaya') was taken by the first teachers of the Slavs from the very sources of truth in the schools of the East or whether it was yet a more lofty inspiration granted by Him Who alone is Truth and Life, but I boldly affirm that this one word contains in itself a complete confession of the faith" (A. S. Khomiakov, <i>Theological Works</i>, p. 313). One must bear in mind that in Greek there is no philological or linguistic connection be</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-kerning: none; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">tween the concepts “catholic” and “council” (ecumenical). A council of the Church is called in Greek Σύνοδος, and an ecumenical council, οικουμενική Σύνοδος. In the secular usage, the di</span><span style="font-kerning: none;">c</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-kerning: none; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">tionary meaning of Σύνοδος is “a gathering, meeting, congress.”</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">Concerning the Russian and Slavonic word <i>sobor</i>, one can readily see its relationship to the concept of catholicity in its usage as a term for a large church or cathedral. A <i>sobor</i> is a church with two or three altars, which thus more fully expresses the union with the heavenly church, whose lofty iconostasis portrays the choirs of the saints, where the daily services are constantly being celebrated in memory and glorification of the heavenly Church, and where the vessel of Grace and the bond with the hierarchy of heaven and earth, the bishop, serves and has his seat.</span></p>
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<p style="color: blue; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><b> What is the Catholicity of the Church on Earth and How Is It Expressed?</b></span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">Catholicity is the unceasing prayerful communion with the celestial Church. The radiant bonds of prayer go in all directions: we on earth pray for one another; we ask the saints to pray for us; the saints, we believe, hear us and lift our prayers unto God; we pray for our reposed fathers and brothers in Christ; we ask the saints to assist us also in these appeals to the Lord.</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: Copperplate; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">Catholicity is the unceasing prayerful communion with the celestial Church</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">Catholicity is expressed in the fact that the ancient Fathers and Teachers of the Church continue to be as relevant in our times, and are just as instructive, memorable and valuable as they were in their own time. The Church is nurtured by One Spirit, and therefore temporal divisions between generations of Christians are irrelevant. The Christian who studies the Apostolic Scriptures, the writings of the Holy Fathers and Ascetics, or the texts of the divine services, we believe, enters into a spiritual communion outside of time, with the very authors of these writings, fulfilling the behest of the holy Apostle John the Theologian: </span><span style="color: #66008d; font-kerning: none;"><i>That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you you, that ye also may have fellowship (communion) with us; and truly our fellowship </i>(communion)<i> is with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ (I John 1:3).</i></span></p>
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<p style="color: #343434; font-family: Copperplate; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">The Christian who studies the Apostolic Scriptures, writings of the Holy Fathers and Ascetics, or texts of the divine services can enter into a spiritual communion outside of time, with the very authors of these writings. . . </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">Catholicity is expressed in the fact that members of the Orthodox Church living at various ends of the earth have one common faith. This is why in the ancient Church the faith itself was called the "catholic faith" and "catholic truth." All have one and the same Mysteries; all commune of the one Body of Christ in the Mystery of the Eucharist, no matter where or when they live; all have one priesthood, which takes its one succession from the Apostles; all Church life is built on the common foundation of the canons of the Church.</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">Catholicity, finally, is expressed in the fact that all true members of the Church treasure her. We grieve for the Church in her times of difficulty. For the members of the small community of a parish, she is just as close whether in part or as a whole. "For the welfare of the holy churches of God and the union of all," we pray at every liturgy. A Christian who makes the salvation of his soul the goal of his personal life in the Church demonstrates concern for the peace and welfare of his own local church, working towards this according to the measure of his own capabilities and strength. Of course, such an ecclesiastical cooperativeness is also an expression, although more remote, of the concept of the catholicity of the Church.</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">It is, generally speaking, with these characteristics that the Russian Slavophiles received into their hearts the concept of the catholicity of the Church; such was the understanding which they had of the term "the <i>sobornost</i> of the Church." Expressing by this formula the fullness of the spiritual unity of the Orthodox Church, regardless of her geographical and national separations, they underscored the <i>ethical</i> aspect of Orthodox catholicity which is free from compulsion and legalistic concepts. It is this ethical aspect of Orthodoxy which contrasted with the legal principle of "rights and privileges" in the structure of the Roman Church, and likewise, to the cold rationalism, sometimes replaced by mysticism, in Protes- tantism. The Slavophiles did not associate with the concept of <i>sobornost </i>any kind of elective lay organs of Church government.</span></p>
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<p style="color: blue; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><b> Catholicity in the Usual Vernacular Sense.</b></span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">With the passage of time the meaning of the term <i>sobornost</i> began to narrow. At the beginning of this century when talk arose of the need for calling a council of the Russian Church, due to the similarity of the Russian words for council <i>(sobor)</i> and catholic <i>(sobornaya)</i>, this term began to be used in everyday polemics as virtually identical with the concept of a council of bishops, local or ecumenical. Subsequently it came to be identified with conciliar government in the Church in general, which, incidentally, was conceived of by different people in different ways: for some a patriarchate in conjunction with periodical, frequent convocations of the bishops; for others on the contrary, a continuation of conciliar government by the Synod; still others saw in a patriarchate an immensely unifying moral force which eliminated the need for collegial forms of ecclesiastical government.</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">During the sessions of the Russian Church Council of 1917-18 this term took on a new significance. At that time one could already foresee and sense the approach of the brutal blows against the Russian Church from the enemies of the Orthodox Church, of Christianity, and of religion in general. It was imperative to seek out means of uniting all the vital forces of the Church, an authentic alignment of firmness and the faithful forces of the believers in accordance with the principle of the catholicity of the Church. The Church must be defended; a moral confirmation of the episcopate and the parish pastors was required, so that they would not be left isolated. This goal could be realized only by attracting the faithful to an active participation in the protection of the Church through representatives of the laity who were self-sacrificing and well-tested. The vast majority of these turned out to be people who were also prepared to be confessors when this choice sooner or later presented itself. The consciousness of this necessity and the corresponding summoning of the people was reflected in the resolutions of the Council of 1917-18. This mobilization of Church forces at that moment was truly an expression of the idea of the catholicity of the Church in a profoundly ethical sense.</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">In the period of the Russian emigration after the First World War, the term <i>sobornost </i>began to be used in an extremely simplistic way and acquired a special connotation. The idea was spread abroad that the lay members of the Church were being deprived of their rights; that the time had come to put elected persons into diocesan government, both from the laity and from the clergy. As long as this was lacking in the ecclesiastical framework, it was said, the doctrine of the Creed was not being implemented. From time to time these voices grew more shrill and they were even given a hearing in the press. Before the Second World War a pamphlet published throughout the emigration entitled <i>For Sobornost</i> (in Russian), expressed this kind of understanding of the word.</span></p>
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<p style="color: blue; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>The Church in the Sea of Life.</b></span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">The historical path of the Church has not been an easy one. The Holy Fathers represented it by the image of a ship sailing on the sea of life. Its lot is such that even when the sea is calm, the vessel must move against the current. What then must be said about the moments of storm? The Church is forced always to maintain a resistance against the sinful world. The world possesses power, authority, the instruments of compulsion and punishment, as well as the seductive pleasures of life. The Church in and of herself possesses nothing except moral influence. Whence could she draw on the strength that she requires, were it not that the Lord protects and has mercy on her?</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">The Orthodox Church is the <i>inheritance</i> of Christ.</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">The Lord protects as well the little vessel which is called the Russian Church Outside of Russia, the offspring of the once outwardly magnificent Russian Orthodox Church. Should the Church in the homeland be reborn, then this free part of her will return to her bosom.</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">Within the diaspora, our little Church watches over, to the fullest extent, the canonical structure that she inherited from of old, and sets for herself as one aspect of her duties to maintain the entire inheritance of Orthodoxy inviolate, undiminished, and undistorted. To keep watch over oneself in this way in foreign lands is more difficult than at home, however, she has not only succeeded in this, but even shows certain encouraging signs in comparison with the past in Russia.</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">In old Russia the ruling bishop had under his jurisdiction a thousand or more parishes; this meant a population of millions in a diocesan flock. Could he have visited each and directed it personally? Could he have been as close to it as are our archpastors here? Our bishops here know the parishes committed to them, with their own eyes they see their members and, one can say, bear them all within their hearts, rejoicing and weeping together with them. All the more painfully, of course, do they experience disturbances in the parishes, and it may be that only God sees their suffering of soul for their flocks. One must also say the same concerning the parish pastors. How often both bishop and priest quietly reconcile them-selves to the most adverse conditions of life, concerning which many of the flock, being themselves well provided for in life, perhaps do not even take the trouble to consider...? And frequently those who serve the Church face, instead of cooperation, only cold analysis and criticism — a very discouraging phenomenon.</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">Nonetheless, the negative aspects do not overwhelm the spiritual consolation which accompanies service to God and the Church. Those living amid the vanity of the world do not even imagine the existence of such consolation, and for this reason so few are prepared to embark on the pastor's way of life. Because of this, there is in our day an acute lack of clergy, and the number of parishes not tended by their own pastors continues to grow.</span></p>
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<p style="color: #66008d; font-family: Times; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-kerning: none;">The apostolic epistles provide us with a sketch of the image of pastoral sorrows. The Apostle Paul writes to the community of Christians which he founded: </span><span style="font-kerning: none;"><i>"You are already filled; you have grown rich; you have begun to reign with us... We are fools for Christ's sake, but you are wise in Christ; we are weak, but you are strong; you are in glory but we are in dishonor... O, if only in fact you had begun to reign, so that we might reign together with you!" (cf. I Cor. 4:10, 8) What then? Is this grief of the apostle a cause of despair and indecision? Not in the least! Note the outstanding spiritual state of the Apostle: "Who can separate us from the love of God: grief or deprivation? or persecution or hunger or nakedness? or danger or the sword?.. All this we overcome by the power of Him Who loved us" (cf. Rom. 8:35, 37).</i></span></p>
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<p style="color: blue; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>Catholic Unity and Cooperation in the Church.</b></span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">The biblical image of the Church in the world is that of a human body. In the body there is an innumerable number of parts that work together, both visibly and invisibly. They all have their value and their purpose. </span><span style="color: #66008d; font-kerning: none;"><i>The foot does not say: I do not belong to the body, because I am not a hand... the ear does not say: I do not belong to the body because I am not an eye... (I Cor. 12:15-16) </i></span><span style="font-kerning: none;">— So also in the Church; for each of her members there is a place for union with the other persons who serve her. But just as the body is in need of outer coverings, clothing, and other necessary items which are not a part of the body, so in the serving of the Church there are also two spheres: the internal sphere, truly ecclesiastical, catholic; and another -the outward, on the surface, temporary, passing. We must distinguish between the "essential" and the "nonessential," at least in practice and in indispensable matters. Since we live in a material world, a world of relativity, the external often becomes indispensable. In the Church this constitutes the organizational aspect — besides the Grace-bearing hierarchal structure; there is also the need to maintain the church building and clergy, parish meetings, finances, organizations associated with the Church: schools, publishing, and so on. Life summons us to participate in both spheres. However, it is of no benefit to a person's salvation to take part in the outward without participating in the internal.</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">Which of our activities, then, represents the full and authentic expression of the catholicity of the Church?</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">It is manifested, namely, in congregational prayer in the church building. The church is the Christian center of our lives. Setting out for the services, we say, "Let's go to church," or "Let's go to the cathedral"; thus we express half-consciously by these words the fact that catholicity and the Church are fully manifested in the church building.</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">Is the priest, standing before the gates of the sanctuary or within it, praying for himself alone? No, these prayers of thanksgiving for the past day and the approaching night, these petitions for the mercy of God are completely catholic. "Incline Thine ear, and hearken unto us, and remember by name, O Lord all that are with us and pray with us, and save them by Thy might... Give peace to Thy world, to Thy churches, to the priests and to all Thy people." "Teach us, O God, Thy righteousness... grant us to behold the dawn and day in rejoicing,.. Remember, O Lord, in the multitude of Thy compassions, all Thy people that are with us and pray with us, and all our brethren, on land, on the sea, in every place of Thy dominion, needing Thy help and love for mankind... that always remaining saved in soul and body, with boldness we may glorify Thy wondrous and blessed name..." One after another, these prayers reach ever higher unto the "Treasury of good things, the Ever-flowing Fountain, the Benefactor of our lives, Who is Holy and Unattainable." The majority of these prayers could be read aloud. But experience has proven that people in church are not able to maintain sufficient concentration and attention to become absorbed in the meaning of these prayers — the fruit of the lofty, Grace-filled inspiration of the great Fathers of the Church. In particular, this must be said of the principal section of the Divine Liturgy, that of the Faithful. Therefore, the Church has found it better to place in our thoughts and mouths as often as possible, the brief prayer of contrition and request, "Lord, have mercy." This prayer expresses the Church-inspired catholic consciousness of the primary importance for a Christian: sincere repentance.</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">Is not the whole Church meant to pray through the mouth of the choir? We must add that the readers and chanters, as well as those who listen, should bear in mind the communal character of the praises, petitions, and thanksgiving of the services, and mutually strive to realize common prayer. In at least certain parts of the divine services it is possible for the whole congregation to participate actively in the chanting. Undoubtedly, in the future Russian Church, reborn through sufferings, this aspect of ecclesiastical catholicity will attain a more complete expression.</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">At the conclusion of each service we leave the church. At the end of the vigil service we hear the concluding prayer of the First Hour: "O Christ the True Light, Who enlightenest and sanctifiest every man that cometh into the world..." And, indeed, our departure from the services is, in fact, a passing over "from the Church into the world." We depart to our worldly cares and interests. The Church and catholicity recede for a time into the background, into the past. Completely? That depends on us. Not completely, if we preserve them within ourselves, in our soul, in our consciousness, in our actions; in a word, if we maintain ourselves in piety. Thus, even in the world it is possible to work together with the Church, as a reflection of that same catholicity. It cannot be said here that the Church's path is narrow.</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">What activities of the members of the Church, then, can and do express the spirit of catholicity?</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">One of the first modes of activity is directly associated with the church building itself. This includes the construction of the church, the providing of it with all that is necessary, acquisition of icons and frescoes. In terms of moral value, acts of love and philanthropy in the name of Christ have an even greater significance. The manifestations of Christian faith and love can be extremely diverse. For example, personal Christian missionary activity springs from devotion to Christ and the Church, upholding the right, compassionate defense of the persecuted and abused. Christian service through lectures, reports, the printed word, work in church schools, scholarly activity in a Christian spirit — all this constitutes a broad, open and, here outside the Communist world, a free field for Church cooperation, both as individuals and in groups.</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">These forms of activity and those like them are loftier and more worthy than plans for participating in the administrative side of the Church. The peaceful and prosperous management of the house of God rests not on legal foundations but on the rock of right faith and ethical, voluntary obedience to the rules of the Church by all her members, both clerical and lay. One cannot imagine how such an approach to the question of catholicity could be considered conventional or boring.</span></p>
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<p style="color: blue; font-family: Arial; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><b>Vladimir S. Soloviev and the Catholic Aspect of the Church.</b></span></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">So that the skeptical reader might not think that the concept of catholicity found in the ninth article of the Creed and set forth here is onesided, and to make it clear that such an understanding is not limited to a single group of persons or to that movement whose spokesman was A. S. Khomiakov (the Slavophiles), let us avail ourselves of the opinions of Vladimir S. Soloviev on this question. We consider him here not as a theological authority, but as a free-thinker who did not confine himself to the traditional theological frame of reference. In many of his opinions he went far beyond the bounds of the Gospel's truths. However, he was a sincere Christian, and he had a well-intentioned, if vain, hope that by an originality of conclusions he might interest the Russian intelligentsia in the questions of faith, towards which it had grown so indifferent. But his devoted followers, when they began to introduce certain philosophical speculations into theology and develop them, made him the source of one more heresy. In his work <i>The Justification of the Good</i>, Soloviev, commenting on the characteristics of the Church given in the Creed, writes in agreement with the conception generally accepted by the Orthodox Church:</span></p>
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</span><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span><p style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-kerning: none; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">Catholicity (καθόλον</span><span style="font-kerning: none;"> — as a whole, or in agreement with the whole) consists in this, that all the forms and activities of the Church join separate persons and separate nations with the entire God-Manhood, both in its individual concentration – Christ, and likewise in its collective circles – in the world of the bodiless hosts, the saints who have departed and live in God, and the faithful struggling upon the earth. In so far as all within the Church is brought into harmony with an absolute whole, all is catholic. Within her all the exclusions of national and personal characteristics and social status fall away, all the separations and divisions cease, and all differences are left behind, for godliness requires that one perceive unity in God not as an empty indifference nor bleak uniformity, but as the unconditional fullness of every life. There is no separation, but rather there is preserved the distinction between the invisible and the visible Churches, for the first is the hidden active power of the second, and the second is the first becoming manifest; they are one with each other in essence, but different in condition. There is no separation, but rather there distinction is preserved in the visible Church between the many races and nations, in whose unanimity the one Spirit by various tongues witnesses to the one Truth and by various gifts and callings imparts one Good. There is not, finally, any division, but rather there is preserved the distinction in the Church between those who teach and those who are taught, between the clergy and the laity, between the mind and the body of the Church, just as in the distinction between husband and wife there is not a barrier but a basis for their perfect unification.</span></p></span><span><p style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: right;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><i>(The Justification of the Good, Pt. Ill, Sec. VIII, pp. 473-4)</i></span></p></span></blockquote><span>
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<p style="font-family: Times; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"> </span></p><div><span style="font-kerning: none;"><br /></span></div></span>Joannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12000679422093371576noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2237541551373915150.post-46550550753895925012023-11-29T08:50:00.000-08:002023-11-29T08:51:56.651-08:00Help in Selecting Orthodox Books and Reading Materials<span><p style="color: #0b556f; font-family: Avenir; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">Book Review</span></p>
<p style="color: #0b556f; font-family: "Arial Narrow"; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">by St. Gabriel of Seven Lakes Monastery, Kazan (†1915)</span></p>
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<p style="color: #042939; font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">This "book review" is in the form of a letter written by the Elder Gabriel to someone who had sent him the book believing it to be inspiring. The elder did not think so. The letter is unsigned, but we know that it was composed by Elder Gabriel and his disciple, Archimandrite Symeon, who was of the same mind and who served as his secretary and wrote down the elder's dictation. Interesting to us is that even though this book was 100 years ago in Russian, the same warning about this book can be said today about books from world-orthodoxy. Choose your reading materials carefully from an approved list of publishers and authors. That would be:</p>
<p style="color: #042939; font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"> St. Herman, Platina, before the death of Fr. Seraphim Rose in 1982.</p>
<p style="color: #042939; font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"> St. Job (Holy Trinity), before the ROCOR-MP union 2007.</p>
<p style="color: #042939; font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"> St. John Kronstadt Press before the death of Fr. Gregory Williams in 2016.</p>
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<p style="color: #141414; font-family: Avenir; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">The Hierarch</span></p>
<p style="color: #141414; font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">by Hiermonk Tikhon (Barsukov)</span></p>
<p style="color: #343434; font-family: Avenir; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">popular fiction book </span></p>
<p style="color: #343434; font-family: Avenir; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">first published early 1900s Russia</span></p>
<p style="color: #343434; font-family: Avenir; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">and reprinted after the fall of Communism</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Iowan Old Style"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b>19. A Critique of the Book <i>The Hierarch</i>, by Hieromonk Tikhon</b></p>
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<p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Batiushka and I send you a blessing and our most sincere thanks for your letters, greetings, and good wishes—in general, for all your love . . . </p>
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<p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Taking our grace-endowed corporeality into consideration from this standpoint, we did not find in the book you sent us — <i>The Hierarch</i>, by Hieromonk Tikhon — those merits that struck you in your first impression. It is, of course, impossible to deny that it expresses the somewhat unusual hope that "Christianity will heal man from the wound." This news might have interested you and moved you to struggle against "the wound," and might have given you inspiration and shown you the direction and path of your activity. But, at the same time, it would have given you a fundamentality false path. This book considers every suffering and illness on earth as an absolute, unconditional evil, as a sin! But this is incorrect. All suffering and illnesses are not sins, but the result of sin, as is death itself, to which they lead. Death is also the result of sin. <span style="font-family: "Iowan Old Style"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><i>The wages of sin is death</i></span> (Rom. 6:23), says the Apostle Paul. From this standpoint, both sickness and suffering are evil only in a relative sense, that is, they are sometimes an evil for the body. But for the soul, they are a means or occasion for purification and salvation. And if suffering is a sin and evil, then by what kind of "sin" could Christ save us from sin?? But He suffered for us as one being punished, and took our punishment upon Himself, and made us partakers of His sufferings (pay attention to that!) making them salvific for us. Therefore it is said, <span style="font-family: "Iowan Old Style"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><i>He that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin </i></span>(I Pet. 4:1). Meanwhile, this book, establishing its point of view on sickness and suffering, leads us into unsolvable contradictions with Holy Scripture, and therefore, it naturally takes refuge in compromises with ideas (for instance, with the teaching on the incorrupt relics of righteous ones). Thus, this is our general impression: The book inspires us to struggle against people's sicknesses and sufferings as if against sin, and points to Christianity as the weapon for this fight against "sin," but does not establish the relationship of real sin to these sicknesses, as first causes, and does not give us an indication of what to do if all of our efforts do not lessen people's sufferings and illnesses. It advises us to fill the world with hospitals but won't our lives start to smell too much of iodoform? There is no gratitude in the book. It inspires us with "prospects" of a good that comes from our own strength—but when we have no strength, we are gripped by despair and emptiness, for in this book God and repentance, suffering and salvation, are separated one from the other. There is no reconciliation with suffering (nor could there be, if suffering is a sin, and it is wrong to reconcile oneself to sin!). Hence, this book leads us along the surface of life, but does not teach us the very essence of life. In general, it is full of contradictions, from which even the thoughts that are at times true do not save the author. He does not understand Christianity and does not understand grace; for him doctors and apostles are the same thing, since they both heal, and heal from the wounds of sin, to which he even ascribes the common cold and an upset stomach. This is laughably absurd! And for him this relates to the whole world, the whole present life, all the stinking pits and other necessary places that spoil the air. This is both funny and wrong, for how in this "hell" could there be the joy of life, and even the grace-filled joys that the author does not repudiate in the saints. How could the most sacred sacrifice of the Eucharist be offered, and give life and salvation? Incomprehensible. It's a lie. In conclusion, it is so wordy, that it is hard not to get lost in tbe labyrinth of words. It would be better to throw it away and not be guided by it. And if it does not impoart something good, all of that would be from God, since it is by His grace that good comes about, enlightening the heart and mind.</p>
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<p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Forgive us, that our response concerning the book has been written in such a reprimanding way, but it seems to us that following it would lead to making Christianity into something material rather than comething ideal, although the author set out to do the latter, He does not believe in Christianity and does not teach about grace and cleansing of sins, although he recalls the great representatives of Christian sanctity with pleasure.</p>
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<p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">May God grant you to draw strength directly from the Gospels and from Christ, nad not through the anesthesia of your own or someone else's temporal human enthusiasm.</p>
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<p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Of course, one should receive treatment when possible, but not everything can be treated, and the source of strength is not always the pharmacy.</p>
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<p style="color: #343434; font-family: Avenir; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">source: <i>The Love of God, The Life and Teachings of St. Gabriel of Seven Lakes Monastery</i>, </span></p>
<p style="color: #343434; font-family: Avenir; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">by Archimandrite Symeon Kholmogorov, Platina 2016, pp.287-290, </span><span style="color: #1e3f10; font-kerning: none;"><b>$19°° </b></span><span style="font-kerning: none;"> </span></p>
<p style="color: #0a2d40; font-family: "Arial Narrow"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">(Please let me know if this book goes out-of-print or otherwise becomes unavailable for a fair price.~jh) </span></p>
<p style="color: #0a2d40; font-family: "Arial Narrow"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">(See caveat in book review on this website. ~jh)</span></p>
<p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 19px;"><br /></p></span>Joannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12000679422093371576noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2237541551373915150.post-16390128389300010552023-11-19T11:39:00.000-08:002023-11-27T08:03:45.773-08:00Homily on the Universal Church<span><p style="color: #006882; font-family: "Arial Narrow"; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">St. Gabriel of Seven Lakes Monastery, Kazan (†1915)</p>
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<p style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #741b47;">6 / 19 November 2023</span></b></p>
<p style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #741b47;">THE TWENTY-FOURTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST – Tone VII</span></b></p>
<p style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #741b47;">Commemoration of Our Father Among the Saints, Paul the Confessor, Archbishop of Constantinople</span></b></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #741b47;">Epistle of the Holy Apostle Paul to the Ephesians, </span></b></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #741b47;"><b>§221<i> </i></b><i>[2:14-22]</i></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #741b47;">Brethren: Christ<b> </b>is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us, having abolished in His flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances, that He might make in Himself one new man out of the two, so making peace, and that He might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby. He came and preached peace to you who were afar off and to those who were nigh; for through Him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father. Now therefore, ye are strangers and foreigners no more, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God. Ye are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone, in whom all the building, fitly framed together, groweth unto a holy temple in the Lord, in Whom ye also are built together for a habitation of God through the Spirit.</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: Copperplate; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">13. A Homily on the Occasion of the Laying of the Cornerstone of the Church at the Seven Lakes Monastery in Homor of St. Euthymius the Great, for the Ceaseless Reading of the Psalter for the Reposed (May 16, 1899)</p>
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<p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "Iowan Old Style"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><i>What went ye out to see?</i></span> (Matt. 11:8-9; Luke 7:25-26). Christ asked the large crowd of Israelites that had gathered around Him in the wilderness. <span style="font-family: "Iowan Old Style"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><i>What went ye out for to see?</i></span> We too are compelled to pose that question, seeing your large gathering in the wilderness. Here there is no prophet like John the Baptist, nor is there anything astounding that might usually attract a crowd of idle spectators. What brought you together? What compelled you to leave your homes and set aside your everyday cares to understake such a long trip? The desire to pray? But you have churches and clergy nearby. A festive service? But they exist in the rich city churches. Or is it perhaps the desire to take part in our exultation today and to contemplate the greatness of the mystery of Christ's Church within the circle of our brotherhood?</p>
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<p style="color: #414004; font-family: Futura; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">...to take part in the great mystery of Christ's Church...</span></p>
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<p style="color: #434343; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 36px; min-height: 17px; text-indent: -36px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></p><p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 15px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 20px;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">We hope that it is precisely for this reason that you have gathered here from distant place, having left your homes and all your work. For it is a commandment given to us Christians that we think about the heavenly, and not about the earthly (cf. Col. 3:2); that we look, not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen (c. II Cor. 4:18), or, to put it better, that we remember the invisible, the heavenly, with regard to the visible. Everything visible in our Faith, all the rituals, are a shadow, a reflection that should lead our thoughts up to our heavenly homeland. The will of God is such that we can work out our salvation in no other way than by makng use of every object and occasion to direct our heart and thoughts toward God, toward His kingdom. We were commanded to do this by the Apostles and by Christ Himself, Who said: </span><span style="font-family: "Iowan Old Style"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><i>Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also</i></span><span style="font-size: 14px;"> (Matt. 6:21). The holy hierarchs, monastics, ascetics, and other saints lived according to that commandment. Living on earth, they strove in their heart to always abide in the choir of the angels before God, and to do this they strove to find a reminder of the heavenly in everything.</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">We too, at these sacred moments, are following their example; and, contemplating with out bodily eyes the founding of this visible church, we are carried away spiritually and shall comtemplat another Church, other stones and construction and shall take part in another kind of exultation. What is this other Church, these other stones and construction, this other exultation?</p>
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<p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">The Apostles Peter and Paul speak of this Church and these stones: <span style="font-family: "Iowan Old Style"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><i>Other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ</i></span> (I Cor. 3:11), <span style="font-family: "Iowan Old Style"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><i>to Whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious, ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house </i></span>(I Pet. 2:4-5). St. Hermas as well contemplated the construction of this Church in a vision: He saw a tower built by six young men, and many thousnads of other men brought stones for the building. And a woman supported that whole tower in her hands. The Lord and Master of all was Christ. And it was revealed to him that the tower that was being built was the whole Church of God. The six young men were the first-created angels of God, to whom the Lord entrusted all His creation, and the other men who carried stones were the other angels of God. The stones, out of which the walls of the tower were erected, were the apostles, bishops, teachers, clergy, and those who walked righteously before God, fulfilling His commandments, or those who siffered for the name of the Lord. The woman who held the tower in her hands was faith. The tower was still being built, but it would soon be completed. Then all who had taken part in its construction would exult around it and glorify the Lord, that the building of the tower had been completed. Hermas added at the end of the vision that this was all true, and nothing therein was false, but that everything was firmly and strongly founded (cf. Shepherd of Hermas, third vision).</p>
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<p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">This is the Church that we confess: "I believe in one holy, catholic, and apostolic Church." Brethren, have you been thinking about this universal Church built by the angels? And if you have been thinking about it, have you posed yourselves the question as to whether you will enter into this edifice of God, if only as little stones? Have you concerned yourselves about this? You have heard that, in order to enter this edifice it is not absolutely necessary to be a bishop or a member of the clergy—that you can be made worhty of this by fulfilling God's commandments and by confessing Christ alone. You know that the lime that can bind us to the foundation of this edifice is christ, and that Faith is what unites us one to another in a solid wall. Let us be built, like living stones, into he Church of God. Let us adhere by firm faith to the foundation of Christ. Let us besech the Master of the edifice: Secure us upon the good estate of the Churches of God and for the unity of all.</p>
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<p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Thus, being borne away in spirit to the invisibly founded edifice of the universal Church, let us begin the celebration of the founding of this visible church. Amen.</p>
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<p style="font-family: "Arial Narrow"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Avenir; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">source: <i>The Love of God, The Life and Teachings of St. Gabriel of Seven Lakes Monastery</i>, </span></p><p style="font-family: "Arial Narrow"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Avenir; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">by Archimandrite Symeon Kholmogorov, Platina 2016, pp.287-290, </span><b style="font-family: Avenir;"><span style="color: #274e13;">$19°° </span></b><span style="font-family: Avenir;"> </span></p><p style="font-family: "Arial Narrow"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #073c52;">(Please let me know if this book goes out-of-print or otherwise becomes unavailable for a fair price.~jh) </span></p><p style="font-family: "Arial Narrow"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #073c52;">(See caveat in book review on this website. ~jh)</span></p><div><span style="color: #073c52;"><br /></span></div></span>Joannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12000679422093371576noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2237541551373915150.post-87485348397761434182023-11-14T08:25:00.000-08:002023-11-27T08:11:54.002-08:00Help to Find a True Orthodox Priest<span><p style="color: #006882; font-family: Avenir; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Email Correspondence</p>
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<p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b>Email</b> </p>
<p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Time: Mon, 13 Nov 2023 22:19:27 -0500</p><p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">to: Joanna</p><p style="font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Avenir;">from: </span><i><span style="color: #999999; font-family: times;">potential catechumen who had been searching for many months many discouraging dead ends</span></i></p><p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">...please help me find a true Orthodox priest... </p>
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<p style="color: #042939; font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Dear <i style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: -webkit-standard;"><span style="color: #999999; font-family: times;">potential catechumen</span></i>,</p><p style="color: #042939; font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p>
<p style="color: #042939; font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Forgive me for not remembering you.</p>
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<p style="color: #042939; font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">The only true Churches in America are under ROCOR Metropolitan Agafangel and GOC Metropolitan Demetrius</p>
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<p style="color: #042939; font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">There is only one ROCOR priest with a parish. Fr. Andrew Frick in Fairfax, Virginia.</p>
<p style="color: #042939; font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><a href="https://holyascension.us/index.html">https://holyascension.us/index.html</a></p>
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<p style="font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #042939; font-family: Avenir;">We also have a travelling priest without a parish who visits places: Fr. Daniel Meschter living in Pennsylvania. You might be able to arrange to meet when/where he is serving. I'm not sure of his current contact information. Try this: <</span><span style="font-family: Quicksand;">imeschter@csc.com</span><span style="color: #042939; font-family: Avenir;">>,</span></p>
<p style="color: #042939; font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">The I in imeschter is for Irene, his matushka's name is Irene, and it is her email address. The way to address her is "Mat. Irene" or "Matushka Irene."</p>
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<p style="color: #042939; font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">The GOC has a fairly decent scattering of parishes in America and a monastery in New York. The GOC in America is divided into 2 diocese, east and west. I very strongly recommend anyone to avoid the west diocese because the bishop there is unfit for ecclesiastical authority. Not everyone is of that opinion — there are some who think Etna is the cat's meow. But to me it appears like a cult; and one proof of that cultishness is that there is an east coast GOC parish that wills not to join the east diocese and remains under Etna.</p>
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<p style="color: #042939; font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">The GOC directory is here:</p>
<p style="color: #042939; font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><a href="http://hotca.org/directory">http://hotca.org/directory</a></p>
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<p style="color: #042939; font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Nobody finds the Church without heavenly help, even if they physically come to the very door. So ask heaven for help. Already it is good you have been steered away from Gregory of Colorado.</p>
<p style="color: #042939; font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><a href="https://startingontheroyalpath.blogspot.com/2022/03/cult-warning.html">https://startingontheroyalpath.blogspot.com/2022/03/cult-warning.html</a></p>
<p style="color: #042939; font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Although he is very intelligent and his publications are tops. <i>The Great Synaxartistes</i> is the best and most economical (in the long run) Lives Of Saints available in English.</p>
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<p style="color: #042939; font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Let me know what you find, if you will, -- I'd be interested.</p>
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<p style="color: #042939; font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">In Christ,</p>
<p style="color: #042939; font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Joanna</p>
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<p style="color: #042939; font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">p.s. Fr. Daniel often lately visits Annunciation parish in Liberty, Tennessee for Pascha -- several days in a row of services. With lots of time in between for personal discussions.</p>
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<p style="color: #042939; font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">If you arrange to visit then, let me invite you, and please consider, staying with me as my guest. My house is just a few miles (4 or 6) from the church. Let me know asap. I have 2 empty bedrooms now, and there is floor space for sleeping bags in the living room. Otherwise, there is a hotel about 20 miles away in Woodbury, the Cannon Inn. </p>
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<p style="font-family: "Andale Mono"; font-size: 15px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 17px;"><br /></p></span>Joannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12000679422093371576noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2237541551373915150.post-66985370763565256292023-11-14T08:18:00.000-08:002023-12-25T13:21:07.812-08:00hints for using BOX<span><div>.</div></span>
<span><p style="color: #073c52; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Avenir;">app.box.com</span><span style="font-family: Avenir;"> </span><i style="font-family: Avenir;">is not</i><span style="font-family: Avenir;"> that easy to use. Here is some help.</span></p>
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<p style="color: #073c52; font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">All the folders are at the top of the list, regardless of alphabetical order, regardless of when they were uploaded, regardless of file size. This can not be changed.</p>
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<p style="color: #073c52; font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">NAME</span>: </p>
<p style="color: #073c52; font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"> You can make the listing appear in alphabetical order by clicking on <span style="color: #1a1a1a;"><b>NAME</b></span>. Click on <span style="color: #1a1a1a;"><b>NAME</b></span> a second time to get reverse order. A-Z or Z-A. </p>
<p style="color: #073c52; font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"> <span style="color: black; font-family: "Apple LiGothic"; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">↑</span> (arrow up) shows A on top. </p>
<p style="color: #073c52; font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"> <span style="color: black; font-family: "Apple LiGothic"; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">↓</span>(arrow down) shows Z on top.</p>
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<p style="color: #073c52; font-family: Avenir; font-size: 15px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">UPDATE</span>: </p>
<p style="font-size: 15px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #073c52; font-family: Avenir;"> You can make the listing show the newest uploads on the top of the list. Click on </span><span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Avenir;"><b>UPDATED </b></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Apple LiGothic"; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">↓</span><span style="color: #073c52; font-family: Avenir;"> to make the arrow point down. Arrow down puts the most recent on top.</span></p>
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<p style="color: #073c52; font-size: 15px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Avenir;">This works the same way within the folders. So if you want to check my Shared Library to see if another </span><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i>Orthodox Life</i></span><span style="font-family: Avenir;"> magazine has been added, first see if the folder has recently been modified, and then by checking inside the folder itself for the most recent uploads.</span></p>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="757" data-original-width="1196" height="406" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjr8-FdAI3oZgnUlOnLp3iBf2lxlajM7RiLUrpTAhjEd-1jiWpx0hjRTJEsIr232H4u_3m118L3sMnmE9iKrIzjeL3ksvYjP2qDPP2sMuwrjHkMRmacsSI8Hj2hZ-HWhWFdrRN20I8TZUthBvRLr8zx11staxNnIHVDjUlrZdU5wFKWzUF7DDzDhXBSOE/w640-h406/4.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span><br /></span>Joannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12000679422093371576noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2237541551373915150.post-71819861986163880222023-11-04T08:42:00.011-07:002023-11-14T17:56:34.824-08:00Life of Elder Gabriel<span><p style="color: #006882; font-family: Avenir; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Book Review</p>
<p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 19px;"><br /></p>
<p style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">Life of St. Gabriel <span style="color: #7f7f7f; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">(†1915)</span></p>
<p style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">by Archmandrite Symeon Kholmogorov<span style="color: #7f7f7f; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> (†1937)</span></p>
<p style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">Platina 2016</p><p style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><br /></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #1a1a1a; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJkstWe42UVDkQ_AbBBm3YsTdpzM9a5cn9Eyiry4S3r8Lj-am-C4Tw6YEdpeDTzJAcDs-oggTwU8wR-PZxbJexWXBlLvAkHhcYyIsJ81gLYlfNJHUWXiR8uFBwUVgiMKDPAL2Iz-Nbu5_JavL3RV287L1E9ZY4Dx9D-x-fD5t9rAoSwYSlihPNl5cEE0o/s400/9781887904568-us.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="258" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJkstWe42UVDkQ_AbBBm3YsTdpzM9a5cn9Eyiry4S3r8Lj-am-C4Tw6YEdpeDTzJAcDs-oggTwU8wR-PZxbJexWXBlLvAkHhcYyIsJ81gLYlfNJHUWXiR8uFBwUVgiMKDPAL2Iz-Nbu5_JavL3RV287L1E9ZY4Dx9D-x-fD5t9rAoSwYSlihPNl5cEE0o/s320/9781887904568-us.jpg" width="206" /></a></div><br /><span style="color: #0c343d;">At the"Great Flowering," our Church prophets tell us, the Russian Church will be purged of all its false clergy (KGB agents). </span></span><span style="color: #0c343d;"><span style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px;">And the prophecy clarifies that all of the bishops will be kicked out (every single one) and almost all of the priests.</span><span style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px;"> </span><span style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px;">At the fall of Communism in 1991 not a single clergyman was removed from the Russian Church. </span><span style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px;"> </span><span style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px;">Not even the ones known to be KGB agents, like Kyrill (Comrade Mikhail) and Alexey II (Comrade Drozdov) nor any of the others that were revealed at the opening of the KGB archives.</span><span style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px;"> Not a single one. </span></span></div>
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<p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #0c343d;">Platina over the past two decades has continued to come out with some good materials, but their push of the false elders is also continual and ever-increasing. I might have first noticed it with their book about Sophrony (So-Phony) who had "visions" before he was even baptized. That book was published in 2005. Since then other neo-likely-false elders have been promoted and supported by Platina as well. Some true ones, but always non-Russian.</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #0c343d;">Too many of the pre-1982 books about our true Russian elders, that Fr. Seraphim introduced to English-speakers, are out of print. Yet Platina does not put any effort to reprint these treasures, and instead always points away from Russia (which brought holiness to America) and points to the neo-false elders, promoting them and endorsing them. Every year Platina gets worse, sinks deeper; why is Platina so focused on the the neo-elders encouraging littles ones to have itching ears? So, you can imagine my delight to see the first English edition of the <i>Life of St. Gabriel</i> now available and included in Platina's online catalog. The original Russian <i>Life of St. Gabriel</i> was written/published by St. Gabriel's disciple in 1915. This book can be ordered new from Platina for a very fair price. Do add this book to your home Orthodox Library. But, with a warning:</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0c343d;">Cavaet Lector</span></p>
<p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0c343d;">let the reader beware</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #0c343d;">There are two forewords to the book. The one is written by our trusted ROCOR sister Helen Kontsevitch and translated from the 2nd edition of the Russian which was published in 1964 by Jordanville. Another foreword is added by the untrustworthy neo-Platina (Abbot Damascene). In this newly added forward it's revealed why Platina is publishing this Life of a Russian elder.</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #0c343d;">First of all, St. Gabriel is one of the most-new of the Russian elders (†1915), but more, he had/has a very dedicated and insistent local veneration. MP is using this to win over the people. MP restored St. Gabriel's church and canonized him, and then made a big show of it, inviting Platina out to Kazan for a visit and giving Platina a relic. MP is using the outward restoration of St. Gabriel's monastery to help cover it up that, while the Russian Church has been released from the Communist yoke, it is still manned with KGB clergy. And now Platina is using St. Gabriel to somehow mix light with darkness, to mingle St. Gabriel with the false elders. This is specifically made clear in Abbot Damascene's foreword wherein he mingles the names Porphyrios and Paisios with Gabriel, and then he repeats the mention:</span></p>
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</span><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span><p style="color: #1a1a1a; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">... St. Gabriel reminds one of the holy Athonite elders of more recent times, St. Porphyrios of Kavsokalyvia (†1991) and St. Paisios of Mount Athos (†1994), both of whom have been glorified by the Church in the last few years.... p.14</p></span><span><p style="color: #1a1a1a; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 19px;"><br /></p></span><span><p style="color: #1a1a1a; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">...God has given, in our times, such luminaries as St. Gabriel, St. Porphyrios, and the St. Paisios, as radiant witnesses of Divine love... p. 15</p></span></span></blockquote><span>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnj-l3dM2FSegL_kdS9I0vOt7YGotyDOyFJniIVdUQOo5SOoMpyuyDUm8GphqyIcvafwsgUJZuwGqXL6w2bfk2QdnFl3y8gcLCie5iPz3vKvXz66c28LhVZydnPks9cBn2sM0oOZOfZ2AFJdS47FEMS-WSYLa3hO_KKMAmj1sHkg8x5q7WdKfqh-iN-BI/s2820/S%20Gabriel%20p14-15.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2303" data-original-width="2820" height="522" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnj-l3dM2FSegL_kdS9I0vOt7YGotyDOyFJniIVdUQOo5SOoMpyuyDUm8GphqyIcvafwsgUJZuwGqXL6w2bfk2QdnFl3y8gcLCie5iPz3vKvXz66c28LhVZydnPks9cBn2sM0oOZOfZ2AFJdS47FEMS-WSYLa3hO_KKMAmj1sHkg8x5q7WdKfqh-iN-BI/w640-h522/S%20Gabriel%20p14-15.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span><span style="color: #0c343d;">This book is the first English edition, and it is translated and </span><b style="color: #0c343d;">edited</b><span style="color: #0c343d;"> by Platina. The only way to know the extent of the editing is to compare it with the original Russian. Platina is known to just leave out things that offend the MP or might show a true steadfastness as praiseworthy. World-Orthodoxy does not like to hear criticism of heterodoxy, or learn any end times prophecy, or read about martyrs who died for the Church Calendar. Incidents that they do like they take out of context and highlight them, spotlight them. Because of this deliberate deceit, the rewriting of the saints, 40 years after the repose of Saint John </span><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "Avenir Next Condensed"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">(Shanghai & San Francisco),</span><span style="color: #0c343d;">, one world-orthodox member was very surprised to learn that St. John would openly criticize ecumenism.</span><span style="color: #ff00fe;">*</span></span></p>
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<p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 19px;"><span><span style="caret-color: rgb(26, 26, 26); color: #0c343d;">With this precaution, being wise to Platina's agenda, English-speakers can read this book and get to know the Elder Gabriel, mostly by praying to him. The real ROCOR has not canonized him, but the real ROCOR recognizes he is a saint, and his disciple, the author of this book, is a New Martyr of Russia. So, read and pray, and do not be fooled by the neo-false elders of our times.</span></span></p><p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 19px;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(26, 26, 26);"><br /></span></span></p><p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 19px;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(26, 26, 26);"><br /></span></span></p><p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 19px;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(26, 26, 26);"><br /></span></span></p><p style="color: #042939; font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 19px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 19px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">_______________________________</p><p style="color: #042939; font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 19px;"><br /></p><p style="color: #042939; font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">The foreword to the 2nd Russian edition. written by Helen Kontzevitch in 1964, serves as a preview into the book and maps out the route the book has taken to become available to us English-speakers. </p><p style="color: #042939; font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"> Just a thought on the side... you might notice that the "style" of this foreword is the same as Fr. Seraphim's foreword to the 1979 Elder Zosima book. Is this because Fr. Seraphim was influenced by Helen? or is it that both he and Helen live in the true spirit of Orthodoxy? We notice that all lives of saints are written in the same style, known to us as the hagiographic style, maybe forewords are the same as that? </p><p style="color: #042939; font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"> Another thought... here we have an example of how God uses evil for good purposes. Evil is made to serve the good against its will. The evil here is MP canonizing St. Gabriel and restoring Seven Lakes Monastery with the hidden motive to deceive the people — using people's love for the Elder to entrap them further into trusting the MP to be the true ROC. The good that is forced out of this deceit is that we get this book. I believe that Platina is blind to the evil of the MP, and God has allowed their blindness. All is subject to God's Will, even evil.</p><p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 19px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><b>Foreword to the 2nd Russian Edition</b></p><p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">(excluding Platina editor notes, illustrations)</p><p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 19px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">The biography of the reposed Schema-archimandrite Gabriel, which is here presented to the God-loving reader, was sought for reprinting for many years, in many of the world's largest libraries, as well as in Paris and Washington. This book was sought on Mount Athos, in Finland, and through many book-dealers. And only now—when the fiftieth anniversary of the repose of the elder (<span style="color: #073c52; font-family: "Avenir Next Condensed"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">reposed</span><span style="font-family: Avenir; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span>September 24, 1915) has arrived, as well as the one hundred twentieth anniversary of his birth (March 14, 1844)—has it suddenly become possible to find this precious and rare book.</p><p style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Elder Gabriel, who began his monastic path in Optina Monastery under the direction of the great Optina Elder Ambrose, embodied and realized in himself the spirit of Optina monasticism; that is, the spirit of ancient Eastern ascetics such as Sts. Anthony the Great, Marcarius the Great, John Climacus and others, whose teaching was brought to life in Russian monasticism by the disciples of Elder Paisius Velichkovsky. According to the teaching of these ancient ascetics, it is necessary to purify the heart from passions through the Jesus Prayer and the revelation of thoughts to an elder (of course, an experienced director), and by this path to reach purity of heart, which attracts the grace of the Holy Spirit and leads to clairvoyance and the capability of transmitting to one's neighbors the direct will of God, healing the sick, driving out demons, as well as other gifts. This teaching, called in monasticism "mental activity," was especially established in Optina Monastery, where it blossomed until the very end of this holy monastery. Leading one to direct contact with God, this activity—from ancient times unto today—is the exclusive inheritance of Orthodoxy.</p><p style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Such a burning and shining light (cf. John 5:35) was Elder Gabriel. At the sunset of "Holy Russia," he was a true spiritual leader of a whole multitude of clergy, monastics, and lay people. During his stay at the Seven Lakes Hermitage in the Kazan region, he was the spiritual director of a large number of Kazan Theological Academy students, many of whom became archpastors. Let us mention several of his disciples who have been known to us. One of them was Archbishop Tikhon (Troitsky) of San Francisco (†1963), who, at his tonsure into monasticism, took the name that Elder Gabriel had before his tonsure into the great schema. Then, in the Far East, there was Bishop Jonah (Pokrovsky) of Hankou [Manchuria], who died at a young age but still, during his lifetime, was renowned as a saint. After his repose, he appeared to a boy with ailing legs and healed him, saying, "Take my legs; I don't need them any longer." Also in Siberia and China there lived Archbishop Meletius (Zaborovsky), who, when he was tonsured into monasticism, took Elder Gabriel as his spiritual preceptor. Hierarch Meletius himself was an ascetic and a righteous man. We also know that New Martyr Grand Duchess Elizabeth Fyodorovna was a venerator and disciple of Elder Gabriel. But one of the people most dedicated to him was his biographer, Archimandrite Symeon, who lived with the elder in the Spaso-Eleazar Monastery, to which Fr. Gabriel arrived from the Seven Lakes Monastery when a persecution was raised against him there. In accordance with is spiritual closeness to the elder, Fr. Symeon stored in his heart all that referred to the life of his preceptor: his reminiscences, spiritual experiences, descriptions of wondrous visions and apparitions, wise conversations and instructions. Fr. Symeon himself was not foreign to spiritual like, thanks to which he would take in all that he heard and later render it on paper. And finally, let us mention the name of a still-living disciple of Elder Gabriel, Fr. Archimandrite Polycarp (Gorbunov), whom God helped to preserve <span style="color: #073c52; font-family: "Avenir Next Condensed"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">the original Russian edition of</span><span style="font-family: Avenir; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span>this book and bring it to America<span style="font-family: Avenir; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><span style="color: #073c52; font-family: "Avenir Next Condensed"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">after WWII.</span></p><p style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">In conclusion, it would not be superfluous to set forth the words of an eyewitness who had the good fortune of personal contact with the elder: In Elder Gabriel's life we see the direct awareness of God, the vision of the other world, knowledge of human souls and of the thoughts of others, discernment of the future, even a partial penetration into the mystery of death and, behind its veil, into the life beyond the grave. Because of all this, the late elder was truly one of the Ancients. Yet, he lived so recently, in our days, amidst us..."</p><p style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Helen Kontzevitch</p><p style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Berkeley California</p><p style="font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">March 14, 1964</p><p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 19px;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a;"><span>
</span></span></p><p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 19px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 19px;"><span style="color: #1a1a1a;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(26, 26, 26);"><br /></span></span></p>
<p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">____________________</p>
<p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #ff00fe;">*</span><span style="color: #073c52;"> In the RRb archives, November 2014, there is a screen shot of a Euphrosynos Cafe post where a world-orthodox poster had discovered a samizdat article by Saint John in Fr. Seraphim's 1972 <i>Orthodox Word</i> magazine #45, and commented: <span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><i>"I never knew that Saint John would often give open lectures accusing a certain church of its sick ecumenism... Is this article known?"</i></span></span></p>
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<p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">The Decline of the Patriarchate of Constantinople</span></p><p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"> By St. John Maximovitch </span></p><p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"> Introduction by Fr. Seraphim Rose, translator</span></p><p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "Arial Narrow"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><a href="https://startingontheroyalpath.blogspot.com/2014/06/decline-of-ep.html" style="font-family: Avenir;">https://startingontheroyalpath.blogspot.com/2014/06/decline-of-ep.html</a></p><p style="font-family: "Arial Narrow"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"> https://web.archive.org/web/20101130035831/http://users.sisqtel.net/williams/archives/decline-constantinople.html</p><p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"> https://rocorhistory.blogspot.com/2015/10/decline-of-ep.html</p><div><br /></div>
<span><div>.</div></span></span>Joannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12000679422093371576noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2237541551373915150.post-39471115159904997042023-10-16T19:49:00.010-07:002023-11-02T07:51:21.034-07:00Life of Elder Zosima<span><p style="color: #006882; font-family: Avenir; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Book Review</p>
<p style="color: #006882; font-family: Avenir; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"> by Fr. Seraphim Rose</p></span>
<span><p style="color: #006882; font-family: "Arial Narrow"; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 14px;"><b>Life and Labors of Schemamonk Zosima </b></span></p>
<p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">by his disciple</p>
<p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"> Nikodemos Orthodox Publication Society </p>
<p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"> Etna, California 96027</p>
<p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"> 1979</p>
<p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 19px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 19px;">Fr. Seraphim composed the preface for the original 1st English edition of this book. Later, Platina published a 2nd edition which omits Fr. Seraphim's preface. The 2nd edition is now out of print, and the 1st edition is barely still known to exist.</p><p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 19px;"><br /></p>
<p style="color: #042939; font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">The Nikodemos Orthodox Publication Society of Etna has nothing to do with the SIR-GOC monastery in Etna today. In 1979 Fr. Alexey Young lived and worked in Etna, California, and he started the Nikodemos Publication Society. While Fr. Seraphim was still alive, any reference to "Etna" means Fr. Alexey Young's efforts, his publishing, his newspaper, and his backyard chapel. The GOC-SIR monastery in Etna today did not move into town until shorty before Fr. Seraphim died. And very soon after the monastery moved into town, Fr. Alexey moved his family out..</p><p style="color: #042939; font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="color: #042939; font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">I have scanned the 1st edition and uploaded it to my shared library.</p><p style="color: #042939; font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><a href="https://app.box.com/s/fidluwvb48ffrhzly22uq2zvvzb56byl/file/1347944265042" style="color: #e06666; text-decoration: none;">https://app.box.com/s/fidluwvb48ffrhzly22uq2zvvzb56byl/file/1347944265042</a></p><p style="color: #042939; font-family: Avenir; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">AppBox does not do well in Safari, but it works fine in Firefox.</span></p><p style="color: #042939; font-family: Avenir; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></p><p style="color: #042939; font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Futura; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><i>Preface</i></p><p style="font-family: Courier; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 17px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: Courier; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">The life of the great Siberian Elder Zosima, one of the treasures of the Russian Orthodox literature of recent centuries, is offered here to English-speaking Orthodox Christians. In a sense, this offering is premature: English-speaking Orthodoxy has no desert-dwellers, and in it's present state of immaturity it is probably incapable of producing any; this is a kind of life above our measure. In this sense the present book is too "advanved," and might even serve to increase the self-esteem and pride that are sadly fostered by premature thoughts of "hesychasm" and the highest kind of angelic life.</p><p style="font-family: Courier; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 17px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: Courier; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">On the other hand, however, this book well describes an essential "missing dimension" of our poor Orthodoxy in the West: the <i>sufferings</i> of true Orthodox Christian spiritual life, without which all attempts at monasticism are only pretentious and empty. At the same time, the book shows the part played in these sufferings by an element that is, alas, already too present in the Orthodox life of Western converts: gossip, rumors, slanders, petty jealousies and other passions which do such incalculable harm to tender young Christian sprouts. The humble suffering of these temptations by Fr. Zosoma and his community of sisters, and their Christian triumph over them, should be a source of great encouragement to all those who find themselves caught in the net of similar temptations.</p><p style="font-family: Courier; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 17px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: Courier; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">The simple-hearted Christianity that breathes from every page of this book should be a source of inspiration for every Orthodox Christian reader who sincerely loves Christ and longs for His Heavenly Kingdom, whether he be layman or monastic. Indeed, the examples of "lay" Orthodox life in these pages are just as instructive as the monastic examples. How deeply genuine Christianity penetrated the soil of Holy Russia may be seen, not merely in the monastic heros of the book, but even in the touching story of Fr. Zosima's brother, the monastic "failure" of Elias, whose passionate nature did not erase the longing for God in his heart or prevent him from living a practical Christian life that puts us today, whether monastic or lay, to shame.</p><p style="font-family: Courier; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 17px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: Courier; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">And what shall we say of the profound, deeply-committed and long suffering Christian love revealed in the pages of this book? The mutual love of the Elder Basilisk and his disciple Zosimas is so far above our paltry half-heartedness that it should make us ashamed even to speak of "heyschasm" and "elders" and all the outward forms of a way of life which we are incapable even of understanding, let alone touching, because of our own lack of such burning love.</p><p style="font-family: Courier; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 17px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: Courier; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Thus, this book is very "down to earth" and recognizable to us at our low level, filled with the spirit of simple and basic Chrstianity, at the same time that it exalts and inspires us with its realistic accounts of true God-pleasers in the highest form of monastic life: the life of the desert, in the true spirit and tradition of the Orthodox Church.</p><p style="font-family: Courier; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 17px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: Courier; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Let us, then, be inspired by the desert life of Elders Basilisk and Zosima (even while realising how far it is above us), but let us even more be humbled by seeing the sufferings they had to undergo, both those they imposed upon themselves and those sent or providentially allowed by God. Above all, may this book bear fruit in encouraging us even today to live the daily life of simple Christianity in practice, without which we can hardly hope to be saved.</p><p style="font-family: Courier; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 17px;"><br /></p></span><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span><p style="font-family: Courier; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Hieromonk Seraphim Rose</p></span></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span><p style="font-family: Courier; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"> Sunday of All Saints of</p></span></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span><p style="font-family: Courier; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"> Russia and Mount Athos</p></span></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span><p style="font-family: Courier; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"> June 11/24, 1979</p></span></blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><span><p style="font-family: Courier; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 17px;"><br /></p></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><p style="color: #042939; font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">note from Joanna:</p><p style="color: #042939; font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">If anyone finds a copy of the 2nd edition, please share the appendices with me. joannahigginbotham@runbox.com </p><p style="color: #042939; font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">A few pages from the 2nd edition are posted here:</p><p style="color: #042939; font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><a href="http://readerdanielsharing.blogspot.com/2023/10/rare-book-elder-zosimas.html">http://readerdanielsharing.blogspot.com/2023/10/rare-book-elder-zosimas.html</a></p><p style="color: #006882; font-family: Courier; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 17px;"><br /></p><span><br /></span>Joannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12000679422093371576noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2237541551373915150.post-52987009949071893452023-09-19T18:01:00.000-07:002023-09-19T18:01:16.862-07:00Vladyka Agafangel: Christ leaves Ukraine<span><p style="background-color: white; color: #006882; font-family: "Arial Narrow"; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">from Internet Sobor</span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><a href="http://internetsobor.org/index.php/stati/avtorskaya-kolonka/mitropolit-agafangel-khristos-pokidaet-ukrainu">http://internetsobor.org/index.php/stati/avtorskaya-kolonka/mitropolit-agafangel-khristos-pokidaet-ukrainu</a></span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 21px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p>
<p style="background-color: white; color: #5686c3; font-family: "PT Sans Narrow"; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">Metropolitan Agafangel: Christ leaves Ukraine</span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; color: #7f7f7f; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">Автор: Митрополит Агафангел. Дата публикации: 08 сентября 2023. Каå</span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p>
<p style="background-color: white; color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Palatino; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">At one time, ROCOR Hieromonk Seraphim (Rose) wrote: </span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Palatino; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 19px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p>
</span><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span><p style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Palatino; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="background-color: white; font-kerning: none;">“It would be better for us if the Moscow Patriarchate </span><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia; font-kerning: none; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><i>excluded</i></span><span style="background-color: white; font-kerning: none;"> us, and all of </span><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia; font-kerning: none; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><i>world Orthodoxy</i></span><span style="font-kerning: none;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-kerning: none;">would separate from us; then some of our people would fall into apostasy, but the rest would become stronger." </span></p></span><span><p style="background-color: white; color: #7f7f7f; font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">(letter to Alexander Kalomiros, dated April 29, 1975)</span></p></span></blockquote><span>
<p style="background-color: white; color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Palatino; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 19px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p>
<p style="background-color: white; color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Palatino; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">Fr.. Seraphim, wished for the complete separation of the ROCOR from the Moscow Patriarchate and the entire “world Orthodoxy,” as carriers of numerous heresies and untruths, so that the remaining Orthodox Christians would become stronger in their faith.</span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Palatino; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 19px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p>
<p style="background-color: white; color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Palatino; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">The truth of God is more valuable than crowds and wealth. Retreat is happening everywhere, inexorably and inevitably, this is one of the providential patterns — the process established by God of separating the wheat from the chaff, to remove all that is fallen and sinful from the Holy Kingdom of Heaven. We can only observe the inevitable pace of this retreat — the triumphant procession of vice and death in the midst of a collapsing and dying world.</span></p>
<p style="background-color: white; color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Palatino; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 19px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p>
<p style="background-color: white; color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Palatino; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">* * *</span></p>
<p style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Palatino; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">Another such disastrous step is the establishment at the state level in Ukraine of dates for church holidays according to the new style. It seems to many that there is nothing dangerous in this — just a change in the dates of some holidays. But, in reality, this is another stage of moving away from Christ towards Hell.</span></p>
<p style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Palatino; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 19px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p>
<p style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Palatino; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">Christ suffered for people and desires salvation for everyone, but, unfortunately, not everyone desires this salvation — not enough to change their personal life for the sake of it and live the opposite of what “everyone lives.”</span></p>
<p style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Palatino; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 19px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p>
<p style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Palatino; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">Ukraine, which had been an Orthodox state since the 10th century and in all subsequent centuries, decided to finally reject Christ and finally become a secular state. The first renunciation of Christ by our people was the falling away from the Christian, Orthodox Empire — participating, directly or indirectly, in the overthrow of the Orthodox Tsar. Ukraine's second renunciation of Christ was the overthrow of the power of the Orthodox Hetman Pavlo Skoropatsky. </span><span style="color: #0b5a7c; font-family: Avenir; font-kerning: none; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">(</span><span style="color: #0b5a7c; font-family: "Lucida Grande"; font-kerning: none; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">гетмана</span><span style="color: #0b5a7c; font-family: Avenir; font-kerning: none; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">: chief of Cossack army)</span><span style="font-kerning: none;"> And now the third renunciation is the falling away from the Holy Tradition of the Ukrainian state as a whole, with the lukewarmness and indifference of the bulk of the people.</span></p>
<p style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Palatino; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 19px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p>
<p style="color: #7f7f7f; font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">* * *</span></p>
<p style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Palatino; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">Why is the adoption of a new style at the state level a rejection of Christ for Ukraine? Because this is a falling away from the Orthodox Tradition — bequeathed to us by the Holy Fathers of the Church. By violating this Tradition, we break the continuity from the early, primal Church of Christ, and thereby break the Covenant with Christ Himself. After all, this change concerns not only holidays — it concerns the entire church life, which must “shift” by 13 days from the life that the Church of Christ originally lived. By accepting the Gregorian calendar (new style), first adopted by the papist heretics in 1582 (or the so-called New Julian calendar, which is essentially the same thing), the followers of the new calendar fall away from the inner sacred life of Christians faithful to Christ and Tradition, and become one with the world that has rejected God and lies in sin.</span></p>
<p style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Palatino; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 19px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p>
<p style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Palatino; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">The Decree of the Holy Fathers of the First Ecumenical Council (also the 7th Apostolic Canon, 1st Canon of the Antioch Council) orders all Christians to celebrate Easter (of course, this also applies to other significant holidays) on one day. Later, the 7th rule of the Second Ecumenical Council and the 95th rule of the Trullo Council directly called those who did not comply with this rule heretics. That is, those who reject the calendar accepted by the Church, according to the resolutions of the Ecumenical Councils, are heretics.</span></p>
<p style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Palatino; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 19px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p>
<p style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Palatino; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">Catholics who fell away from the Church of Christ in 1054 continue to this day to accept many innovations that move them further and further from the Church of the Holy Fathers. One of these heretical innovations was the “correction of the calendar” in 1582.</span></p>
<p style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Palatino; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 19px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p>
<p style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Palatino; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">The new calendar adopted by the papists in the very year of its appearance was rejected by the Ecumenical Patriarch, and then condemned by three Pan-Orthodox Councils (1583, 1587, 1593) “as a pernicious papal innovation.” These Orthodox conciliar decrees to this day directly excommunicate all “New Calendarists” from the Church.</span></p>
<p style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Palatino; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 19px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p>
<p style="color: #7f7f7f; font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">* * *</span></p>
<p style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Palatino; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">Of course, Orthodox people in Ukraine will continue to live in the united spirit of the Church’s Patristic calendar. But people of little faith now find themselves faced with a huge temptation - to make a mistake in choosing the path to their salvation, since outside the Church there is no saving grace of God. Therefore, it is our duty to warn that any break with the Church, including in the form of the adoption of a new calendar, destroys a single mystical prayer life, and a community that has moved away from Her inner sacred life falls away from Christ.</span></p>
<p style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Palatino; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 19px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p>
<p style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Palatino; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">Saint Ignatius Brianchaninov wrote back in the 19th century: “The retreat is allowed by God: do not try to stop it with your weak hand. Stay away, protect yourself from it: and that’s enough for you. Get acquainted with the spirit of the time, study it, in order to avoid its influence if possible.” .</span></p>
<p style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Palatino; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 19px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p>
<p style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Palatino; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">The Russian philosopher and representative of True Orthodox Christians, Alexei Losev, wrote: “Whoever has seen little evil fusses, fusses, fidgets, is horrified and killed. But whoever knows that the whole world lies in evil is calm.” Therefore, Christians should not be particularly worried about the fact that the world is approaching the end - this is natural and predicted in the Gospel. We should isolate ourselves from the deadly breath of this world, and strive in Christ for the salvation of our souls.</span></p>
<p style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Palatino; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 19px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p>
<p style="color: #7f7f7f; font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">* * *</span></p>
<p style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Palatino; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">Let us return to the words of Hieromonk Seraphim (Rose): “It would be better for us if the Moscow Patriarchate “excluded” us, and all of “world Orthodoxy” would separate from us; then some of our people would fall into apostasy, but the rest would stronger" - let us separate ourselves from the untruth of this world, and become stronger in our faith in Christ, our only Savior. Nowadays, one should trust as little as possible external information contained in all kinds of sources of secular information, which, almost all, is aimed at deception, indoctrination and corruption of a person.</span></p>
<p style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Palatino; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 19px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p>
<p style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Palatino; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">Nowadays, with special diligence, we should soberly listen and trust as much as possible to the teaching of the Church, which is the only thing that serves our salvation.</span></p>
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<p style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Palatino; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">† <i>Metropolitan Agafangel</i></span></p>
<p style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Palatino; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">August 26 / September 8, 2023</span></p>
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</span><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span><p style="color: #a40803; font-family: Futura; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">Comment</span></p></span><span><p style="color: #0b5a7c; font-family: "Avenir Next Condensed"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">Agafangel 07/06/2021 Comment under a post of Fr. Seraphim's 4/29/75 letter to Dr. Kalomiros</span></p></span><span><p style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><a href="http://internetsobor.org/index.php/istoriya/rptsz/arkhiv-rptsz/1975">http://internetsobor.org/index.php/istoriya/rptsz/arkhiv-rptsz/1975</a></span></p></span><span><p style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Palatino; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"> Representatives of the MP now present Fr.. Seraphim as a “liberal” and a “conciliator,” and not an opponent of the MP. But many of his statements, like these words: “It would be better if the Moscow Patriarchate </span><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia; font-kerning: none; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><i>excluded</i> us</span><span style="font-kerning: none;">, and all of </span><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia; font-kerning: none; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><i>world Orthodoxy</i></span><span style="font-kerning: none;"> separated from us; then some of our people would fall into apostasy, but the rest would become stronger “ — puts him in the ranks of the most extreme opponents of the MP, and at the same time, an extreme opponet of “world Orthodoxy.” And thank God!</span></p></span></blockquote><span>
<p style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 22px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p></span>Joannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12000679422093371576noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2237541551373915150.post-27083005923494587402023-09-15T13:59:00.019-07:002023-09-19T19:47:13.551-07:00Who could trust this man to teach about Russian culture?<span><p style="color: #006882; font-family: "Arial Narrow"; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Jordanville yesterday — Jordanville today</p><p style="color: #006882; font-family: "Arial Narrow"; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #0b556f; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;"><br /></span></p><p style="color: #006882; font-family: "Arial Narrow"; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #0b556f; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;">New Publication from Jordanville's Holy Trinity Church Supply store is </span><span style="color: #0b556f; font-size: 16px;">a book on Russian culture, </span><span style="caret-color: rgb(11, 85, 111); color: #0b556f; font-size: 16px;">by Alexander Schmemann. He was a </span><span style="color: #0b556f; font-size: 16px;">co-founder of the OCA schism in the 1970s. </span><span style="caret-color: rgb(11, 85, 111); color: #0b556f; font-size: 16px;">This new Jordanville publication is another sad indication that Jordanville has sunk down into world-orthodoxy. </span><span style="color: #0b556f; font-size: 16px;">Old Jordanville starting sinking in 2001 when Metr. Laurus Skurla took control. He rewrote the entire curriculum of the seminary to make it acceptable to the MP. Then, in 2007, Laurus' neo-Jordanville submitted to the ROCOR-MP union in 2007. The book store has been going downhill ever since.</span></p><p style="color: #006882; font-family: "Arial Narrow"; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #0b556f; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span></p><p style="color: #006882; font-family: "Arial Narrow"; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #0b556f; font-size: 16px;">Check this out: </span></p><p style="color: #006882; font-family: "Arial Narrow"; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #0b556f; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span></p><p style="color: #520001; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #fb02ff; font-family: Avenir; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-family: Quicksand;">old Jordanville 1961</span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Avenir Next Condensed"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><a href="https://startingontheroyalpath.blogspot.com/2018/03/schmemann-liturgical-theology.html">https://startingontheroyalpath.blogspot.com/2018/03/schmemann-liturgical-theology.html</a></p><p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">"Liturgical Theology of Alexander Schmemann"</p><p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"> by Archpriest Michael Pomazansky</p><p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 19px;"><br /></p><p style="color: #520001; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #fb02ff; font-family: Avenir; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><span style="font-family: Quicksand;"><span style="color: #fb02ff; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><span style="font-kerning: none;">neo-Jordanville 2023</span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Avenir Next Condensed"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><a href="https://churchsupplies.jordanville.org/9781942699507/">https://churchsupplies.jordanville.org/9781942699507/</a></p><p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><i>Foundations of Russian Culture</i></p><p style="color: #006882; font-family: "Arial Narrow"; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #0b556f; font-size: 16px;"></span></p><p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"> by Alexander Schmemann</p><p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="color: #006882; font-family: "Arial Narrow"; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #0b556f; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span></p><p style="color: #006882; font-family: "Arial Narrow"; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEmezLpAVSvI5B0OntrEp0NjSSw00IUg34XC803K8ySeq6JH1a4vgUedjSxaN7-En8vVYTYy3koi7QnY0UyA50Y8S56HEPb3EVNJhLyvEHbxUuKJmc-dtJVSm0UrOAxKZzLaL21bfXOpc43RTU2EEDm7LmC6dDo0h1tL-QZpeTEHC2YH5UMk02RE-ytl8/s1031/essays.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="718" data-original-width="1031" height="446" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEmezLpAVSvI5B0OntrEp0NjSSw00IUg34XC803K8ySeq6JH1a4vgUedjSxaN7-En8vVYTYy3koi7QnY0UyA50Y8S56HEPb3EVNJhLyvEHbxUuKJmc-dtJVSm0UrOAxKZzLaL21bfXOpc43RTU2EEDm7LmC6dDo0h1tL-QZpeTEHC2YH5UMk02RE-ytl8/w640-h446/essays.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 19px;"><br /></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Palatino; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #042939; font-family: Avenir; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">In Jordanville's description of their new book offering, the </span><span style="color: #042939; font-family: Avenir; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; text-decoration: underline;">last thing</span><span style="color: #042939; font-family: Avenir; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> it boasts is, </span><span style="color: #666666;">"(Alexander Schmemann) <span style="font-kerning: none;">shows what Russia is grappling with in its struggle to find a synthesis that draws both from its own unique elements and its historical and ongoing interconnectedness with the “West” and the “East.”</span></span></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; color: #042939; font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 19px;"><br /></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Palatino; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #042939; font-family: Avenir; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">In Archpriest Michael Pomazansky's essay, "Liturgical Theology of Alexander Schmemann," the </span><span style="color: #042939; font-family: Avenir; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; text-decoration: underline;">first thing</span><span style="color: #042939; font-family: Avenir; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><span style="font-family: Avenir; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span style="color: #042939;">he laments is: </span><span style="color: #666666;"> "</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-kerning: none;">In our tragic era when Russian theological science is nearly obliterated, the study of the Orthodox East has passed exclusively into the hands of Western theologians and historians."</span></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; color: #042939; font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 19px;"><br /></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; color: #042939; font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">At the same time neo-Jordanville is selling this new book, neo-Jordanville is also still selling the old original collection of Fr. Michael's essays which includes his essay warning us about Schmemann.</p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; color: #042939; font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><a href="https://churchsupplies.jordanville.org/9780884651451">https://churchsupplies.jordanville.org/9780884651451</a></span>. I'm not sure what to think of that... </p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; color: #042939; font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 19px;"><br /></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; color: #042939; font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">So what is happening here? I have a theory. First, ROCOR-MP, in order to go into the MP union in the first place, had to <u>forget</u> their Fathers. They do not read or re-read the teachings of our most recent God-given teachers of ROCOR, like Archbishop Averky, Fr. Seraphim Rose, Archimandrite Constantine Ziatsev, Archpriest Fr. Michael Pomazansky. Everything most important has been translated into English and published in the old <i>Orthodox Life</i> magazines (pre-2000) and the old <i>Orthodox Word</i> magazines (pre-1982).</p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; color: #042939; font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 19px;"><br /></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; color: #042939; font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Then, after ROCOR-MP forgot their Fathers in the first place, then they <span style="text-decoration: underline;">continued</span> to forget their Fathers. Even to the point where they have failed to re-read or study Fr. Michael's essays, even though this book is still readily available. So is neo-Jordanville oblivious to the fact that they have contradictory materials for sale in their store? I think so... What is their stand? What do they uphold? </p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; color: #042939; font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 19px;"><br /></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; color: #042939; font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">I think what they stand for and what they uphold was described by Archbishop Averky quite well when he accused his generation of blindly going, "<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial; font-kerning: none; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><b>Forward! Forward! To Antichrist</b>!</span>"<span style="color: #0b5a7c;">*</span> </p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; color: #042939; font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"> <span style="color: #0b5a7c;">*</span><span style="font-size: 12px;"><a href="https://archbishopaverky.blogspot.com/2012/08/stand-fast-in-truth.html">https://archbishopaverky.blogspot.com/2012/08/stand-fast-in-truth.html</a></span></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; color: #042939; font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; color: #042939; font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">I think it is because of "itching ears." Because when there is always something new to process, then the old stuff gets buried, like an old unopened email at the bottom of the pile... continual new stuff on top. New stuff is a powerful distraction, so rather than heed the Fathers, they keep craving more and more new things. This is the beginning of how somebody invites into themselves the possibility of mental illness or even possession. Abp. Averky already, 50 years ago, said the world has gone mad...</p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; color: #042939; font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 19px;"><br /></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 19px;"><br /></p></span><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><span><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Palatino; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><i>Remember your instructors, who have spoken the word of God to you, whose faith follow, considering the end of their life... Be not led away with various and strange doctrines. </i></span></p></span></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><span><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Palatino; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #7f7f7f; font-kerning: none; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><i>Hebrews 13:7, 9</i></span></p></span></blockquote><span><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Times; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 19px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; color: #006882; font-family: Times; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="background-color: white; font-kerning: none;"><br /></span></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; color: #006882; font-family: Times; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="background-color: white; font-kerning: none;">Remember Your Instructors </span></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; color: #006882; font-family: Geneva; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Helvetica; font-kerning: none; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-kerning: none;">from Fr. Seraphim Rose: </span></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: "Courier New"; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="background-color: white; font-kerning: none;">The "Right wing" of Orthodoxy in the future is likely to be divided into many small jurisdictions that will compete with each other and anathematize each other. For us it would be enough if our Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia were able to stay safe and keep the right direction - without deviation to the left, as a reaction against the zealots. </span><span style="background-color: #ffff0a; font-kerning: none;">We must maintain a living contact with Russian clergy of the older generation</span><span style="background-color: white; font-kerning: none;">, even if some of them seem to us too liberal, otherwise we just get lost in the zealot jungle which is growing up around us. First of all, of course, our teachers should be the pillars of the older generation: Archbishop John, Archbishop Averky (Taushev), Bishop Nektary and the like." </span></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; color: #7f7f7f; font-family: Times; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="background-color: white; font-kerning: none;"><i> Letter to Alexey Young, Third Day of Trinity, June 2/15, 1976. </i></span></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; color: #7f7f7f; font-family: Times; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="background-color: white; font-kerning: none;"><i><br /></i></span></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; background-color: white; color: #900084; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 17px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; color: #6c4d2f; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; font-kerning: none;">Remember Your Instructors </span></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; color: #6c4d2f; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; font-kerning: none;">Fr. Seraphim Rose </span></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; background-color: white; color: #6c4d2f; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><i>Orthodox Word </i>Jan/Feb 1978</span></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; color: #6c4d2f; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 17px; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; font-kerning: none;"> </span></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; background-color: white; color: #6c4d2f; font-family: Optima; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">The true Christian faith, Holy Orthodoxy, is handed down from generation to generation, from instructor to disciple, from the Holy Apostles to our own day. In our century we are experiencing a crisis of this unbroken Orthodox tradition: outwardly the Orthodox Church has been subjected to fierce persecutions with the open intent of liquidating her entirely; inwardly, Orthodox Christians have been losing the savor of Orthodoxy and finding "wisdom" from sources outside the Church's tradition. Many are discovering – or rediscovering – Holy Orthodoxy today, but all too often this is chiefly an outward conversion that ends in an adaptation of Orthodoxy to the wisdom of this age, for want of real contact with its living tradition. </span></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Times; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; background-color: white; color: #6c4d2f; font-family: Optima; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-kerning: none; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><i>Brethren stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye were taught, whether by word or by epistle of ours (II Thes. 2:15)</i></span><span style="font-kerning: none;">. The following names are a list of some of the instructors who have handed down the Orthodox faith and tradition to us in the Russian Church Outside of Russia in the 20th century, and particularly in the difficult years of the Diaspora. While these fathers are of particular significance in our St. Herman of Alaska Brotherhood, they have been Orthodox instructors also, by their lives or writings or personal examples, to many others in the Church as well; and some of them are of universal Orthodox significance for our times.</span></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; color: #6c4d2f; font-family: Optima; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 17px;"><span style="background-color: white; font-kerning: none;"> </span></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; background-color: white; color: #6c4d2f; font-family: Optima; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">There is a taint of abstract, self-assured "knowledge" in so much of today's "Christianity." But we Orthodox Christians, who are not our own authority but have humbly received our Christianity from our fathers, should be foreigners to all intellectual re-interpretations" of our Faith. Critics point to different kinds of Orthodoxy today – ecumenist, renovationist, charismatic, legalistic-canonical, and the rest – and ask us: And how do you believe? To this question our first answer is: "We believe as our fathers believed and taught us, and through them we receive the teaching of the Apostles and our Lord Jesus Christ Himself." All men being fallible, these fathers sometimes erred, and sometimes may even have disagreed among themselves; but</span><span style="background-color: #ffff0a; font-kerning: none;"> the whole witness of them together can not be mistaken. </span></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Times; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; background-color: white; color: #6c4d2f; font-family: Optima; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">And so, </span><span style="font-family: Palatino; font-kerning: none; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><i>seeing we are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, even in our most evil days, let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the author and perfecter of our Faith (Heb. 12:1-2),</i></span><span style="font-kerning: none;"> knowing that these fathers who have begotten us spiritually through the Gospel (I Cor. 4:15) will not fail us in our hour of trial, and that the unbroken link which we have through Jesus Christ, and His authentic teaching will not be broken to the end of the age. </span></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Times; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; background-color: white; color: #6c4d2f; font-family: Optima; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">It is appropriate for Orthodox Christians on the day of repose of the departed to commemorate them at the Divine Liturgy and offer memorial services for the repose of their souls. The date of the repose is indicated first in this list, and the year of repose after the names.</span><span style="color: #073c52; font-kerning: none;">*</span></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Times; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; color: #6c4d2f; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="background-color: white; font-kerning: none;">Jan. 16/29 ARCHBISHOP APOLLINARY (1933)</span><span style="font-kerning: none;"><br />
</span><span style="background-color: white; font-kerning: none;"> preserver of the canonical Russian Orthodox Church in America. </span></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; color: #6c4d2f; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="background-color: white; font-kerning: none;">Jan. 17/30 BISHOP SAVVY of Edmonton (1973)</span><span style="font-kerning: none;"><br />
</span><span style="background-color: white; font-kerning: none;"> preacher of spiritual awakening and chronicler of the holy life of Archbishop John Maximovitch </span></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; color: #6c4d2f; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="background-color: white; font-kerning: none;">Feb. 6/19 ARCHBISHOP THEOPHAN of Poltava (1940)</span><span style="font-kerning: none;"><br />
</span><span style="background-color: white; font-kerning: none;"> a leading theologian of the Diaspora, noted as an ascetic and man of prayer, who ended his days as a cave-dweller in the south of France. </span></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; background-color: white; color: #6c4d2f; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">Feb. 11/24 ARCHBISHOP SIMON of Shanghai (1933) </span></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; color: #6c4d2f; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="background-color: white; font-kerning: none;"> missionary, ascetic, theologian, and miracle-worker. </span></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; background-color: white; color: #6c4d2f; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">Mar. 8/21 ARCHBISHOP VITALY of Jordanville (1960) </span></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; color: #6c4d2f; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="background-color: white; font-kerning: none;"> printer-missionary in the tradition of St. Job of Pochaev, in Carpato-Russia, and in America. </span></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; color: #6c4d2f; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="background-color: white; font-kerning: none;">Mar. 17/30 ARCHBISHOP TIKHON of San Francisco (1963)</span><span style="font-kerning: none;"><br />
</span><span style="background-color: white; font-kerning: none;"> strict ascetic and man of prayer, disciple of the holy elder Gabriel of Pskov, in the Optina tradition. </span></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; background-color: white; color: #6c4d2f; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">Mar. 31/Apr. 13 ARCHBISHOP AVERKY of Jordanville (1976) </span></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; color: #6c4d2f; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="background-color: white; font-kerning: none;"> righteous Orthodox accuser of renovationism and ecumenism in the Church. </span></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; color: #6c4d2f; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="background-color: white; font-kerning: none;">May 8/21 METROPOLITAN ANASTASSY (1965)</span><span style="font-kerning: none;"><br />
</span><span style="background-color: white; font-kerning: none;"> second Chief Hierarch of the Russian Church Outside of Russia, known because of his sobriety and tactfulness as the "most wise". June 19/July 2 ARCHIBISHOP JOHN MAXIMOVITCH (1966) </span></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; color: #6c4d2f; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="background-color: white; font-kerning: none;"> ascetic, theologian, missionary, and miracle-worker. </span></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; color: #6c4d2f; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="background-color: white; font-kerning: none;">June 19/July 2 ARCHBISHOP LEONTY of Chile (1971)</span><span style="font-kerning: none;"><br />
</span><span style="background-color: white; font-kerning: none;"> sufferer under Communism, supporter of the Greek Old Calendarists, righteous accuser of church injustice, who was granted to die on the fifth anniversary of the repose of his Abba, Archbishop John. </span></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; color: #6c4d2f; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="background-color: white; font-kerning: none;">July 28/Aug. 10 Metropolitan Anthony Khrapovitsky (1936)</span><span style="font-kerning: none;"><br />
</span><span style="background-color: white; font-kerning: none;"> first Chief Hierarch of the Russian Church Outside of Russia, Orthodox, apologist and inspirer of church youth. </span></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; background-color: white; color: #6c4d2f; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">Sept. 30/Oct. 13 ARCHIMANDRITE GERASIM of Spruce Island (1969) </span></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; color: #6c4d2f; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="background-color: white; font-kerning: none;"> guardian of the relics and memory of St. Herman of Alaska. </span></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; color: #6c4d2f; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="background-color: white; font-kerning: none;">Oct. 7/20 BISHOP JONAH of Manchuria (1925)</span><span style="font-kerning: none;"><br />
</span><span style="background-color: white; font-kerning: none;"> disciple of Optina elders, educator of children in the Church's spirit, miracle-worker. </span></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; background-color: white; color: #6c4d2f; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">Nov. 13/26 ARCHBISHOP IOSAPH of Canada and Argentina (1955) </span></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; color: #6c4d2f; font-family: Arial; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="background-color: white; font-kerning: none;"> missionary, disseminator of the monastic ideal, founder of Canadian sketes, miracle-worker. </span></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Times; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Times; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">Also see:</span></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.52); font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="background-color: white; font-kerning: none;">https://startingontheroyalpath.blogspot.com/2009/08/holy-fathers-part-1.html</span></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Times; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">From <i>The Orthodox Word</i>, Vol. 10, No. 5 (Sept.-Oct. 1974), pp. 188-195.</span></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 19px;"><br /></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; color: #073c52; font-family: Optima; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="background-color: white; font-kerning: none;"> * note from Joanna: by giving us the dates of their repose, Fr. Seraphim is suggesting that we also remember to pray for them, not just to remember their instructions. The reason for this is that these instructors are in heaven now, and they can help us in supernatural ways that by-pass the language barrier, and that by-pass any need for intellectual understanding. They can help you acquire spiritual discernment. We can read their names off the list when we pray for the souls of the departed in our daily morning prayers. If we make it to heaven, surely we could meet them there, and we will recognize them, even though we never met them in person during our earthly life.</span></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 19px;"><br /></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-stroke-width: initial; font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 19px;"><br /></p></span>Joannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12000679422093371576noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2237541551373915150.post-19343110929047708872023-09-09T15:35:00.022-07:002023-10-16T20:12:42.694-07:00The Light of ROCOR<span><p style="color: #006882; font-family: "Arial Narrow"; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">ROCOR brought holiness out of Russia and planted it here.</p>
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<p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">The Light of ROCOR</p>
<p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">Questions About the GOC to Metropolitan Demetrius</p>
<p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JaQeq4VVtzM">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JaQeq4VVtzM</a></p>
<p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">https://www.youtube.com/@OrthodoxTradition</p>
<p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">https://app.box.com/s/eh686gf45dbck9cnr6fw7rfj1glvtv13</p>
<p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">uploaded to <i>YouTube</i> July 2023</p>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwQ_mZBImQBhhr4kdbAfesxxx7kgDs_d3ox91uAxQXT14utZUiYQxMSqiKG7A4qWQ3EwOPX4fa2I8wAaAiI7A' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br /><p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><br /></p>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzAGh2wrZ667V2i_rO34SD_FXEuBGTkk6I7FzksMd9WN4daKlsMzpWzDCVM2x1SevEwWKonRzscwILyaStPEA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br /><p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><br /></p>
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<p style="color: #0b5a7c; font-family: Times; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><i>transcriber's note: Inserts aqua-greenish color text are mine. </i></p><p style="color: #0b5a7c; font-family: Times; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><i> ~Joanna</i></p>
<p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">I think it's very important for people to think objectively, to have a little bit of critical thinking, perhaps open-mindedness as opposed to automatically just black-and-white, the book says this, and that's it. </p>
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<p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">If somebody is sincere, they're going to be very cautious and careful about what they say and they believe; and they're going to understand something about what Fr. Seraphim Rose says concerning Orthodoxy of the mind and Orthodoxy of the heart.</p>
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<p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">I think that the tables have turned somewhat, and I see that there are certain apologists on the side of the modernistic jurisdictions who don't understand Orthodoxy of the heart.</p>
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<p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">Of course, I think we need to have Orthodoxy of the mind and Orthodoxy of the heart connected.</p>
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<p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">Because that would be the true application and true offering and true, reality, — a lived thing.</p>
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<p style="font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Avenir;">Which would show us, verify in us, the truth of where we are; and it would help us to understand that only through the Orthodox Faith can we receive sanctification </span><span style="color: #0b5a7c; font-family: times;"><i>(only)</i></span><span style="font-family: Avenir;"> in the Orthodox Church.</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">Metr. Anthony Khrapovitsky says that, he says concerning heretics and people that are stubbornly opposed to the Church and Church order, that nothing that you say will convince them. Even if One were to rise from the dead, as it says in Scriptures, you will not convince them.</p>
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<p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">We've spoken so much about this miracle that happened in 1925 concerning the Cross — people have a whole bunch of different reasons why they don't want to accept it, or perhaps they do accept it because you can't deny it, but they just look at it in a very different way from what the 2,000 people who were present saw and got from this miracle.</p>
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<p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">So I think that one has to fall on their knees a little more and ask God for illumination, lest we sin And sometimes we have people who are spokesmen for these conservative modernists, if you will, who say that we should see what the saints say.</p>
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<p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">So, in my last video I quoted what some saints said, and we have more to say concerning that — God willing in the future we'll hear concerning that.</p>
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<p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">But to answer your question, I grew up in ROCOR, and eventually we joined some of these Greek Old Calendarists, and a lot of people basically saw a great link between the so-called Greek Old Calendarists and the ROCOR. There's a link because first of all the ordinations came from ROCOR, but then ROCOR eventually totally recognized the Church of the GOC as a Sister Church.</p>
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<p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">And even right up until the end, just before the union with the Moscow Patriarchate, that's how they considered us.</p>
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<p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">In fact, to prove that we have living examples, in other words we have clergy <span style="color: #0b5a7c; font-family: Times; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><i>(alive today</i></span><span style="font-family: Times; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><i>)</i></span> that joined us from the ROCOR basically on the eve of the union between ROCOR and Moscow Patriarchate with a canonical release from Vladyka Lavra <span style="color: #0b5a7c;">(Metr. Laurus),</span> who was very much for the union.</p>
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<p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">So I think that <b>some</b> people, at least, in ROCOR would probably – those who know their history – should probably be a lot more objective and understand us and who we are, because they know their old ROCOR. And the old ROCOR most likely would not have been ready for this union with the Moscow Patriarchate.</p>
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<p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">And there are a number of reasons for that.</p>
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<p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">First of all, one of the things that the ROCOR hierarchs kept saying was that the Moscow Patriarch needs to repent, seriously, before any type of a reunion could happen.</p>
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<p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">And, although things are not as bad as they were during the Soviet time there was a great fall, and that's the way, this is the way that the ROCOR saw it.</p>
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<p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">And so, let me give you an example here:</p>
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<p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy3VHghEBeO2SXjNvtMD217zFvHwHiKKSuYGJbcm7__n3HywJpS2Wczs7vV4LiHQCMWv5Rg7eclSWy4S64qUO-7LTrZLXAuo0ndOncXDApd6dTpHgEoEEp5xJCqPBhhhEBxZoo4g4nTV9ZM70lmrrKqedtQhIFIpDrRSWJTOr8903CtSExrmytmQjWLMM/s208/Unknown.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="208" data-original-width="107" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy3VHghEBeO2SXjNvtMD217zFvHwHiKKSuYGJbcm7__n3HywJpS2Wczs7vV4LiHQCMWv5Rg7eclSWy4S64qUO-7LTrZLXAuo0ndOncXDApd6dTpHgEoEEp5xJCqPBhhhEBxZoo4g4nTV9ZM70lmrrKqedtQhIFIpDrRSWJTOr8903CtSExrmytmQjWLMM/s1600/Unknown.jpeg" width="107" /></a></div>Patriarch Kyrill, who's the present day Patriarch of Moscow, is seen in a photograph underneath a great big statue of Metropolitan Sergius <span style="color: #0b5a7c; font-family: Times; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><i>(Stradgogosky)</i></span>, and he's standing together with President Putin. <p></p><p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 19px; text-align: left;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">So, the old rorocr would have a problem with that; they would not be able to stomach that.</p>
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<p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">Probably, I assume, that even some people in ROCOR-MP right now have a problem with that. And as I said, those are the ones who probably know something about their history, and remember their old Fathers.</p>
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<p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">So we have people who have <b>no</b> connection with ROCOR that are quoting some of the ROCOR hierarchs, but really misrepresenting them, and not understanding their spirit. Just not undertanding what ROCOR stood for.</p>
<p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 19px; text-align: left;"> </p>
<p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;">ROCOR was a light. ROCOR was the Church of Christ, and it was a shining light, because they brought holiness out of Russia and planted it here.</span></p>
<p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 19px; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white;">So, we have to recognize that — especially those of us in our sacred metropolis, here.</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">Because, as I've said many times before, the Church is not ethnic — that's what we believe, that's what my synod in Greece believes. But the Church is local. And so here, in our local metropolis, we had holy people. And it behooves us to honor their memory. And, by the grace of God, we try to. So, be careful not to falsify facts. </p>
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<p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">I can give you a few more examples:</p>
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<p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">We have an iconographer in our Church<span style="color: #0f79a5;">* </span> who's a monk, who's painting an icon of St. John Maximovitch – St. John of San Francisco – in an OCA church.<span style="color: #0f79a5;">* </span> </p>
<p style="color: #0b5a7c; font-family: Times; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Avenir; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><span style="font-family: Avenir; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">*</span><i>Church is capitalized when referring to a jurisdiction, but when referring to a parish the c is lower case.</i></p>
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<p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">And one of the older members of the church was upset about it. And when he saw the icon he said, "Why are you putting a schimatic on our wall?" That's how people saw ROCOR.</p>
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<p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">You can misrepresent it all you want, but all the <span style="color: #0b5a7c; font-family: Times; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><i>(official, a.k.a "world orthodox")</i></span><span style="color: #0b5a7c;"> </span>patriachates recognized the Patriarchate of Moscow under Metr. Sergius.</p>
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<p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">Although, the Patriachate of Serbia and the Patriarchate of Jerusalem had some sympathies towards ROCOR, still eventually they cut communion. There was a time when they didn't have inter-commmunion.</p>
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<p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">And I know this from people –from <b>monastics</b>– who lived in Jerusalem; they told me that they never concelebrated. The ROCOR clergy and the clergy of the Patriarchate of Jerusalem never concelebrated. There was intercommunion at the level of the lay people, but it never got to the point where the clergy concelebrated.</p>
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<p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">So this is significant because, today, there's a little bit of a different view about the history of ROCOR. Now after so much time has passed, people just don't want to see St. John Maximovitch as a schismatic. With good reason — because he's a great saint of the Church. He's one of the greatest saints of our last century.</p>
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<p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">But you can't rewrite history. It is what it is. And St. John Maximovitch felt very strongly about what I'm talking about here.</p>
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<p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">There were two particular things in ROCOR which stood out which I think we should point out.</p>
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<p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">The first is that the ROCOR hierarchy absolutely insisted that they could not come into communion with the Moscow Patriarchate, 'til the Moscow Patriarchate repented. I repeat: They would not join the Moscow Patriarchate until the Moscow Patriarchate repented. I already mentioned about this statute.</p>
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<p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">The second thing which was stressed was they were optimistic. They had great hope that Russia would be liberated. And that the Church would be free again. And that there would be a tzar. And I truly hope, and I have the same optimism, perhaps one day the Lord will clear all this up.</p>
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<p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">And I don't think it's a joy – it shouldn't be a joy, for some people it is a joy (on both sides) – that we are not in communion. It's sad for us that the ancient Patriarchates, right now, are preaching something quite different from what the Fathers of the Church preached.</p>
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<p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">We can talk about that in a subsequent video, but already there's a lot of information out about that.</p>
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<p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">We are talking about two distinct different voices:</p>
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<p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">– the voice of St. Mark of Ephesus <i style="font-family: -webkit-standard;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: times;">(vs.) </span></i>– the voice of the modern modernist bishop</p><p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 19px; text-align: left;"><i><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: times;">(and similarly)</span></i></p>
<p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">– the voice to St. Gregory of Palamas <i style="font-family: -webkit-standard;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: times;"> (vs.) </span></i>– the voice of the modern modernist bishop</p>
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<p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">And there's a lot of them. There are a lot of modernistic, heretical bishops.</p>
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<p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">So, we brought up examples in the previous video of holy people. And there are a lot more.</p>
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<p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">And ROCOR felt this kinship with the Greek Old Calendarist, because actually the Greek Old Calendarists had a few, it was not totally all of them, definitely we had some issues for awhile, but there were a few very holy men who were miracle-workers. I'm talking about really serious miracle-workers. If you were to read their lives, you read them as a life of a saint.</p>
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<p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">There's a little piece of information I'd like you to know, as well:</p>
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<p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">Fr. Ephraim, Elder Ephraim <span style="color: #0b5a7c; font-family: Times; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><i>(Moraitis)</i></span> of Arizona, also called us. He called my predecessor, Metropolitan Pavlos years back, and I have a clergyman who was present who was a witness. He was actually in the room when Elder Ephraim called Metropolitan Pavlos, to ask him if he could be received into GOC.<span style="font-family: Times; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><i> </i></span><span style="color: #0b5a7c; font-family: Times; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><i>("Elder" Ephraim also asked the ROCOR, around the same time, — I think circa 1985-1990)</i></span></p>
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<p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">Probably, if he went ahead with that, if he were to join us, you probably would have seen document coming out from him about <b>our</b> canonicity. He probably would have defended it. Because, it is a fact during the lifetime of Elder Ephraim, he did go back and forth a number of times. <i> </i><span style="color: #0b5a7c; font-family: Times; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><i>(Actually, this vacilating is the tip of the iceberg.)</i></span></p>
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<p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">And also, when he came to America, he came through our parishioners, people who belonged to our parish in Canada in Montreal; and they still belong to our parish. And he didn't tell them no, don't go there because they're schismatics.</p>
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<p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">He knew a lot of our people. Sometimes he would send people to us, sometimes he would send people to confess to some of our clergy. Anyway, that is what happened. </p>
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<p style="font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Avenir;">The ROCOR went to the point where they even believed, — some of the bishops. it wasn't all of them and it wasn't all the people, but a lot of people in ROCOR, especially the Catacomb Church, especialy as time progressed, because in the beginning you are trying to figure things out, a lot of people said the Moscow Patriarch was graceless. Of course, the Moscow Patriarch </span><i><span style="color: #999999; font-family: helvetica;">(considered?)</span> </i><span style="font-family: Avenir;">the Catacomb Church was graceless.</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">They were anathemitzing each other but truth is on one side. </p>
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<p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">The thing that really surprises me is that — and I don't know if you can find this anywhere in the history of the Church — people who <b>claim</b> to be Orthodox so venomously, aggressively opposed to those who are actually saying the same thing with regards to (...) being a heresy — at least up to a certain point we're saying the same thing, and just saying, oh, the're all schimatics. Well, the ones who came from ROCOR are not.</p>
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<p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">And even the ROCOR-MP knows very well who we are</p>
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<p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">There are others, quite frankly, who are break-off groups from the new calendar modernistic jurisdctions. And they just sort of set up shop and they treat the Church as their own personal franchise. And then they call themselves the GOC with absolutley no relation to us.</p>
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<p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">And so somehow their scismatic groups, they're connecting with us.</p>
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<p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">No! they don't belong to us, they belong to you, they're schismatic groups of the new calendarist groups.</p>
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<p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">So, as I said in the beginning I think one needs to be very careful, lest we sin. Let us be more cautious with our words. Let us be more spiritual about our outlook.</p>
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<p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">Let us listen to what the saints have said, and in my own personal experience I've known holy people I believe to be saints for many good reasons. And they were sanctified in the GOC. </p>
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<p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">If you really feel that Orthodoxy is the truth, and if you really feel that the panheresy we're dealing with today truly is a panheresy; which is a different <span style="color: #0b5a7c; font-family: Times; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><i>(new)</i></span> term. </p>
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<p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">Fr. Justin Popovic called it a "panheresy,"</p>
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<p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">I don't know if we've ever called a heresy a panheresy in the past, I don't think so.</p>
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<p style="color: #0b5a7c; font-family: STIXGeneral; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Times; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><i> (In 1998 Jordanville came out with a statement: "</i></span><b><i>Ecumenism is the most prevalent heresy of our times; and it is the most devastating heresy of all times</i></b><span style="font-family: Times; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><i>.")</i></span></p>
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<p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">So, this is a unique situation, the Church is dealing with a very unique situation today. Think about it. And rather than just thinking like a lawyer, or a scribe or a pharisee; humble your heart, go on your knees, pray about it, ask the Lord for illumination. And you'll see something very different.</p>
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<p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">You'll be a lot more careful with what you are saying.</p>
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<p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">Don't misinterpret things, and be very careful with hurling accusations.</p>
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<p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">Like this really strange accusation, because, like I said, I don't know if there's ever been a time where you see this <b>aggressiveness</b> from people who say that they're Orthodox against the people who are confessing Orthodoxy.</p>
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<p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">So they have to come up with something, so they're saying that we are Donatists. How in the world do you make that connection?</p>
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<p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">Actually, sometimes I think that there are people in the modernistic jurisdictions that are Donatists. And I'll tell you why. At least moreso, it can apply to them moreso.</p>
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<p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">The Fathers always say that there's a difference between sin and heresy. We have so many examples of that. And here we're putting this Donatist claim. Those of you who don't know what Donatism is, you're going to have to look it up.</p>
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<p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">Heresy is a totally different level. The purpose for this separation is heresy – what we believe to be heresy.</p>
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<p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">Now, there are people in the modernistic jurisdictions, who basically say no these people, us, <span style="color: #0b5a7c; font-family: Times; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><i>("us" meaning we who are in the GOC)</i></span> are schismatics, but we'll accept Elder Ieronymos is a saint. But that sounds a little more linked to Donatism to me.</p>
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<p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">"No, but he was in communion with us."</p>
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<p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">You're lying. You are lying. He was sympathic <span style="color: #0b5a7c; font-family: Times; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><i>(to world orthodoxy)</i></span>, but he was not under the new calendar Church. Our bishops buried him, our bishops gave him Communion.</p>
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<p style="font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Avenir;">The priest who was his priest in Ægina, for years, just reposed a few months ago in his 90s. He's our priest, Fr. Ignatius </span><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="color: #999999; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><i>(Baffas?)</i></span> </span><span style="font-family: Avenir;"> God rest his soul. All he did was talk about Elder Ieronymos his whole life — miracle after miracle after miracle.</span></p>
<p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 19px; text-align: left;"> </p>
<p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">No, he was totally under our bishops, and quite frankly, at a time which was a little more ambiguous because we still didn't have at that time the <b>official</b> recognition of ROCOR.</p>
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<p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">Official recognition from ROCOR came a few years later. But still there was the unofficial recognition of ROCOR, before the official recognition — meaning the documents which came up from ROCOR stating that we're Sister Churches.</p>
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<p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">Before that we had, of course, Vladyka Leonty, St. John Maximovitch, Vladyka Averky, Vladyka Nektary <span style="color: #0b5a7c; font-family: Times; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><i>(Kontsevitch)</i></span>, Vladyka Savva, all came to my cathedral. And St. John came a number of times. And he stood on the throne. And he prayed with us. He blessed our cathedral and through our cathedral our entire metropolis.</p>
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<p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">So, please, do not lie.</p>
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<p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">May the lord give us understanding in all things, and may the Lord open up our minds and our hearts to at least be a little more open to the truth.</p>
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<p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">Through the prayers of our saints, saints of our days, may the Lord protect us all from evil and unite us to the one Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church.</p>
<p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;">Amen.</p><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></span>Joannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12000679422093371576noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2237541551373915150.post-59525146621293639112023-08-31T18:31:00.001-07:002023-08-31T18:34:41.885-07:00Notes on the Œcumenical Councils<span><div><br /></div><div><p style="color: #fb02ff; font-family: Palatino; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">• • •</p><p style="color: #fb02ff; font-family: Palatino; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><br /></p></div><div><i style="color: #073c52; font-family: Times; font-size: 14px;">excerpt of an emailing from David, </i></div></span><span>
<p style="color: #073c52; font-family: Times; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><i>April 2023</i></p>
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<p style="font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: helvetica;">This year, Gregorian Easter, Jewish Passover, and Ramadan all fall on the same weekend.</span></p>
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<p style="font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: helvetica;">We probably don't need the reminder, but it may be nice to have it on hand. From the Council of Antioch which closely followed the First Ecumenical Council:</span></p>
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</span><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span><p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Canon 1.</p></span><span><p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 19px;"><br /></p></span><span><p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">As for all persons who dare to violate the definition of the holy and great Council convened in Nicaea in the presence of Eusebeia, the consort of the most God-beloved Emperor Constantine, concerning the holy festival of the soterial Pascha (or Easter, as it is called in ordinary English), we decree that they be excluded from Communion and be outcasts from the Church if they persist more captiously in objecting to the decisions that have been made as most fitting in regard thereto; and let these things be said with reference to laymen. But if any of the persons occupying prominent positions in the Church, such as a Bishop, or a Presbyter, or a Deacon, after the adoption of this definition, should dare to insist upon having his own way, to the perversion of the laity, and to the disturbance of the church, and upon celebrating Easter along with the Jews, the holy Council has hence judged that person to be an alien to the Church, on the ground that he has not only become guilty of sin by himself, but has also been the cause of corruption and perversion among the multitude. Accordingly, it not only deposes such persons from the liturgy, but also those who dare to commune with them after their deposition. Moreover, those who have been deposed are to be deprived of the external honor too of which the holy Canon and God’s priesthood have partaken. </p></span></blockquote><span><p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 19px;"><br /></p>
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<p style="color: #fb02ff; font-family: Palatino; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">• • •</p>
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<p style="color: #073c52; font-family: Times; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><i>an emailing from ROCOR Fr. Andrew Frick, </i></p>
<p style="color: #073c52; font-family: Times; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><i>August 2023</i></p>
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<span><p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 19px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">A HOMILY FOR</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">THE SUNDAY OF THE COMMEMORATION OF THE</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">HOLY FATHERS OF THE SEVEN OECUMENICAL</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">COUNCILS</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">GOC Archpriest Thomas Maretta July 30, 2023</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">Pentecost 8</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-kerning: none; text-decoration: underline;">About the Seven Oecumenical Councils and Their Meaning for Us</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Brothers and sisters!</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>In order to remind us of the immense significance of the oecumenical councils for the defense and formulation of our faith, the Orthodox Church commemorates the holy fathers of all seven oecumenical councils every year on this Sunday. Because some of you may not know or have forgotten what occurred at certain of these great synods, I would like to tell you a little about each of them in my homily today. This way, you will be able to appreciate the importance of the commemoration, and will value more fully the tremendous service the fathers of the councils have rendered the Holy Church and all of us, her faithful children.</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The </span><span style="font-kerning: none; text-decoration: underline;">First Oecumenical Council</span><span style="font-kerning: none;"> was convened in the year 325 in Nicaea, a city of Asia Minor – modern day Turkey – by Emperor Constantine the Great. It was the first general synod, representing the entire Church of Christ, to meet since the time of the Apostolic Council that figures in the Book of Acts. This council was necessitated by the appearance of the heresy of Arius, a protopresbyter of Alexandria who held that the Son of God was of a different essence from the Father, and that the Son did not exist from all eternity. Thus Arius did not teach that Christ was truly and fully God.</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>In refuting Arius, the 318 fathers of this council affirmed that the Son of God was “begotten of the Father before all ages,” “true God of true God,” and “of one essence with the Father,” embedding these phrases in the Creed or “Symbol of Faith,” the first seven points of which were drawn up by them.</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Additionally, the First Council established a universal method for the entire Church to use in calculating the date of Pascha, anathematizing anyone who would employ a different method; it recognized the special prerogatives of the episcopal sees of Rome, Alexandria, and Antioch, thus establishing the system of the patriarchates in the Church; and it confirmed the married priesthood.</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The chief defender of Orthodoxy at the First Council was Saint Athanasius the Great.</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The </span><span style="font-kerning: none; text-decoration: underline;">Second Oecumenical Council</span><span style="font-kerning: none;"> met in Constantinople in 381, during the reign of Emperor Theodosius the Great, to combat the ruinous teaching of Macedonius, Bishop of Constantinople. Macedonius denied the divinity of the third Person of the Trinity, the Holy Spirit. He taught that the Holy Spirit is not God, and called Him a “created force” subject to God the Father and the Son, like one of the angels. The 150 bishops present at this council, headed by Saint Gregory the Theologian, condemned and anathematized the heresy of Macedonius and confirmed the dogma of the consubstantiality of God the Holy Spirit with God the Father and God the Son. It also added the final five points to the Symbol of Faith composed by the First Oecumenical Council, thus giving us the Creed in the form used till this day by the Orthodox Church.</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The </span><span style="font-kerning: none; text-decoration: underline;">Third Oecumenical Council</span><span style="font-kerning: none;"> took place in 431 in the city of Ephesus while Theodosius the Younger ruled the Byzantine Empire. This Council refuted the false teaching of Nestorius, Archbishop of Constantinople, who impiously taught that Christ consisted of two individual identities, and denied the hypostatic unity of His divinity and humanity. Furthermore, the Nestorians spoke of the inhabitation of the man Jesus by the divine Logos as different only in degree from God’s indwelling in the saints, and thus they called Jesus Christ not the God-man, but the “God-bearer.” They considered that the Holy Virgin bore a mere infant, and thus they referred to her not as the Birthgiver of God, the <i>Theotokos</i>, but only as <i>Christotokos</i>, “she who gave birth to Christ.”</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Both the heresies of Arius (who denied the divinity of Jesus Christ) and that of Macedonius (who denied the divinity of the Holy Spirit) eventually died out, although they were resurrected a few centuries ago by the Unitarians, and have been embraced more recently by a wide variety of people of a religiously liberal, unbelieving orientation, belonging to many different denominations. The Nestorians, on the other hand, have survived as an organized group continuously from ancient times until the present. Today they number a few thousand persons, living mainly in Iraq.</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The great defender of Orthodoxy at the Third Council, which was attended by two hundred bishops, was Saint Cyril of Alexandria. The Third Council anathematized the doctrines of Nestorius and confirmed that Jesus Christ is perfect God and perfect man, and that the most holy Virgin Mary truly gave birth to God. It also confirmed the Creed composed by the first two Councils and forbade any future additions to it or subtractions from it. Most unfortunately, this prohibition was subsequently violated by the Western Church with the introduction into the Creed of the <i>Filioque</i>, which asserts that the Holy Spirit proceeds eternally from the Son as well as from the Father, and thus in effect denies that the Father is the sole source of the Godhead. This innovation, espoused by the Roman Catholics and Protestants alike, distorts the central dogma of Christianity, the teaching of the Church concerning the All-holy Trinity. Besides this, it contradicts both the enactments of two oecumenical councils and the sacred words of Christ our Lord Himself, as recorded in the Holy Gospel.</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The </span><span style="font-kerning: none; text-decoration: underline;">Fourth Oecumenical Council</span><span style="font-kerning: none;"> was convened in the year 451. It took place in Chalcedon, a city of Asia Minor, during the reign of Emperor Marcian. This Council pronounced the anathema against the false teaching of an archimandrite of Constantinople named Eutyches. In his opposition to the Nestorians, Eutyches overstepped the bounds of truth and taught that Christ’s humanity was altogether swallowed up by His divinity, like a drop in the sea, and that Christ has but one mingled nature. The belief that Christ has only one nature is called Monophysitism. To this day the Monophysites remain numerous, and include the Armenians; the Copts; the Ethiopians; the Jacobites of Syria, Lebanon, and Iraq; and certain Christians of southern India. Although the main group of Monophysites subsequently condemned Eutyches’ most extreme views, to this day these heretics continue to attribute to Christ a single, combined divine and human nature. Such a nature overturns both the true divinity and true humanity of Christ, since it cannot be properly said to be the nature of either God or man, but a confusion of both. As such, it also overturns the entire oeconomy of our salvation. Monophysitism today poses a grave danger to the Orthodox Church, because the Orthodox modernists and ecumenists, ignoring the decisions of the Fourth Oecumenical Council, now propose a union of the Church of Christ with this heresy, even though the Monophysites still refuse to employ the Orthodox definition of the two natures of Christ. Indeed, two local Orthodox Churches, the Patriarchates of Alexandria and Antioch, have gone so far as to enter into partial Eucharistic communion with Monophysites.</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Six hundred and fifty bishops attended the Fourth Council, which confirmed that our Lord Jesus Christ has two perfect natures and is fully and truly God, and fully and truly man; and that at His Incarnation, His divinity and humanity were inseparably and indivisibly united in His single person, but without any mixing or changing of His two natures. </span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The </span><span style="font-kerning: none; text-decoration: underline;">Fifth Oecumenical Council</span><span style="font-kerning: none;"> met in Constantinople in the year 553. It was convoked by the famous Emperor Justinian the Great because of the continuous conflict between the parties of Nestorius and Eutyches. The writings of three Syrian ecclesiastics, Theodore of Mopsuetia, Theodoritus of Cyrrus, and Ibo of Edessa, contained expressions of the Nestorian heresy, and were frequently cited as authoritative patristic works by persons tainted with Nestorianism. Since the Fourth Council had said nothing concerning them, the Monophysites used this as an excuse to reject the council itself, accusing it of leaning towards Nestorianism.</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>One hundred and sixty-five bishops attended the Fifth Council. They condemned the writings of all three authors, as well as the person of Theodore of Mopsuetia, who had not repented of his errors. It also issued fresh anathemas against the heresies of both Eutyches and Nestorius.</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The </span><span style="font-kerning: none; text-decoration: underline;">Sixth Oecumenical Council</span><span style="font-kerning: none;"> was convened in the year 680, also in Constantinople, when Constantine Pogonatus was Emperor. One hundred and seventy bishops attended this council.</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>After the Fifth Council, the disturbances caused by the Monophysites greatly endangered the security of the Byzantine Empire, and the Emperor Heraclius hoped to calm these heretics by forcing the Orthodox to compromise with them. To this end, the Patriarch of Constantinople, Sergius, began propagating the error known as Monothelitism. This was an entirely artificial attempt to create a middle ground between what can never be reconciled, Orthodoxy and heresy. According to Monothelite teaching, Jesus Christ has two natures, one human and one divine (in this it agrees with Orthodoxy), but only a single, combined will (as in Monophysitism).</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>In those days God raised up three great defenders of the faith: Saint Martin, Pope of Rome; Saint Sophronius, Patriarch of Jerusalem; and most eminent of all, our celestial patron Saint Maximus the Confessor, whose tongue and right hand were cut off because of his steadfastness in Orthodoxy. It was primarily their opposition to Monothelitism that resulted in the convening of the Sixth Oecumenical Council.</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The Sixth Council condemned the Monothelite heresy and confirmed that as Christ has two natures, so He has two wills, at the same time confirming that His human will stands, not in opposition to the divine will, but in perfect submission to it. In the acts of this Council (which were signed by the Roman legates), Honorius, a Pope of Rome, was condemned as a Monothelite heretic. This plainly shows that oecumenical councils do have authority to judge popes, who, far from being infallible, as the Roman Catholics teach, are quite capable of erring in matters of the faith, and even of falling into blatant heresy.</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Eleven years later sessions were held in the imperial palace called “Trullo,” where canons were enacted for the Fifth and Sixth Councils, which had ratified none. For this reason the Council in Trullo is called the Fifth-Sixth Council. The Trullan Council condemned certain questionable practices which had appeared in the Western Church, such as mandatory celibacy of the clergy, strict fasting on the Saturdays of Great Lent, the depicting of Christ in the form of a lamb, and so forth. It also composed a list of the canons which were to serve as guides for the Church’s life. To that list have since been added the canons of the Seventh Oecumenical Council and those of two local councils. All these canons may be found collected in the book called “The Rudder” -- in Greek the <i>Pedalion</i>, and in Slavonic, <i>Kormchaya Kniga</i>.</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Finally, the </span><span style="font-kerning: none; text-decoration: underline;">Seventh Oecumenical Council</span><span style="font-kerning: none;"> was convened in Nicaea in the year 787, under the patronage of Empress Irene. It was attended by 350 bishops. This council formally defined the degree of veneration due the divine images, basing this on the full reality of Christ’s Incarnation, which permitted and, indeed, required pictorial representation. The synod carefully distinguished between the legitimate and praiseworthy veneration of icons (<i>proskynesis</i>), and the absolute worship due God alone (<i>latreia</i>). The latter, if directed to images, was declared unlawful, a form of idolatry. Moreover, even “relative” worship, or veneration, was never to have as its object of honor solely the image, but that which was depicted, and ultimately, God Himself.</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Like several of the other oecumenical councils, the Seventh defended the full reality of Christ’s human nature and of His flesh which, being visible, is also necessarily depictable.</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Out of profound gratitude for their having delivered the Church from so many and such pernicious errors, every Orthodox Christian should magnify the memory of the holy fathers who shone forth as beacons of sacred truth at the oecumenical councils. Under the guidance of Heaven, those blessed defenders of the true faith erected the immovable ramparts of the dogmas around the Church, safely enclosing Christ’s rational sheep and walling out the heretical wolves eager to devour the Lord’s flock. Because of their confession and confirmation of divinely revealed truth, the chief dogmatic teachings of Christianity, the doctrines of </span><span style="font-kerning: none; text-decoration: underline;">Trinity in Unity and Unity in Trinity</span><span style="font-kerning: none;">, and of </span><span style="font-kerning: none; text-decoration: underline;">two perfect natures in Christ</span><span style="font-kerning: none;">, have been passed down undistorted to every generation of the faithful. Praising those great lights of piety, the Orthodox everywhere cry out today to the Saviour: “Most blessed are Thou, O Christ our God, for Thou hast set our fathers upon the earth as luminaries, and through them hast guided all men unto the true faith. O Most Merciful One, glory be to Thee!” Amen.</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"> </span></p><div><br /></div></span>Joannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12000679422093371576noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2237541551373915150.post-75968956860468175242023-08-19T21:09:00.004-07:002023-09-11T19:08:03.500-07:00How I got Sucked into the ROCOR-MP union<span><p style="color: #073c52; font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Post Script to RRb </p>
<p style="color: #7f7f7f; font-family: Avenir; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"> RRb: Remnant ROCOR blog</p>
<p style="color: #7f7f7f; font-family: Avenir; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"> RRb: ROCOR Refugees blog</p>
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<p style="color: #073c52; font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">I can not post this on the RRb because the RRb is deleted (by Blogger). This post has two parts: Part 1 is from an old Euphrosynos Cafe post in the days preceding the signing of the ROCOR-MP union, May 17, 2007. It very well describes the line of thought that tricked me into going along with the ROCOR-MP union. Part 2 is my personal letter written in 2010 to someone who contacted me through my RRb, wherein I explain why I left the union within a year . ~Joanna August, 20, 2023</p>
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</span><blockquote style="border: medium; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><b><span><p style="font-family: Times; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">Protopriest Theodore Shevtsov: </p></span><span><p style="font-family: Times; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
Thoughts of a Priest of the Russian Orthodox Church Abroad </p></span><span><p style="font-family: Times; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">About Liturgical Communion with the Moscow Patriarchate</p></span></b><span><p style="font-family: Times; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px; text-align: center;"><br /></p></span><span><p style="color: #7f7f7f; font-family: Times; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><i>On an April Sunday, [2007] Protopriest Theodore Shevtsov led a discussion with the parishioners of St John the Baptist Cathedral in Washington DC. The following is an excerpt of his speech:</i></p></span><span><p style="font-family: Times; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><br /></p></span><span><p style="font-family: Times; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">My attitude to the question of Eucharistic (liturgical) communion with the church of the Moscow Patriarchate was not something formed thoughtlessly, shooting from the hip “for” or “against,” or in accordance with the American expression “My mind is made up; don't confuse me with facts.” However, I would like to emphasize that I did not form my attitude toward the coming events of May 17-19, 2007 by way of cold logic, but rather by seriously mulling it over mentally and spiritually.</p></span><span><p style="font-family: Times; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><br /></p></span><span><p style="font-family: Times; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Most of us know quite well what woes and adversities, and even tragedies befell the Russian Orthodox Church, both abroad and in Russia after the Revolution of 1917, during the reign of the Soviet regime, especially after the death of the Holy Confessor Patriarch Tikhon. We know perfectly well about the terror and the coercion and lying that existed in the USSR, and that the Russian Orthodox Church could not escape.</p></span><span><p style="font-family: Times; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><br /></p></span><span><p style="font-family: Times; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">I think that of these three misfortunes, the most awful and dangerous one, especially for the Church, was untruth, for untruth can change one's outlook on the world and firmly implant the idea that “the end justifies the means.”</p></span><span><p style="font-family: Times; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><br /></p></span><span><p style="font-family: Times; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">As for us, the Church Abroad, we also experienced woes and sorrows. The path our Church took was far from smooth; it was even a sorrowful one. Our greatest misfortune lay in the fact that we were subjected to various kinds of schisms. I will say a few words about the most serious one, as it occurred long ago, during the early years of the emigration, and many people have either forgotten or do not know about it.</p></span><span><p style="font-family: Times; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><br /></p></span><span><p style="font-family: Times; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">By the way, it was perhaps the most serious schism in the Church Abroad, for it disrupted unity in the very midst of our Church. It happened in the summer of 1926, when all, or almost all, of the Church Abroad assembled for the Sobor [Council] of Bishops in the little town of Sremski Karlovtsy, Serbia, then the headquarters of the ROCOR. Chairing the Sobor was Metropolitan Anthony (Khrapovitsky), then the First Hierarch of the Church Abroad. Metropolitan Evlogy (Georgievsky), Metropolitan Platon (Rozhdestvensky) of America, and Archbishop Anastassy (Gribanovsky) also took part in the Council. Because of the political differences and differences in the conditions of ordinary life in the various countries of the Russian Diaspora, the bishops could not achieve oneness of mind as to the direction of the Russian Church Outside of Russia; Metropolitan Evlogy, who administered the parishes of Western Europe, and Metropolian Platon, who had earlier been assigned to North America, even walked out of the Council meeting. That caused the most serious and even destructive schism in the Church Abroad, for it disrupted prayerful and liturgical communion within the ROCOR. That event was a source of pain for all of the bishops and the Russian people of the Church Abroad, especially so to Metropolitan Antony and Archbishop Anastassy, who considered any schism in the Church to be a great sin. The intelligent and extremely well-educated professor and theologian Archpriest John Meyendorff stated quite aptly with respect to the schism of 1926: “There is no question that the emigres had the spiritual responsibility to preserve freedom and unity, which were being ever more persecuted in Soviet Russia. In the 1920s, some kind of ‘fixing of boundaries' was becoming ever more essential. However, central to the question was how to accomplish that defining of boundaries without losing the sense, the spirit of the Church, i.e. without a schism, without a disruption in prayerful communion, without a departure from universal Orthodoxy.” Quite unfortunately, that schism and the ensuing lack of liturgical communion between the once-united parts of the Church Abroad has persisted to our days, even to the extent of having part of it in America transformed into an autocephalous church in America, with a gradual loss of its Russian roots.</p></span><span><p style="font-family: Times; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><br /></p></span><span><p style="font-family: Times; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Now, let us turn to today, May 2007. What are we now facing? We are now facing the most important event in the entire history of ROCOR: We hope to establish liturgical communion with the Moscow Patriarchate. For us this is truly an unusual event. In my opinion, this is not a restoration of liturgical communion, for one can restore only that which once existed, and liturgical communion between ROCOR and the current Russian Church of the Moscow Patriarchate has never existed. This is something entirely new, and so it is not surprising that many of us are worried and concerned about it. Any novelty, anything to which we are not accustomed, can be frightening. I myself have experienced that concern and worry. Only a year or a year and a half ago, I was opposed to ROCOR taking such a step. I would pose the following question to myself: How could we forget and discard everything we had read, what we had seen for ourselves, and what had been taught to us from childhood by people whom we greatly respected and loved? Having been schooled and educated both at home and in Russian schools in the spirit of truth and Christian virtues, how could we forget everything that had gone on in the USSR, both in ordinary life and in the Church, involving lying, terror, and forcible coercion? However, later, especially over the course of the past two years, after mulling over and coming to understand the entire question both in heart and mind, I realized that neither did I have to discard anything I had been taught or seen for myself, nor was I being forced to, nor did I intend to change my deeply-held convictions! How then, should we proceed?</p></span><span><p style="font-family: Times; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><br /></p></span><span><p style="font-family: Times; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">We must simply accept Russia, its suffering Church there, and the Russian Church here, as they are today, not waiting for the Church in Russia to become the Church as I would like to see it be, as our instructors teachers, and parents were hoping to see it. To await that is to be daydreaming. On the contrary, I (we) need not be afraid of actively participating in the creative activity in Russia, just as a priest should not be afraid to go to a hospital, a place where there are difficulties and needs, rather than wait for the sick person himself to get well and have his problems disappear before going to him. No, we must not be afraid, but must only remember and watch that we not be controlled by fear, hatred, enmity, haughtiness, or a sense of being superior to the Church in Russia.</p></span><span><p style="font-family: Times; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><br /></p></span><span><p style="font-family: Times; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">There is an abundance of work to be done in Russia, and we are needed there. I am certain that among the laity, among the priests, and even among the bishops, we will find people of like mind with us. We will be heeded far more readily if we are in liturgical communion with them, not creating and maintaining some kind of parallel “organizational structures” or churches, and not waging a “partisan/guerilla” war with the Moscow Patriarchate but rather helping it defend itself against the various foreign, heterodox sects that are actively striving to establish themselves in Russia. What would be incomparably more fruitful is if we ourselves were to “live not according to falsehood,” and help the people and the Church in Russia to do the same.</p></span><span><p style="font-family: Times; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><br /></p></span><span><p style="font-family: Times; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>1<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Now let us see what we would have if we were among those in opposition to liturgical and prayerful communion with the Moscow Patriarchate.</p></span><span><p style="font-family: Times; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>2<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>We would either unite with one of the already existing “breakaway groups” that have left our Church or create a new breakaway group. How many more schisms must we endure? Oppsing view is that those who unite are the schism</p></span><span><p style="font-family: Times; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>3<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>We would cease to recognize our First Hierarch and the other bishops of the Church Abroad, whom we had heretofore respected and to whom we had been subject.</p></span><span><p style="font-family: Times; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>4<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>None of our previous First Hierarchs, beginning with Metropolitan Antony, would have ever given his blessing for such a thing.</p></span><span><p style="font-family: Times; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>5<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>We would be bereft of liturgical communion with our Holy Trinity Monastery in Jordanville, with Novo-Diveevo Convent, and with the other churches that I love and in which I served. O fear of isolation lonliness loss of fellowship</p></span><span><p style="font-family: Times; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>6<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>We would be bereft of Church communion/association with many of our brethren, priests, and friends, whom we love and respect.</p></span><span><p style="font-family: Times; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>7<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>It is as if we were rejecting Russia and the vast majority of Russian Orthodox people in their time of difficulty.</p></span><span><p style="font-family: Times; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><br /></p></span><span><p style="font-family: Times; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Certain people who do not agree with having liturgical communion with the Moscow Patriarchate will say that there are a number of groups, under true Orthodox Russian bishops, and also Greek Old Calendarists under the omophorion of Greek Metropolitan Cyprianos, with whom one could join. Yet that path would still mean leaving everything for a schism away from the historical ROCOR and all but one or two of its bishops. It is impossible that everyone who is moving toward liturgical communion with the Moscow Patriarchate is completely deluded! Onot true</p></span><span><p style="font-family: Times; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><br /></p></span><span><p style="font-family: Times; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">The First Hierarchs of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia considered all paths leading to schism to be a great sin. St John Chrysostom used to say that “schism in the Church is worse than heresy.” Thus the right path for us is to heal the schism and to turn to one another and to all Orthodox people in Russia and throughout the world with those words given to us: It is the Day of Resurrection, let us be radiant for the Feast, let us embrace one another…and let us say: Brothers and sisters, even to them that hate us, let us forgive all things on the Resurrection, and thus let us cry out: Christ is Risen!</p></span><span><p style="font-family: Times; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><br /></p></span><span><p style="font-family: Times; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Archpriest Theodore Shevzov</p></span><span><p style="font-family: Times; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">April 2007</p></span><span><p style="color: #7f7f7f; font-family: "Avenir Next Condensed"; font-size: 10px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">http://euphrosynoscafe.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=12&t=8481#p45970</p></span><span><p style="color: #7f7f7f; font-family: "Avenir Next Condensed"; font-size: 10px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">http://rocorrefugeesreadmore.blogspot.com/2009/12/archpriest-theodore-shevzov-april-2007.html</p></span></blockquote><span>
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</span><blockquote style="border: medium; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span><p style="color: #7f7f7f; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="background-color: white; font-kerning: none;">From: joannahigginbotham@live.com</span></p></span><span><p style="color: #7f7f7f; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="background-color: white; font-kerning: none;">To: stephenquilici@msn.com</span></p></span><span><p style="color: #7f7f7f; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="background-color: white; font-kerning: none;">Subject: 0rthodox Words</span></p></span><span><p style="color: #7f7f7f; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="background-color: white; font-kerning: none;">Date: Sat, 22 May 2010 10:28:55 -0700</span></p></span><span><p style="background-color: white; color: #042e6d; font-family: Optima; font-size: 15px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">Commemoration of the Departed</span></p></span><span><p style="color: #042e6d; font-family: Optima; font-size: 15px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><br /></p></span><span><p style="background-color: white; color: #042e6d; font-family: Optima; font-size: 15px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">Dear Felice,</span></p></span><span><p style="color: #042e6d; font-family: Optima; font-size: 15px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><br /></p></span><span><p style="background-color: white; color: #042e6d; font-family: Optima; font-size: 15px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">The union actually started with the Laurus Synod in 2001. People without computers were left out of the controversy. People who had computers, but were told by their priests to avoid the internet were left out. People who did not speak or read Russian were left out. I was all three. We were told up until the last minute that it would never happen. Then wham, it did, in May of 2007. At first there was little changed - not even all priests were commemorating Pat. Alexis [out loud, anyway].</span></p></span><span><p style="color: #042e6d; font-family: Optima; font-size: 15px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><br /></p></span><span><p style="background-color: white; color: #042e6d; font-family: Optima; font-size: 15px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">I was dragged in with the idea that we, R0C0R, would be a good influence on the MP. But that was soon shown to be a false idea. Instead, suddenly the sermons, even, in my parish, which used to be good, suddenly started sounding like the 0CA. Then in my parish Church bulletin there was an article by the renovationist Johannes Jacobse. I had to face it that instead of us influencing MP, we were being influenced by them and rapidly falling into world 0rthodoxy. And I was starting to see how the past few years we had steered away from the teachings of our earlier fathers, thus weakening the flock for the takeover. In August 2007 I visited a R0C0R-MP parish in Boise for their parish feast, where my future goddaughter was going to be baptized. At the trapeza, when I went for a blessing to leave, I told the priest that I was not in this union with both feet. He started yelling at me. There was a line of people behind me, it was embarrassing. I could forgive him for yelling [too much vodka?]- but I could not forget what he said. He thought that Sergius should be canonized, and that there is nothing wrong with the new calendar. To hear a R0C0R priest talk like that was like a living nightmare for me. 0n the drive home I decided to leave R0C0R-MP as soon as my goddaughter was baptized.</span></p></span><span><p style="color: #042e6d; font-family: Optima; font-size: 15px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><br /></p></span><span><p style="background-color: white; color: #042e6d; font-family: Optima; font-size: 15px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">Prior to this time I had been in contact with Fr. Gregory, who knew I was not comfortable with the union. In January 2008 I started a blog, R0C0R Refugees, to collect the materials I had missed. I was fairly new to the internet [still am] and previously had avoided using the internet for Church news at the "advice" of our clergy. At first the blog was only open to me, Fr. Gregory, and a few people who Fr. Gregory had introduced me to who had also contacted him about being uncomfortable with the union. After my goddaughter was baptized [Pascha 2008] , the blog was opened to anyone and I wrote my "resignation" letter to my R0C0R-MP priest and joined Fr. Gregory's Annunnciation parish. Soon after that I had to change the settings on the blog so that only members could comment, because of internet goons whose job is to disrupt fruitful discussions against the union and to ridicule/negate the true facts behind the union.</span></p></span><span><p style="color: #042e6d; font-family: Optima; font-size: 15px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><br /></p></span><span><p style="color: #042e6d; font-family: Optima; font-size: 15px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="background-color: white; font-kerning: none;">Fr. Seraphim: I warn against trusting anything that comes out of Platina today about Fr. Seraphim. He has been rewritten and censored so that people today believe he would have accepted this union - and that is not a possibility. 0ne example of Fr. Seraphim being rewritten is here:</span></p></span><span><p style="color: #0950c4; font-family: Optima; font-size: 15px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="background-color: white; font-kerning: none; text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://rocorrefugees.blogspot.com/2009/11/fr-seraphim-rose-in-world-0rthodoxy.html">http://rocorrefugees.blogspot.com/2009/11/fr-seraphim-rose-in-world-0rthodoxy.html</a></span></p></span><span><p style="background-color: white; color: #042e6d; font-family: Optima; font-size: 15px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><br /></p></span><span><p style="background-color: white; color: #042e6d; font-family: Optima; font-size: 15px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;">Along with the little censorings, is the selection of materials, the rewrite of his biography, the refusal to reprint Russia's Catacomb Saints - is it any surprise that traitor Abbot Damascene is now a bishop in the 0CA? If you find old materials - old 0rthodox Words and early editions of his books, please let me know - I'm trying to make a collection. When I can I type things out to put on the blog. Below is a list of the 0W's I have in blue, the ones I'm missing in yellow.</span></p></span><span><p style="color: #042e6d; font-family: Optima; font-size: 15px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><br /></p></span><span><p style="color: #042e6d; font-family: Optima; font-size: 15px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="background-color: white; font-kerning: none;">The older materials are the ones that can straighten us out. Fr. Gregory has old issues of £iving 0rthodoxy available, and I recommend getting a set of these. I can not put £0 articles online, or it hurts sales, that is how Fr. Gregory supports the Haiti Mission.</span></p></span><span><p style="color: #042e6d; font-family: Optima; font-size: 15px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="background-color: white; font-kerning: none;">love, Joanna</span></p></span></blockquote><span><p style="color: #042e6d; font-family: Optima; font-size: 15px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span></p></span><span><p style="color: #042e6d; font-family: Optima; font-size: 15px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span></p></span>
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<span><div>.</div><div>_________________________________</div><div><span style="caret-color: rgb(7, 60, 82); color: #073c52; font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px;">Fast Forward to Today, 13 years later. 2023:</span></div><div><span style="color: #073c52; font-family: Avenir;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(7, 60, 82); font-size: 14px;"> In hindsight now we can see the trick clearly. First, instead of trying to rewrite our past and forget what our trusted leaders taught us, we will rather just bypass it — "let bygones be bygones." Second is the confusing what a schism is. From the unionite point of view we who will not go along with them are causing the schism. But from our point of view, they who are going into a false union are the ones who are causing the schism. </span></span></div><div><span style="color: #073c52; font-family: Avenir;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(7, 60, 82); font-size: 14px;"> Possibly a third point is that Fr. Theodore does not satisfactorily get around the fact that the MP is not the ROC. If it is, then it has not been purged of the false clergy, as it needs to be. The "trick" here is that he mentions it, but only to throw in the assumption that this issue is resolved.</span></span></div><div><span style="color: #073c52; font-family: Avenir;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(7, 60, 82); font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #073c52; font-family: Avenir;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(7, 60, 82); font-size: 14px;">A couple of other things. I've done a better job at showing the re-write of Fr. Seraphim ORF in another post</span></span></div><div><span style="color: #073c52; font-family: Avenir;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(7, 60, 82); font-size: 14px;">https://web.archive.org/web/20230320080840/https://remnantrocor.blogspot.com/2012/12/example-of-platina-rewriting-fr-seraphim_7.html</span></span></div><div><span style="color: #073c52; font-family: Avenir;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(7, 60, 82); font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="color: #073c52; font-family: Avenir;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(7, 60, 82); font-size: 14px;">Also, my elder brother in the Faith has identified the "Greeks" that St. Philaret said would leave us was the Boston monastery. And they did leave shortly after St. Philaret reposed in 1985. Same scandal as Christ of the Hills monastery, and Platina, complaints of sexual misconduct and the monastery refused to allow an investigation. Boston instead turned around and said they were leaving ROCOR because we were too ecumenical. But Archim. Panteleimon confessed all this before his death, so we were finally exonerated. God love him for his confession, pray for his soul. He lived with that lie for a long time, but when he was dying he believed and he confessed. Since then, though, the monastery went into heresy espousing the Sleeper heresy.</span></span></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></span>Joannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12000679422093371576noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2237541551373915150.post-16318395787227776682023-08-13T19:34:00.008-07:002023-08-13T22:08:03.323-07:00The Mystical Meaning of the Murder of the Royal Family<span><p style="color: #042939; font-family: Avenir; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">There are so many untrue versions of the story of the Royal Martyrs. Rather than fill my head with probable stories, I decided early on not to read anything that was not put out by our ROCOR synod. Very little ever came to us in English.</p>
<p style="color: #042939; font-family: Avenir; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 19px;"><br /></p>
<p style="color: #042939; font-family: Avenir; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Finally we have here the true story. (And as a surprise added bonus we also have in here the truth about Rasputin.) </p>
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<p style="color: #432f01; font-family: Georgia; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #042939; font-family: Avenir; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;">From </span><b><i>The Great Synaxaristes, July</i></b><span style="color: #042939; font-family: Avenir; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;"> pp. 72–126.</span></p>
<p style="color: #042939; font-family: Avenir; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><a href="https://app.box.com/s/yo3acs1fxcljuqilyxhfy0e94r2wltqj">https://app.box.com/s/yo3acs1fxcljuqilyxhfy0e94r2wltqj</a></p>
<p style="color: #042939; font-family: Avenir; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 19px;"><br /></p>
<p style="color: #042939; font-family: Avenir; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">On pp. 73-74 here is a translation of an excerpt from a letter written by St, John S&SF:</p>
<p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 17px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">In 1963, Saint John Maximovitch of Shanghai and San Francisco (b. 1896–d. 1966) made a reply to those who slander both Imperial Russia and the martyred Tsar Nicholas II and the terrible regicide in Ekaterinburg. He asks, "Why was Tsar Nicholad II persecuted, slandered, and killed?" He answers:</p>
<p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 17px;"><br /></p>
</span><blockquote style="border: medium; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span><p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 14px;">"Because he was Tsar — Tsar by the grace of God. </span><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 14px;">He was the bearer and incarnation of the Orthodox world-view: that the Tsar is the servant of God, the anointed of God, and that to God he must give an account for the people entrusted to him.</span><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 14px;"> </span><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 14px;">He must give an account for all his deeds and actions, not only those done personally but also those committed in the office of Tsar.</span><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 14px;"> </span><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 14px;">Thus did the Orthdoox Russian people believe, this has the Orthodox Church taught, and this did Tsar Nicholas acknowledge and sense. </span></p></span><span><p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Times;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></span></p></span><span><p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 14px;">He was thoroughy penetrated by this awareness; he viewed his bearing of the imperial crown as a service to God.</span><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 14px;"> </span><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 14px;">He kept this in mind during all his important decisions, during all the responsible questions that arose.</span><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 14px;"> </span><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 14px;">This is why he was so firm and unwavering in those questions about which he was convinced that such was the will of God; he stood firmly for that which seemed to him necessary for the good of the realm of which he was head.</span><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 14px;"> </span><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 14px;">And when he saw that it had become impossible for him to perform his service as Tsar, according to his conscience, he laid down the imperial crown, like Saint Boris the Prince, </span><span style="color: #7f7f7f; font-family: Times; font-size: 14px;">(see July24 this volume)</span><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 14px;"> not wishing to become the cause of discord and bloodletting in Russia.</span><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 14px;"> </span><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 14px;">The self-sacrifice of the Tsar did not bring benefit to Russia,</span><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 14px;"> </span><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 14px;">But on the contrary, it gave an even greater opportunity for committing crime without punishment,</span><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 14px;"> </span><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 14px;">It brought about inconceivable sorrow and suffering.</span><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 14px;"> </span><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 14px;">But Tsar Nicholas displayed in his sorrows and sufferings a greatness of spirit that likened him to the Righteous Job.</span><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 14px;"> </span><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 14px;">The malice of Nicholas' enemies did not abate.</span><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 14px;"> </span><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 14px;">He was dangerous for them even them, for he was the bearer of the consciousness that the supreme authority should be obedient to God, and should receive sanctification and strength from Him to follow God's commandments.</span><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 14px;"> </span><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 14px;">He was a living incarnation of faith in the divine providence that works in the destinies of nations and peoples, and directs rulers faithful to God unto good and useful actions.</span><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 14px;"> </span><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 14px;">Therefore, he was intolerable for the enemies of the Faith and for those who strive to place human reason and human faculties above everything...</span><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 14px;"> </span><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 14px;">Tsar Nicholas II was a servant of God by his inner world outlook, by his conviction, by his actions; and he was thus in the eyes of the whole Orthodox Russian people.</span><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 14px;"> </span><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 14px;">The battle against him was closely bound up with the battle [of the Soviets] against both God and the Faith.</span><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 14px;"> </span><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 14px;">In a word, he became a martyr, having remained faithful to the Ruler of those who rule [cf. 1Tim. 6:15], and accepted death in the same way as the martyrs acccepted it."</span></p></span></blockquote><span>
<p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 17px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 17px;"><br /></p>
<p style="color: #042939; font-family: Avenir; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Every Orthodox home library should have this set of <i>The Great Synaxaristes of the Orthodox Church</i>.</p>
<p style="color: #042939; font-family: Avenir; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><a href="https://secure.holyapostlesconvent.org/hacwebstore/">https://secure.holyapostlesconvent.org/hacwebstore/</a></p>
<p style="color: #042939; font-family: Avenir; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 19px;"><br /></p>
<p style="color: #042939; font-family: Avenir; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">,</p></span>Joannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12000679422093371576noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2237541551373915150.post-26187720807207142492023-08-12T19:39:00.001-07:002023-08-12T19:49:25.571-07:00Rare film 1965 two ROCOR saints serving together<span><p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p>
<p style="color: #042939; font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>FULL! video LINK! film of two saints serving together in Palo Alto, Calif., in 1965: of St. John Maximovitch and St. Filaret of New York. </p>
<p style="color: #042939; font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> </p>
<p style="color: #042939; font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"> FULL VIDEO, from FULL start to ending, of this rare 1965 film!</p>
<p style="color: #042939; font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9YTs0R6Ww_U">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9YTs0R6Ww_U</a></p>
<p style="color: #7f7f7f; font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">20 minutes</p><p style="color: #7f7f7f; font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><br /></p></span><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.05); font-size: 14px;"><span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: verdana;">from GOC-TV:</span><br /></span><span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.05); color: #101010; font-family: Times; font-size: 14px;">We have never known of any motion picture footage of St John Maximovitch, or of St Philaret of New York other than that a few brief seconds... until now. This recently discovered silent film footage features three sections:</span><span style="color: #101010; font-family: Times;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(16, 16, 16); font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></span><span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.05); color: #101010; font-family: Times; font-size: 14px;">1. The laying of the foundation of the Russian Orthodox Church of the Protection of the Holy Virgin (Palo Alto, California), which was conducted by St. John of San Francisco.<br /></span><span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.05); color: #101010; font-family: Times; font-size: 14px;">2. The blessing of the cupola and its installation conducted by various clergy.<br /></span><span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.05); color: #101010; font-family: Times; font-size: 14px;">3. The consecration of the church conducted by the holy hierarchs Metropolitan St Philaret, Archbishop St John and Bishop Nektary of Seattle, with numerous other clergy.</span><span style="color: #101010; font-family: Times;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(16, 16, 16); font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></span><span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.05); color: #101010; font-family: Times; font-size: 14px;">GOCTV has corrected the speed of the footage so that the motion appears more natural. No other alterations have been made.</span><span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.05); color: #101010; font-family: Times; font-size: 14px;"> </span><span style="color: #101010; font-family: Times;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(16, 16, 16); font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></span><span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.05); color: #101010; font-family: Times; font-size: 14px;">When GOCTV wrote to the original publisher of this film and asked if we could share it here on our channel, we also asked where the footage was found. We received the this gracious reply:</span><span style="color: #101010; font-family: Times;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(16, 16, 16); font-size: 14px;"><br /></span></span><span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.05); color: #101010; font-family: Times; font-size: 14px;">"I discovered an old tape recording while helping to clean someone's garage storage. I restored it and converted it to a digital format. Don't know the origin of it. And yes, feel free to share it. Thanks."</span><span style="color: #999999; font-family: Times;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(153, 153, 153); font-size: 12px;"><br /></span></span></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.05); color: #999999; font-family: Times; font-size: 12px;">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BQE1_iBiBGg&t=0s</span></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.05); color: #999999; font-family: Times; font-size: 12px;">https://www.youtube.com/@kassianik1</span></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span><p style="background-color: white; font-family: Times; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="color: #999999;">Святитель Иоанн Шанхайский. Митрополит Филарет (Вознесенский). Пало Алто (Калифорния).</span></span></p></span></blockquote></blockquote><span><p style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.05); color: #101010; font-family: Times; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span></p></span><span><p style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.05); color: #101010; font-family: Times; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="font-kerning: none;"></span></p></span><span><p style="background-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.05); color: #101010; font-family: Times; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 18px;"><span style="color: #042939; font-family: Avenir;">_______________________</span></p></span><span><p style="color: #042939; font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">from Joanna: </p><p style="color: #042939; font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">video also uploaded here:</p>
<p style="color: #042939; font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><a href="https://app.box.com/s/jachvbq8qdiza6nhx0kstl0tyucoeylb">https://app.box.com/s/jachvbq8qdiza6nhx0kstl0tyucoeylb</a></p>
<p style="color: #042939; font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Video not viewable from AppBox. Needs to be downloaded to be viewed.</p>
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<p style="color: #042939; font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Be sure to save link to Shared Library for the day when Blogger deletes this blog, too.</p>
<p style="color: #042939; font-family: "Arial Narrow"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><a href="https://app.box.com/folder/64711141052?s=fidluwvb48ffrhzly22uq2zvvzb56byl&sortColumn=name&sortDirection=ASC">https://app.box.com/folder/64711141052?s=fidluwvb48ffrhzly22uq2zvvzb56byl&sortColumn=name&sortDirection=ASC</a></p>
<p style="color: #042939; font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"> Click on <b>NAME</b> to see index in alphabetical order.</p>
<p style="color: #042939; font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"> Click on <b>UPDATED</b> to see index with most recent uploads on top.</p>
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<p style="font-family: Avenir; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 19px;"><br /></p></span>Joannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12000679422093371576noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2237541551373915150.post-48551320748422193012023-08-05T13:51:00.002-07:002023-08-31T18:25:07.091-07:00 Notes on the Œcumenical Councils<span><div><i style="color: #073c52; font-family: Times; font-size: 14px;">excerpt of an emailing from David, </i></div></span><span>
<p style="color: #073c52; font-family: Times; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><i>April 2023</i></p>
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<p style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">This year, Gregorian Easter, Jewish Passover, and Ramadan all fall on the same weekend.</p>
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<p style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">We probably don't need the reminder, but it may be nice to have it on hand. From the Council of Antioch which closely followed the First Ecumenical Council:</p>
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<p style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Canon 1.</p>
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<p style="font-family: Palatino; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">As for all persons who dare to violate the definition of the holy and great Council convened in Nicaea in the presence of Eusebeia, the consort of the most God-beloved Emperor Constantine, concerning the holy festival of the soterial Pascha (or Easter, as it is called in ordinary English), we decree that they be excluded from Communion and be outcasts from the Church if they persist more captiously in objecting to the decisions that have been made as most fitting in regard thereto; and let these things be said with reference to laymen. But if any of the persons occupying prominent positions in the Church, such as a Bishop, or a Presbyter, or a Deacon, after the adoption of this definition, should dare to insist upon having his own way, to the perversion of the laity, and to the disturbance of the church, and upon celebrating Easter along with the Jews, the holy Council has hence judged that person to be an alien to the Church, on the ground that he has not only become guilty of sin by himself, but has also been the cause of corruption and perversion among the multitude. Accordingly, it not only deposes such persons from the liturgy, but also those who dare to commune with them after their deposition. Moreover, those who have been deposed are to be deprived of the external honor too of which the holy Canon and God’s priesthood have partaken. </p>
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<p style="color: #fb02ff; font-family: Palatino; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">• • •</p>
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<p style="color: #073c52; font-family: Times; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><i>an emailing from ROCOR Fr. Andrew Frick, </i></p>
<p style="color: #073c52; font-family: Times; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><i>August 2023</i></p>
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<span><p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">A HOMILY FOR</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">THE SUNDAY OF THE COMMEMORATION OF THE</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">HOLY FATHERS OF THE SEVEN OECUMENICAL</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">COUNCILS</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">GOC Archpriest Thomas Maretta July 30, 2023</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">Pentecost 8</p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">About the Seven Oecumenical Councils and Their Meaning for Us</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Brothers and sisters!</p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>In order to remind us of the immense significance of the oecumenical councils for the defense and formulation of our faith, the Orthodox Church commemorates the holy fathers of all seven oecumenical councils every year on this Sunday. Because some of you may not know or have forgotten what occurred at certain of these great synods, I would like to tell you a little about each of them in my homily today. This way, you will be able to appreciate the importance of the commemoration, and will value more fully the tremendous service the fathers of the councils have rendered the Holy Church and all of us, her faithful children.</p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The <span style="text-decoration: underline;">First Oecumenical Council</span> was convened in the year 325 in Nicaea, a city of Asia Minor – modern day Turkey – by Emperor Constantine the Great. It was the first general synod, representing the entire Church of Christ, to meet since the time of the Apostolic Council that figures in the Book of Acts. This council was necessitated by the appearance of the heresy of Arius, a protopresbyter of Alexandria who held that the Son of God was of a different essence from the Father, and that the Son did not exist from all eternity. Thus Arius did not teach that Christ was truly and fully God.</p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>In refuting Arius, the 318 fathers of this council affirmed that the Son of God was “begotten of the Father before all ages,” “true God of true God,” and “of one essence with the Father,” embedding these phrases in the Creed or “Symbol of Faith,” the first seven points of which were drawn up by them.</p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Additionally, the First Council established a universal method for the entire Church to use in calculating the date of Pascha, anathematizing anyone who would employ a different method; it recognized the special prerogatives of the episcopal sees of Rome, Alexandria, and Antioch, thus establishing the system of the patriarchates in the Church; and it confirmed the married priesthood.</p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The chief defender of Orthodoxy at the First Council was Saint Athanasius the Great.</p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Second Oecumenical Council</span> met in Constantinople in 381, during the reign of Emperor Theodosius the Great, to combat the ruinous teaching of Macedonius, Bishop of Constantinople. Macedonius denied the divinity of the third Person of the Trinity, the Holy Spirit. He taught that the Holy Spirit is not God, and called Him a “created force” subject to God the Father and the Son, like one of the angels. The 150 bishops present at this council, headed by Saint Gregory the Theologian, condemned and anathematized the heresy of Macedonius and confirmed the dogma of the consubstantiality of God the Holy Spirit with God the Father and God the Son. It also added the final five points to the Symbol of Faith composed by the First Oecumenical Council, thus giving us the Creed in the form used till this day by the Orthodox Church.</p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Third Oecumenical Council</span> took place in 431 in the city of Ephesus while Theodosius the Younger ruled the Byzantine Empire. This Council refuted the false teaching of Nestorius, Archbishop of Constantinople, who impiously taught that Christ consisted of two individual identities, and denied the hypostatic unity of His divinity and humanity. Furthermore, the Nestorians spoke of the inhabitation of the man Jesus by the divine Logos as different only in degree from God’s indwelling in the saints, and thus they called Jesus Christ not the God-man, but the “God-bearer.” They considered that the Holy Virgin bore a mere infant, and thus they referred to her not as the Birthgiver of God, the <i>Theotokos</i>, but only as <i>Christotokos</i>, “she who gave birth to Christ.”</p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Both the heresies of Arius (who denied the divinity of Jesus Christ) and that of Macedonius (who denied the divinity of the Holy Spirit) eventually died out, although they were resurrected a few centuries ago by the Unitarians, and have been embraced more recently by a wide variety of people of a religiously liberal, unbelieving orientation, belonging to many different denominations. The Nestorians, on the other hand, have survived as an organized group continuously from ancient times until the present. Today they number a few thousand persons, living mainly in Iraq.</p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The great defender of Orthodoxy at the Third Council, which was attended by two hundred bishops, was Saint Cyril of Alexandria. The Third Council anathematized the doctrines of Nestorius and confirmed that Jesus Christ is perfect God and perfect man, and that the most holy Virgin Mary truly gave birth to God. It also confirmed the Creed composed by the first two Councils and forbade any future additions to it or subtractions from it. Most unfortunately, this prohibition was subsequently violated by the Western Church with the introduction into the Creed of the <i>Filioque</i>, which asserts that the Holy Spirit proceeds eternally from the Son as well as from the Father, and thus in effect denies that the Father is the sole source of the Godhead. This innovation, espoused by the Roman Catholics and Protestants alike, distorts the central dogma of Christianity, the teaching of the Church concerning the All-holy Trinity. Besides this, it contradicts both the enactments of two oecumenical councils and the sacred words of Christ our Lord Himself, as recorded in the Holy Gospel.</p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Fourth Oecumenical Council</span> was convened in the year 451. It took place in Chalcedon, a city of Asia Minor, during the reign of Emperor Marcian. This Council pronounced the anathema against the false teaching of an archimandrite of Constantinople named Eutyches. In his opposition to the Nestorians, Eutyches overstepped the bounds of truth and taught that Christ’s humanity was altogether swallowed up by His divinity, like a drop in the sea, and that Christ has but one mingled nature. The belief that Christ has only one nature is called Monophysitism. To this day the Monophysites remain numerous, and include the Armenians; the Copts; the Ethiopians; the Jacobites of Syria, Lebanon, and Iraq; and certain Christians of southern India. Although the main group of Monophysites subsequently condemned Eutyches’ most extreme views, to this day these heretics continue to attribute to Christ a single, combined divine and human nature. Such a nature overturns both the true divinity and true humanity of Christ, since it cannot be properly said to be the nature of either God or man, but a confusion of both. As such, it also overturns the entire oeconomy of our salvation. Monophysitism today poses a grave danger to the Orthodox Church, because the Orthodox modernists and ecumenists, ignoring the decisions of the Fourth Oecumenical Council, now propose a union of the Church of Christ with this heresy, even though the Monophysites still refuse to employ the Orthodox definition of the two natures of Christ. Indeed, two local Orthodox Churches, the Patriarchates of Alexandria and Antioch, have gone so far as to enter into partial Eucharistic communion with Monophysites.</p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Six hundred and fifty bishops attended the Fourth Council, which confirmed that our Lord Jesus Christ has two perfect natures and is fully and truly God, and fully and truly man; and that at His Incarnation, His divinity and humanity were inseparably and indivisibly united in His single person, but without any mixing or changing of His two natures. </p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Fifth Oecumenical Council</span> met in Constantinople in the year 553. It was convoked by the famous Emperor Justinian the Great because of the continuous conflict between the parties of Nestorius and Eutyches. The writings of three Syrian ecclesiastics, Theodore of Mopsuetia, Theodoritus of Cyrrus, and Ibo of Edessa, contained expressions of the Nestorian heresy, and were frequently cited as authoritative patristic works by persons tainted with Nestorianism. Since the Fourth Council had said nothing concerning them, the Monophysites used this as an excuse to reject the council itself, accusing it of leaning towards Nestorianism.</p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>One hundred and sixty-five bishops attended the Fifth Council. They condemned the writings of all three authors, as well as the person of Theodore of Mopsuetia, who had not repented of his errors. It also issued fresh anathemas against the heresies of both Eutyches and Nestorius.</p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Sixth Oecumenical Council</span> was convened in the year 680, also in Constantinople, when Constantine Pogonatus was Emperor. One hundred and seventy bishops attended this council.</p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>After the Fifth Council, the disturbances caused by the Monophysites greatly endangered the security of the Byzantine Empire, and the Emperor Heraclius hoped to calm these heretics by forcing the Orthodox to compromise with them. To this end, the Patriarch of Constantinople, Sergius, began propagating the error known as Monothelitism. This was an entirely artificial attempt to create a middle ground between what can never be reconciled, Orthodoxy and heresy. According to Monothelite teaching, Jesus Christ has two natures, one human and one divine (in this it agrees with Orthodoxy), but only a single, combined will (as in Monophysitism).</p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>In those days God raised up three great defenders of the faith: Saint Martin, Pope of Rome; Saint Sophronius, Patriarch of Jerusalem; and most eminent of all, our celestial patron Saint Maximus the Confessor, whose tongue and right hand were cut off because of his steadfastness in Orthodoxy. It was primarily their opposition to Monothelitism that resulted in the convening of the Sixth Oecumenical Council.</p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The Sixth Council condemned the Monothelite heresy and confirmed that as Christ has two natures, so He has two wills, at the same time confirming that His human will stands, not in opposition to the divine will, but in perfect submission to it. In the acts of this Council (which were signed by the Roman legates), Honorius, a Pope of Rome, was condemned as a Monothelite heretic. This plainly shows that oecumenical councils do have authority to judge popes, who, far from being infallible, as the Roman Catholics teach, are quite capable of erring in matters of the faith, and even of falling into blatant heresy.</p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Eleven years later sessions were held in the imperial palace called “Trullo,” where canons were enacted for the Fifth and Sixth Councils, which had ratified none. For this reason the Council in Trullo is called the Fifth-Sixth Council. The Trullan Council condemned certain questionable practices which had appeared in the Western Church, such as mandatory celibacy of the clergy, strict fasting on the Saturdays of Great Lent, the depicting of Christ in the form of a lamb, and so forth. It also composed a list of the canons which were to serve as guides for the Church’s life. To that list have since been added the canons of the Seventh Oecumenical Council and those of two local councils. All these canons may be found collected in the book called “The Rudder” -- in Greek the <i>Pedalion</i>, and in Slavonic, <i>Kormchaya Kniga</i>.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 12px 0px 0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Finally, the <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Seventh Oecumenical Council</span> was convened in Nicaea in the year 787, under the patronage of Empress Irene. It was attended by 350 bishops. This council formally defined the degree of veneration due the divine images, basing this on the full reality of Christ’s Incarnation, which permitted and, indeed, required pictorial representation. The synod carefully distinguished between the legitimate and praiseworthy veneration of icons (<i>proskynesis</i>), and the absolute worship due God alone (<i>latreia</i>). The latter, if directed to images, was declared unlawful, a form of idolatry. Moreover, even “relative” worship, or veneration, was never to have as its object of honor solely the image, but that which was depicted, and ultimately, God Himself.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 12px 0px 0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Like several of the other oecumenical councils, the Seventh defended the full reality of Christ’s human nature and of His flesh which, being visible, is also necessarily depictable.</p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Out of profound gratitude for their having delivered the Church from so many and such pernicious errors, every Orthodox Christian should magnify the memory of the holy fathers who shone forth as beacons of sacred truth at the oecumenical councils. Under the guidance of Heaven, those blessed defenders of the true faith erected the immovable ramparts of the dogmas around the Church, safely enclosing Christ’s rational sheep and walling out the heretical wolves eager to devour the Lord’s flock. Because of their confession and confirmation of divinely revealed truth, the chief dogmatic teachings of Christianity, the doctrines of <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Trinity in Unity and Unity in Trinity</span>, and of <span style="text-decoration: underline;">two perfect natures in Christ</span>, have been passed down undistorted to every generation of the faithful. Praising those great lights of piety, the Orthodox everywhere cry out today to the Saviour: “Most blessed are Thou, O Christ our God, for Thou hast set our fathers upon the earth as luminaries, and through them hast guided all men unto the true faith. O Most Merciful One, glory be to Thee!” Amen.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 21px; text-align: center;"> </p><div><br /></div></span>Joannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12000679422093371576noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2237541551373915150.post-71066082607506955272023-05-11T06:09:00.000-07:002023-05-11T18:13:17.575-07:00So, you want to be Orthodox?<div style="font: normal normal normal 14px/normal Optima; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Four years after encountering Orthodoxy, Craig Young, along with his wife Susan, decided they wanted to be Orthodox. They had both been in the Roman Catholic church. The year was 1970 and they were both in their mid-20s. That year they attended Liturgy at the cathedral in San Francisco, and afterwards approached Archbishop Anthony and told him that they wanted to be Orthodox. The Archbishop called for Fr. Seraphim (with Fr. Herman), who took the Youngs over to a bench and sat them down. Craig Young reported later:</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">"The two men rained a barrage of questions on us:</span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;"><i>'So, why do you want to be Orthodox? Do you know what that means? What's the difference between Orthodoxy and Roman Catholicism? Why do you want to join our Russian Church Abroad instead of some other jurisdiction? Don't you know we are a small, persecuted Church living in exile? Everybody hates us and makes fun of us. Why do you want to join a Church like this? Do you understand what really happens in the Divine Liturgy?'</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-kerning: none;">Frankly, it was daunting. Somehow we had thought we would be immediately welcomed with open arms, as though the Church had been waiting for us all these centuries; instead we were being given the third degree!" </span></div>
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Classic Introduction to Orthodoxy</div>
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<i><b><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Door to Paradise</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "times"; font-size: 14px; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></b></i></div>
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(original by former monk John Marler)</div>
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20100529010337/http://users.sisqtel.net/williams/doortoparadise/doortoparadise.html">https://web.archive.org/web/20100529010337/http://users.sisqtel.net/williams/doortoparadise/doortoparadise.html</a></span></div>
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<br />Joannahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12000679422093371576noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2237541551373915150.post-8531287889203522332023-05-10T18:08:00.003-07:002023-08-20T11:31:50.249-07:00Book Review: That Hideous Strength<span><p style="color: #006882; font-family: Avenir; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Book Review </p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-size: 15px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 16px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><b>That Hideous Strength</b>,</span> by C.S. Lewis, first published in England, 1945. </p>
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<p style="color: #006882; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">Reviewed by Michael, an American convert recently received into the true Church by Holy Apostle James Orthodox parish in Owasso, Oklahoma, GOC.</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: STIXGeneral; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I recently read CS Lewis' Ransom (or Cosmic) Trilogy, and was struck by the significant crossovers with not just Orthodox Theology, but Epistemology. I want to focus on the final book of the series, <i>That Hideous Strength</i>, for the bulk of this post, but a quick recap of the first two books is warranted to give context to what I am going to write.</p><p style="font-family: STIXGeneral; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p>
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<p style="font-family: STIXGeneral; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The first book, <i>Out of the Silent Planet</i>, centers around the protagonist Ransom Elwin, who is a philologist that is kidnapped by some scientists named "Devine" and "Weston" who are taking him to "Malacandra" or Mars. There he meets two rational species, the <i>Sorns</i> and <i>Hrossa</i>, which are mortal, but worship <i>Maleldil </i>(Lewis' name for the Holy Trinity in the fictional language of the series). This book introduces two ideas that are particularly relevant for what I want to touch on later: 1) the villains are rationalistic empiricist scientists, and 2) "space" isn't really an empty vacuum, but rather teeming with life and energy (for more on this concept, see <i>Planet Narnia</i> or <i>The Narnia Code</i> by Michael Ward).</p>
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<p style="font-family: STIXGeneral; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>In the second book, <i>Perelandra</i>, Ransom is transported to <i>Perelandra </i>(Venus) by one of the eldils (angels) and is tasked with preserving the innocence of the first Man and Woman there. One of the villains from the first book, Weston, also manages to get to Perelandra, and we find out later he has been possessed by the devil, who is using him as a tool to tempt the Queen of Perelandra into falling as Eve did in the Garden. Perelandra is a thought experiment by Lewis in what life may have been like for our first parents, and while I'm sure not all of it matches up with Orthodox Theology, I think he has plenty to say of value and use for us. Particularly from this book I want to highlight that Weston has transformed from a hyper-materialist empiricist into some type of pantheist eastern mystic. Hold onto that thought as I flesh it out in the recap of the final book.</p>
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<p style="font-family: STIXGeneral; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The final book of the series is <i>That Hideous Strength</i> (a reference to the <i>Ane Dialog</i> by Sir David Lyndsay where he is describing the Tower of Babel). Elwin Ransom is still present, but he takes a supporting role and the primary protagonist then becomes Jane Studdock, and her husband Mark (who is perhaps not a protagonist, but certainly a central character). The National Institute for Coordinated Experiments (NICE) is a bureaucratic organization that is intertwined with the local college at Belbury; it seems to be a revolving door between the college and the NICE of administrators and staff. The NICE is dedicated to scientific control over not just nature, but man himself; it is how Lewis chooses to illustrate the modern religion of scientism. Of the plethora of philosophical topics he covers (see his companion book <i>The Abolition of Man</i>), what I would like to focus on are how he illustrates the convergence of science and magic.</p>
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<p style="font-family: STIXGeneral; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The plot centers around the race between the NICE and Ransom's "Logres" to find the body of "Merlinus Ambrosius" (AKA the original Merlin). The NICE believes that he will be the key to finalizing their transhuman agenda, meanwhile the Logres are simply trying to prevent this from happening, and thus prevent catastrophe. Both sides recognize that there was something more potent about the magicians of the past. Even though the top members of the NICE dabble in the occult, and have mastered "science", they recognize that their magickal abilities are more limited than the druids of the past, therefore they seek to marry the magick of the past with the science of the present to perfect their pursuit of power. From a dialogue of the primary antagonists, Frost and Wither, talking about Merlinus Ambrosius (Ch 12, Sec 6, pg 262):</p>
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<p style="font-family: STIXGeneral; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 54px;">"What we have here," said Frost pointing to the sleeper, "is not, you see, something from the Fifth Century. Is is the last vestige, surviving into the Fifth Century, of something much more remote. Something that comes down from long before the Great Disaster, even from before primitive Druidism; something that takes us back to Numinor, to pre-glacial periods."</p>
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<p style="font-family: STIXGeneral; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 54px;">"The whole experiment is perhaps more hazardous than we realised."</p>
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<p style="font-family: STIXGeneral; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">And a little earlier from the same chapter, between Mark Studdock and Frost, Frost explains the purposes behind their "experiment" (Ch 12, Sec 4, pg 256):</p>
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<p style="font-family: STIXGeneral; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 54px;">"The great majority of the human race can be educated only in the sense of being given knowledge: they cannot be trained into the total objectivity of mind which is now necessary. They will always remain animals, looking at the world through the haze of their subjective reactions. Even if they could, the day for a large population has passed. It has served its function by acting as a kind of cocoon for Technocratic and Objective Man. Now, the Macrobes, and the selected humans have no further use for it."</p>
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<p style="font-family: STIXGeneral; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 54px;">"The two last wars, then, were not disasters on your view?"</p>
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<p style="font-family: STIXGeneral; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 54px;">"On the contrary, they were simply the beginning of the programme...That is not the path to objectivity. I deliberately raise them in order that you may become accustomed to regard them in purely scientific light and distinguish them as sharply as possible from the <i>facts</i>."</p>
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<p style="font-family: STIXGeneral; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Lewis here cuts to the core of what we're going through right now in a few short lines what the Great Reset/New World Order/4th Industrial Revolution/Etc is all about. It is a remaking of mankind, but not just in political terms using scientific tools, but rather the marrying of the technocratic facism with the devil-worshipping religion and magick of the antedeluvian period.</p>
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<p style="font-family: STIXGeneral; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Fortunately for Ransom and the Logres (<i>spoiler alert</i>), when Merlinus is wakened from his slumber, they learn he was actually a Christian; one of the druidic converts when the Church had come to the shores of Britain. Then it becomes apparent through a short conversation between Merlinus and Ransom why the eldils had directed the Logres to find Merlinus. It wasn't just to keep him out of the hands of the NICE (Ch 13, Sec 5, pg 288):</p>
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<p style="font-family: STIXGeneral; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 54px;">"Our enemies...had broken by natural philosophy the barrier which God of His own power would not break. Even so they sought you as a friend and raised up for themselves a scourge. And that is why Powers of Heaven have come down to this house, and in this chamber where we are now discoursing Malacandra and Perelandra have spoken to me."</p>
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<p style="font-family: STIXGeneral; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 54px;">Merlin's face became a little paler...</p>
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<p style="font-family: STIXGeneral; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 54px;">"Sir," said Merlin, "what will come of this? If they put forth their power, they will unmake all Middle Earth."</p>
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<p style="font-family: STIXGeneral; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 54px;">"Their naked power, yes," said Ransom. "That is why they will work only through a man."</p>
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<p style="font-family: STIXGeneral; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 54px;">"Through a man whose mind is opened to be so invaded," said Ransom, "one who by his own will once opened it. I take Our Fair Lord to witness that if it were my task, I would not refuse it. But he will not suffer a mind that still has its virginity to be so violated. And through a black magician's mind their purity neither can nor will operate. One who has dabbled...in the days when dabbling had not begun to be evil, or was only just beginning...and also a Christian man and a penitent. A tool (I must speak plainly) good enough to be so used and not too good. In all these Western parts of ther world there was only one man who had lived in those days and could still be recalled. You--"</p>
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<p style="font-family: STIXGeneral; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">I would like to focus on the idea that Lewis is drawing out here; that there was a time where magic(k) was stronger, and to add to this from an Orthodox perspective, where Christians were "stronger" as well. In our True Orthodox circles, the latter idea should not be foreign to our thinking. From <i>Give Me a Word: The Alphabetical Sayings of the Desert Fathers</i> published by St Vladimir's Seminary Press (pg 163):</p>
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<p style="font-family: STIXGeneral; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 54px;"><b>Ischyrion [18.9]</b> The holy fathers of Scete predicted concerning the last generation, saying: "What have we accomplished?" In reply one of them, great in life and name, Abba Ischyrion said: "We have carried out the commandments of God." In reply the elders said: "But those who come after us, what will they accomplish?" He said: "They are going to attain the half of what we have done." They said: "And what of those after them?" and he said: "those of that generation will do no work at all. Temptation is going to come upon them and those who are found to be tried and tested in that age will be found greater both than us and than our fathers."</p>
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<p style="font-family: STIXGeneral; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">When many people see a quote from a holy father such as this, they focus on the last portion that says they will be great for doing little; that is not my intent however (and I think that is the humility of Abba Ischyrion speaking anyways) with this article, I instead want to focus on the bulk of the apothegm that says each successive generation of Christians will keep fewer of the commandments of God.</p>
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<p style="font-family: STIXGeneral; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">For the inverse, from the Church's tradition we know that witches and wizards also used to be stronger. From the <i>Lives of Sts Cyprian and Justina</i></p>
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<p style="font-family: STIXGeneral; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 54px;">From this it is evident what kind of man Cyprian was: as a friend of the demons, he performed all their works, causing evil to people and deceiving them. Living in Antioch, he turned many people away to every kind of lawless deed; he killed many with poisons and magic, and slaughtered young men and maidens as sacrifices for the demons. He instructed many in his ruinous sorcery: <b>some he taught to fly in the air, others to sail in boats on the clouds, still others to walk on water</b> (emphasis added).</p>
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<p style="color: #7f7f7f; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: right;">source <i>Orthodox Word</i> #70</p>
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<p style="font-family: STIXGeneral; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">So all of that to say, I would like to posit that CS Lewis, while not Orthodox, knew much more about the spiritual state of the world than many of his contemporaries and us moderns in general. He cuts right to the heart of the matter and shows that magic(k) and science are really two sides of the same coin, and that the elites of the highest levels of society are trying to resurrect the paganism of old and marry it to their technocratic society in order to create a "brave new world". Let us at least be sober enough to accept this fact. And garner the wisdom that CS Lewis offers to help us prepare for the tumult ahead.</p>
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