tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-49901419328885021872024-03-15T18:10:49.360-07:00Full of Grace and Truth"And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth...And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace. For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ." John 1: 14, 16-17Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger1672125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4990141932888502187.post-59148642605038821252023-11-10T02:55:00.005-08:002023-11-10T03:11:05.630-08:00Matushka Olga is canonized by the OCA, the First American Woman Saint to be canonized<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1rBqEtNFuuVM_PXMkg0Px5CArfUkc0o1Em7sNcXXDDk1Za2RqEg3zrYogvz29QbFjteo3h6qD9jNAKNJp1Y_YakcGjjOfr4-cTj4UKQVhFx5jqH2CLPq8-Lc51_eJahviZDP1u8Mk17ghhuaezafYAqfN2uxeut2VeQb3VK9_6PUFDje0ZKzwgvrO/s312/Matushka_Saint_Olga_Michael.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="312" data-original-width="236" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1rBqEtNFuuVM_PXMkg0Px5CArfUkc0o1Em7sNcXXDDk1Za2RqEg3zrYogvz29QbFjteo3h6qD9jNAKNJp1Y_YakcGjjOfr4-cTj4UKQVhFx5jqH2CLPq8-Lc51_eJahviZDP1u8Mk17ghhuaezafYAqfN2uxeut2VeQb3VK9_6PUFDje0ZKzwgvrO/s1600/Matushka_Saint_Olga_Michael.jpg" width="236" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><b>St. Olga of Alaska - To be commemorated on November 10th, along the the Sunday of All Saints of America</b> (<a href="https://www.orthodoxchattanooga.com/news/2019/11/7/matushka-olga-faithful-in-all-things">source</a>)</i></div><p></p><h3 align="center" style="background-color: #fcfcfc; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #555555; font-family: "Lucida Fax", Georgia, serif; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 15px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: 1.45em; margin: 0px 0px 0.5em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">The Proclamation of the Holy Synod of Bishops of the Orthodox Church in America on the Glorification of the Righteous Servant of God Matushka Olga</h3><p align="center" style="background-color: #fcfcfc; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #555555; font-family: "Lucida Fax", Georgia, serif; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 15px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: 1.45em; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.</p><p align="center" style="background-color: #fcfcfc; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #555555; font-family: "Lucida Fax", Georgia, serif; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 15px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: 1.45em; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">To the beloved Clergy, Monastics, and Faithful of the Orthodox Church in America</p><p align="center" style="background-color: #fcfcfc; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #555555; font-family: "Lucida Fax", Georgia, serif; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 15px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: 1.45em; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><em style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">God is wondrous in His Saints</em></p><p style="background-color: #fcfcfc; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #555555; font-family: "Lucida Fax", Georgia, serif; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 15px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: 1.45em; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">November 8, 2023<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />Chicago, IL</p><p style="background-color: #fcfcfc; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #555555; font-family: "Lucida Fax", Georgia, serif; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 15px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: 1.45em; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">The <a href="https://www.oca.org/holy-synod" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgb(100, 149, 181); box-sizing: border-box; color: #6092b6; overflow-wrap: break-word; text-decoration-line: none;">Holy Synod of Bishops</a> of the Orthodox Church in America has heard the petition of The Right Reverend ALEXEI, Bishop of Sitka and Alaska, expressed in his November 2, 2023 letter to His Beatitude Metropolitan Tikhon, concerning the glorification of the Servant of God, the Righteous Matushka Olga.</p><p style="background-color: #fcfcfc; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #555555; font-family: "Lucida Fax", Georgia, serif; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 15px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: 1.45em; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">In this letter, His Grace Bishop ALEXEI states: “I am writing to Your Beatitude with respect to the departed handmaiden of God and faithful Orthodox Christian, Matushka Olga Nicholai of Kwethluk, known by the pious peoples of the Kuskokwim as <em style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Arrsamquq</em>. Her humility, her generosity, her piety, her patience, and her selfless love for God and neighbor were well-known in the Kuskokwim villages during her earthly life. Her care for comforting the suffering and the grieving has also been revealed after her life by grace-filled manifestations to the faithful throughout not only Alaska, but all of North America. The first peoples of Alaska are convinced of her sanctity and the great efficacy of her prayers. For this reason, after prayerful consideration, I, Alexei, Bishop of Sitka and Alaska, am hereby making the formal request to Your Beatitude as the Primate of the Orthodox Church in America to begin the process that, if it be in accord with God’s will, would lead to her glorification.”</p><p style="background-color: #fcfcfc; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #555555; font-family: "Lucida Fax", Georgia, serif; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 15px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: 1.45em; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">The Holy Synod, having prayerfully reflected upon this petition and having observed and acknowledged the sincere devotion among the faithful of Alaska and beyond, has unanimously determined that the time for the glorification of Matushka Olga has arrived, fulfilling the hopes and prayers of pious Orthodox Christians throughout Alaska and the entire world.</p><p style="background-color: #fcfcfc; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #555555; font-family: "Lucida Fax", Georgia, serif; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 15px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: 1.45em; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">THEREFORE, meeting in Solemn Assembly in Holy Trinity Cathedral, Chicago, Illinois, under the Presidency of The Most Blessed TIKHON, Archbishop of Washington and Metropolitan of All America and Canada, We, the Members of The Holy Synod of The Orthodox Church in America, do hereby decide and decree that the ever-memorable Servant of God MATUSHKA OLGA be numbered among the saints. With one mind and one heart, we also resolve that her honorable remains be considered as holy relics; that a special service be composed in her honor; that her feast be celebrated on November 10 (October 28, old style) and the Feast of All Saints of North America, the Second Sunday after Pentecost; that holy icons be prepared to honor the newly-glorified saint in accordance with the Canons of the Sacred Ecumenical and Regional Councils; that her life be published for the edification of the Faithful, that the name of the new saint be communicated to the Primates of all Sister Churches for inclusion in their calendars; and that the date and location of the Rite of Glorification be communicated to the Clergy, Monastics, and Faithful of our Church in due time.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://catalog.obitel-minsk.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/10253200008605645-12-775x517.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="517" data-original-width="775" height="267" src="https://catalog.obitel-minsk.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/10253200008605645-12-775x517.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><b>St. Olga of Alaska </b>(<a href="https://catalog.obitel-minsk.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/10253200008605645-12-775x517.jpg">source</a>)</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i> </i></div><p style="background-color: #fcfcfc; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #555555; font-family: "Lucida Fax", Georgia, serif; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 15px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: 1.45em; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">FURTHER, we entrust to the Canonization Commission of The Orthodox Church in America, under the Chairmanship of The Most Reverend DANIEL, Archbishop of Chicago and the Midwest, with the honorable task of assisting The Right Reverend ALEXEI, Bishop of Sitka and Alaska, in preparing for the celebration of the glorification by providing an authorized <em style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Life</em> of Matushka Olga for the education and edification of the Faithful, with overseeing the painting of holy icons of her, in keeping with the canonical iconographical tradition of the Church, with the composition of liturgical texts to be sung at the Divine Services in which she will be commemorated, and with assisting in the uncovering and recognition of her holy relics, and in promoting her veneration among all the Clergy, Monastics, and Faithful of our Church.</p><p style="background-color: #fcfcfc; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #555555; font-family: "Lucida Fax", Georgia, serif; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 15px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: 1.45em; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">We call upon the faithful to remember Matushka Olga at Memorial Services or Litanies for the Departed when appropriate until the day of her glorification.</p><p style="background-color: #fcfcfc; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #555555; font-family: "Lucida Fax", Georgia, serif; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 15px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: 1.45em; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Through the prayers of Matushka Olga and of all the Saints who have shone forth in North America, may the Lord grant His mercies and blessings to all who seek her heavenly intercession with faith and love. Amen.</p><p align="center" style="background-color: #fcfcfc; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #555555; font-family: "Lucida Fax", Georgia, serif; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 15px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: 1.45em; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Holy Mother Olga, pray to God for us!</p><p align="center" style="background-color: #fcfcfc; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #555555; font-family: "Lucida Fax", Georgia, serif; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 15px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: 1.45em; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Given at Holy Trinity Cathedral, this 8th day of November, in the Year of Our Lord, 2023.</p><p style="background-color: #fcfcfc; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #555555; font-family: "Lucida Fax", Georgia, serif; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 15px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: 1.45em; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">PROCLAMATION OF THE HOLY SYNOD OF BISHOPS OF THE ORTHODOX CHURCH IN AMERICA ON THE GLORIFICATION OF THE RIGHTEOUS SERVANT OF GOD MATUSHKA OLGA</p><p style="background-color: #fcfcfc; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #555555; font-family: "Lucida Fax", Georgia, serif; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 15px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: 1.45em; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">The Holy Synod of the Orthodox Church in America.</p><p style="background-color: #fcfcfc; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #555555; font-family: "Lucida Fax", Georgia, serif; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 15px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: 1.45em; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">+ TIKHON, Archbishop of Washington, Metropolitan of All America and Canada<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />+ NATHANIEL, Archbishop of Detroit and the Romanian Episcopate<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />+ BENJAMIN, Archbishop of San Francisco and the West<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />+ MARK, Archbishop of Philadelphia and Eastern Pennsylvania<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />+ ALEJO, Archbishop of Mexico City and Mexico<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />+ MELCHISEDEK, Archbishop of Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />+ IRENEE, Archbishop of Ottawa and the Archdiocese of Canada<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />+ MICHAEL, Archbishop of New York and New Jersey<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />+ ALEXANDER, Archbishop of Dallas, the South and the Bulgarian Diocese<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />+ DANIEL, Archbishop of Chicago and the Midwest<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />+ ALEXEI, Bishop of Sitka and Alaska<br style="box-sizing: border-box;" />+ NIKODHIM, Bishop of Boston and the Albanian Archdiocese</p><p style="background-color: #fcfcfc; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #555555; font-family: "Lucida Fax", Georgia, serif; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 15px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: 1.45em; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">(<a href="https://www.oca.org/fs/proclamation-glorification-righteous-matushka-olga">source</a>)</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivoOqvIdWo_lZSxLsOKFlQCmXOU53JhQYdr8cHovYTxVHZfeRs2hCXHJHd1rdwHC1bSjOSO-V4J_mCUyNU34B_vSuu5huPTpznuj6Te03_H11_9rsHE-M2BigxhZko_L6_raB4vfq3PO5mhkdsiVewTsOVAOAPp8VGI9a_PzZITGJuF1AzdzkLnvo5/s1211/olga_plain.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1211" data-original-width="1211" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivoOqvIdWo_lZSxLsOKFlQCmXOU53JhQYdr8cHovYTxVHZfeRs2hCXHJHd1rdwHC1bSjOSO-V4J_mCUyNU34B_vSuu5huPTpznuj6Te03_H11_9rsHE-M2BigxhZko_L6_raB4vfq3PO5mhkdsiVewTsOVAOAPp8VGI9a_PzZITGJuF1AzdzkLnvo5/s320/olga_plain.webp" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><b>St. Olga of Alaska</b> (<a href="https://www.holyarchangelcandles.com/product/matushka-olga-of-kwethluk-alaska-icons/">source</a>)</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><p style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #5d5d5d; font-family: Roboto; font-size: 17px; line-height: 30.6px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;">Orthodoxy has been around in Alaska since the 18th century. It was brought here by a mission of the Russian Orthodox Church. The mission’s monks preached among the local indigenous people and translated the Scripture and liturgical texts into the local languages, bringing many to Christ and educating the local clergy. Some prominent preachers of Christianity in Alaska were Holy Venerable Herman of Alaska and Bishop Innocent. At the end of the 19th century, Russia sold Alaska to the United States, and gradually, Protestant missions came to prevail in this land. However, Orthodox life has continued there to the present day, with around ninety active Orthodox parishes.</p><p style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #5d5d5d; font-family: Roboto; font-size: 17px; line-height: 30.6px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;">On 3 February 1916, a girl named Arrsamquq was born into an indigenous Alaskan family of Yupik origin. The presence of the Russian mission in her community helped spread the faith among the local people, and she was among the first to be baptised as an infant. At baptism, she accepted the name Olga. From a very young age, she lived with the love of God. She was hard-working and prayed a lot for her family and her fellow villagers. By her teenage years, she already knew multiple liturgical texts and hymns in the church Slavonic and Yupik languages.</p><p style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #5d5d5d; font-family: Roboto; font-size: 17px; line-height: 30.6px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;">She married a man from her village. It was an arranged marriage. Her husband was adept at fishing and hunting. He established a general store and opened the first post office in his village. However, he was not a particularly churchly man. During the first years of their marriage, they had a troubled relationship filled with strife and arguments. But Olga did not despair. Instead, she prayed vehemently for her husband and her non-believing neighbours. Through her prayers, After a time, her husband — baptised with the name Nicolay — began to attend church. He brought six other men from the village with him. They all became readers. Nicolay Michael went on to study at so called “Aleut School”, similar to those that were founded by Saint Innocent with the support of the Russian Missionary Society, in Sitka. He studied under the direction of Bishop Amvrossy (Merejko). After graduation, he was ordained into the priesthood. From 1963, he was a priest for Kwetluk. He was the second priest in his village Kwetluk and became greatly beloved by his people. Incidentally, throughout the lifetime of Saint Olga, the great majority of the students who went this School came from her tiny village.</p><p style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #5d5d5d; font-family: Roboto; font-size: 17px; line-height: 30.6px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px; text-align: start; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-36352" decoding="async" height="264" loading="lazy" src="https://catalog.obitel-minsk.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/001.jpg" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; border-style: none; box-sizing: inherit; clear: both; display: block; font-family: "Open Sans", helvetica, "helvetica neue", arial, sans-serif; height: auto; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; max-width: 100%; vertical-align: middle; width: auto;" width="300" /></p><p style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #5d5d5d; font-family: Roboto; font-size: 17px; line-height: 30.6px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;">The couple’s married life changed significantly after Nicolai’s ordination. As a priest, Nicolai Michael travelled extensively to twelve surrounding villages to conduct services and occasional offices. Travel between the villages was done on rivers, by boat in the summer or by snow machines or dog-driven sledges in the winter. Matushka Olga, who was the only able midwife around, accompanied her husband to assist the women in childbirth and ailments. Olga gave birth to thirteen of her children without a midwife. Five of them did not survive to adulthood because of illness and a harsh climate.</p><p style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #5d5d5d; font-family: Roboto; font-size: 17px; line-height: 30.6px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;">Matushka Olga Michael worked hard keeping house, raising children, making vestments and baking prosphoras. Despite her busy schedule, she would also go to the homes of others to cook and clean for them. With word and deed, Olga showed people the example of Christian life according to Lord’s commandments. Not only did she help others with their housekeeping, but she also made boots, parkas, socks and mittens to distribute among the parishioners. For her acts of charity, she was nicknamed the new righteous Tabitha. She was particularly mindful of the troubled women who suffered from domestic violence. She would often ask women in her village to take a steam bath with her, where they could not hide the physical and spiritual scars of the abuse done to them. She counselled the women and said words of reassurance to each. Her compassion and sensitivity struck many as if she had lived through the same situation in her life.</p><p style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #5d5d5d; font-family: Roboto; font-size: 17px; line-height: 30.6px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px; text-align: start; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-36353" decoding="async" height="477" loading="lazy" src="https://catalog.obitel-minsk.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/002.jpg" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; border-style: none; box-sizing: inherit; clear: both; display: block; font-family: "Open Sans", helvetica, "helvetica neue", arial, sans-serif; height: auto; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; max-width: 100%; vertical-align: middle; width: auto;" width="400" /></p><p style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #5d5d5d; font-family: Roboto; font-size: 17px; line-height: 30.6px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;">As she was growing older, her daughters were assuming more of her workload. The hard-working Matushka Olga had more time to travel with her husband, help the people from the surrounding villages and teach midwifery skills to younger women.</p><p style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #5d5d5d; font-family: Roboto; font-size: 17px; line-height: 30.6px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;">Eventually, however, Matushka Olga began to feel weak and ill and lose weight. Her concerned family persuaded her to go to hospital. The specialists there diagnosed terminal cancer which they said was beyond treatment. Her children received the news with much grief and prayed vehemently at the local holy places. As for the Matushka, was not resigned to her bed rest. While her daughters were away, she continued to go outside, hauling buckets of water from the village well.</p><p style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #5d5d5d; font-family: Roboto; font-size: 17px; line-height: 30.6px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;">In the last days of her life, she prayed a lot and left her last instructions to her family in preparation for her peaceful repose. On 8 November 1979, she partook of the Holy Sacraments, crossed herself and departed peacefully to God. She was buried in her wedding gown, which she had kept throughout her life.</p><p style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #5d5d5d; font-family: Roboto; font-size: 17px; line-height: 30.6px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;">Her death coincided with the feast day of Archangel Michael (the Old Calendar) whom she revered. The people from her village remembered her standing under the icon of Archangel Michael at church.</p><p style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #5d5d5d; font-family: Roboto; font-size: 17px; line-height: 30.6px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px; text-align: start; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;"></p><figure aria-describedby="caption-attachment-36354" class="wp-caption aligncenter" id="attachment_36354" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; clear: both; color: #5d5d5d; font-family: "Open Sans", helvetica, "helvetica neue", arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 1em auto 1.5em; max-width: 100%; text-align: start; width: 534px;"><img alt="" class="size-full wp-image-36354" decoding="async" height="727" loading="lazy" src="https://catalog.obitel-minsk.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/579666_1570606675-563x367_width_100-3.jpg" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; border-style: none; box-sizing: inherit; display: block; height: auto; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; max-width: 100%; vertical-align: middle; width: auto;" width="534" /><figcaption class="wp-caption-text" id="caption-attachment-36354" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: Roboto, helvetica, "helvetica neue", arial, sans-serif; margin: 0.8075em 0px; text-align: center;"><em style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: inherit; line-height: inherit;">The Church of Saint Nicholas in Nicholas in Kwetluk</em></figcaption></figure><figure aria-describedby="caption-attachment-36355" class="wp-caption aligncenter" id="attachment_36355" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; clear: both; color: #5d5d5d; font-family: "Open Sans", helvetica, "helvetica neue", arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 1em auto 1.5em; max-width: 100%; text-align: start; width: 533px;"><img alt="" class="size-full wp-image-36355" decoding="async" height="600" loading="lazy" src="https://catalog.obitel-minsk.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/005.jpg" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; border-style: none; box-sizing: inherit; display: block; height: auto; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; max-width: 100%; vertical-align: middle; width: auto;" width="533" /><figcaption class="wp-caption-text" id="caption-attachment-36355" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: Roboto, helvetica, "helvetica neue", arial, sans-serif; margin: 0.8075em 0px; text-align: center;"><em style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: inherit; line-height: inherit;">The icon of Archangel Michael at the church</em></figcaption></figure><p style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #5d5d5d; font-family: Roboto; font-size: 17px; line-height: 30.6px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px; text-align: start; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;"></p><p style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #5d5d5d; font-family: Roboto; font-size: 17px; line-height: 30.6px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;">The first miracle attributed to her was reported on the day of the saint’s interment. In Alaska, the month of November is the height of the winter season. By the time of her death, the rivers had already frozen over to preclude travel by boat, but the ice was still not strong enough to support a snow machine. Many people lamented not being able to bid their last farewells to their beloved Matushka. The Lord heard their prayers. On the day of her funeral, there was a thaw. The ice on the river melted, enabling many people to come to Kwetluk by boat to attend her funeral. As her body was being carried to the grave, summer birds were hovering over the procession. Even the soil in the graveyard had softened. On the next day, the cold weather returned and ice covered the river. Winter was back.</p><p style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #5d5d5d; font-family: Roboto; font-size: 17px; line-height: 30.6px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px; text-align: start; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-36356" decoding="async" height="576" loading="lazy" src="https://catalog.obitel-minsk.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/006.jpg" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; border-style: none; box-sizing: inherit; clear: both; display: block; font-family: "Open Sans", helvetica, "helvetica neue", arial, sans-serif; height: auto; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; max-width: 100%; vertical-align: middle; width: auto;" width="768" /></p><p style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #5d5d5d; font-family: Roboto; font-size: 17px; line-height: 30.6px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;">She also continued to intercede for needy women. A woman from her village saw the Matushka in her dream. She told her that her mother had a terminal illness and reassured her that her mother was departing to heaven. The woman saw her mother before her death and helped her prepare for her peaceful repose.</p><p style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #5d5d5d; font-family: Roboto; font-size: 17px; line-height: 30.6px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;">A woman who suffered from the trauma of sexual abuse reported another miracle with Matushka Olga. One day as she was praying, she began to have an intense flashback of her sexual abuse as a child. She pleaded with the Mother of God for her help. Little by little, she went into a trance and saw herself walking in a forest. A gentle wave of tenderness began to sweep through the woods followed by a fresh garden scent. She saw the Virgin Mary, dressed as she was in an icon, but more natural-looking and brighter, walking toward her. As she came closer she was aware of someone walking behind her. She was one of the indigenous people of the North. The Mother of God said that it was Saint Olga. Saint Olga gestured for the woman to follow her to a little hill that had a door cut into the side. Mother Olga helped her up on a bed and rubbed something on her belly. It looked five months pregnant (although she was not pregnant in reality). Mother Olga pretended to labour with her. She pushed out something like an afterbirth, and she was filled with wellness and a sense of quiet entered her soul. As the woman recalled, Saint Olga’s eyes spoke with great tenderness and understanding. It was the kind of loving gaze from a mother to an infant that connects and welcomes a baby to life. Only after this did Holy Mother Olga speak.<em style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: Roboto, helvetica, "helvetica neue", arial, sans-serif; line-height: inherit;"> “The people who hurt you thought they could make me carry their evil inside of you by rape. That’s a lie. The only thing they could put inside you was the seed of life which is a creation of God and cannot pollute anyone.”</em> At the end of this healing time, they went outside together. The sky was all shimmer with a moving veil of light. At that moment, the woman heard in her heart that this moving curtain of light was a promise that God can create great beauty from complete desolation and nothingness.</p><p style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; color: #5d5d5d; font-family: Roboto; font-size: 17px; line-height: 30.6px; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; text-rendering: optimizelegibility;">(<a href="https://catalog.obitel-minsk.com/blog/2021/10/blessed-olga-of-alaska-patron-saint-of-midwives-and-healer-of-the-abused-and-broken">source</a>)</p></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwI9XTLZLXwqjXbJ8IZEC80ipZnzuFLD1xoiuzLAYLj5BmYg4j6Fw1ZvJPXb4Rlp8H7dGQhd8MZTh_Wvj-FxkvzBdFalE6UUsqodaIvVzkZfCTBwrn2DHHJXTxqYX-uXz-p9JiDg7BOsuNJb6x2Hf_03sIwN_FYVAMSmEd4ue5WqBl8-a7OimLryDk/s630/mrOlga.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="380" data-original-width="630" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwI9XTLZLXwqjXbJ8IZEC80ipZnzuFLD1xoiuzLAYLj5BmYg4j6Fw1ZvJPXb4Rlp8H7dGQhd8MZTh_Wvj-FxkvzBdFalE6UUsqodaIvVzkZfCTBwrn2DHHJXTxqYX-uXz-p9JiDg7BOsuNJb6x2Hf_03sIwN_FYVAMSmEd4ue5WqBl8-a7OimLryDk/w400-h241/mrOlga.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><b>St. Olga of Alaska</b> (<a href="https://pemptousia.com/2012/12/blessed-mother-olga-of-alaska-a-modern-day-healer-with-gods-grace/">source</a>)</i></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span face=""Open Sans", Arial, sans-serif" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #666666; font-family: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; vertical-align: baseline;"><i><b>Troparion to St. Olga of Alaska in Tone Four</b></i></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><span face=""Open Sans", Arial, sans-serif" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #666666; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; vertical-align: baseline;">By your righteous deeds, you were revealed to the world </span></i><i><span face=""Open Sans", Arial, sans-serif" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #666666; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; vertical-align: baseline;">as an image of the perfect servant of the Lord in Alaska. </span></i><i style="color: #666666;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; vertical-align: baseline;">By your fasting, vigil and prayers, </span></i><i style="color: #666666;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; vertical-align: baseline;">you were inspired in your evangelical life. </span></i><i style="color: #666666;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; vertical-align: baseline;">You fed the hungry, and you cared for the poor. </span></i><i style="color: #666666;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; vertical-align: baseline;">You served as a midwife, and you brought babies into the world. </span></i><i style="color: #666666;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; vertical-align: baseline;">You nurtured children, and you clothed all those in need. </span></i><i style="color: #666666;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; vertical-align: baseline;">Now, O Holy Olga, you stand at the right-hand of Christ the Master, </span></i><i style="color: #666666;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; vertical-align: baseline;">and you intercede for our souls.</span></i></span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i style="color: #666666; font-family: "Open Sans", Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-size-adjust: 100%; vertical-align: baseline;">(<a href="https://www.ocf.net/theres-a-saint-for-that/matushka-olga-of-alaska/#:~:text=Matushka%20Olga%20was%20known%20for,offer%20her%20support%20and%20love.">source</a>)</span></i></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVnloniORyIOcQrIZIISsy6oDYChC122mDgpblKtpzNt-XWLl36HjdY7h3HKOli-iCVzcLLwMGtkwQUcKqtFPjC4BcrW1J41DkLaZlSxEO12rIz1ugmDIJN0UPYrg2IwdHoZ2zio2kEjziEWRipi7vqQ-e-KNKweJnfAvwbT1BdqDmc-KEolzUWE8y/s1846/14706950_10154678120686209_3101895500614633909_o.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1846" data-original-width="1524" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVnloniORyIOcQrIZIISsy6oDYChC122mDgpblKtpzNt-XWLl36HjdY7h3HKOli-iCVzcLLwMGtkwQUcKqtFPjC4BcrW1J41DkLaZlSxEO12rIz1ugmDIJN0UPYrg2IwdHoZ2zio2kEjziEWRipi7vqQ-e-KNKweJnfAvwbT1BdqDmc-KEolzUWE8y/s320/14706950_10154678120686209_3101895500614633909_o.webp" width="264" /></a></div><p style="background-color: #fcfcfc; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #555555; font-family: "Lucida Fax", Georgia, serif; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 15px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: 1.45em; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;"><i><b>St. Olga of Alaska (<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/987168562/handmade-mounted-icon-st-matushka-olga">source</a>)</b></i></p><p style="background-color: #fcfcfc; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #555555; font-family: "Lucida Fax", Georgia, serif; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 15px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: 1.45em; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="https://www.akathists.com/matushka-olga-of-alaska/akathist/"><i><b>Akathist to St. Olga of Alaska here.</b></i></a></p><p style="background-color: #fcfcfc; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #555555; font-family: "Lucida Fax", Georgia, serif; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 15px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: 1.45em; margin: 0px 0px 1.5em; padding: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;"><b><i>Through the prayers of our Holy Fathers, Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy on us and save us! Amen!</i></b></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4990141932888502187.post-65840259461562119102023-10-03T08:40:00.004-07:002023-10-05T03:58:28.139-07:00Mother Gabriela, the Ascetic of Love, is canonized (Gerontissa Gavrielia Papagiane +1992)<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfU0iwvIPvMQNcU8ATtQSOe2zkCF_xvP1Zr0WOX7fMkRaiqlqlJGTBGCZITkGgtVLbxdUoLIE1XfNfxLWX5Xeo6j7yoStQSsx9ZKiaPnKgoH4XAnVJ9LgGt9b9kyYGFl6vH8RMNasKFn2IL8OvAey60KA-JV1xOxShHh5vV3Y6hkNTAiLu52Skk8tN/s1142/jahsss.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1142" data-original-width="800" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfU0iwvIPvMQNcU8ATtQSOe2zkCF_xvP1Zr0WOX7fMkRaiqlqlJGTBGCZITkGgtVLbxdUoLIE1XfNfxLWX5Xeo6j7yoStQSsx9ZKiaPnKgoH4XAnVJ9LgGt9b9kyYGFl6vH8RMNasKFn2IL8OvAey60KA-JV1xOxShHh5vV3Y6hkNTAiLu52Skk8tN/w280-h400/jahsss.jpg" width="280" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><b>St. Gabriela, the Ascetic of Love - Commemorated on March 28th (the day of her repose), and July 18th (the day of the translation of her relics) </b>(<a href="https://www.ekklisiaonline.gr/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/jahsss.jpg">source</a>)</i></div><p><span face="apparat, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: justify;">Gerontissa Gabrielia (Gavrielia) was born in Constantinople more than a hundred years ago on October 15, 1897 to Helias and Victoria Papayanni and was the fourth and last child of the family.</span></p><p></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: apparat, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 10px; text-align: justify;">Gerontissa means further than an older nun, supervising the youngers, a spiritual person, who guides others with wise advice and knowledge given from God, in prayers. Her life is a trail of wonders.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: apparat, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 10px; text-align: justify;">She grew up in Constantinople until her family moved to Thessaloniki in 1923. She went to England in 1938 and stayed there throughout the Second World War. She trained as a chiropodist and physiotherapist. In England they honored her for her services during the war and after.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: apparat, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 10px; text-align: justify;">In 1945, she returned to Greece. In 1954, March, her mother died and it changed her life. Sister Gabrielia left Greece and traveled overland to India, where she worked with the poorest of the poor, even the lepers, for five years. She worked with Baba Amte and his family, who built and organised village-communities for the lepers of India. She kept no penny in her pocket. Just trusted herself in His hands.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: apparat, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 10px; text-align: justify;">In 1959, she went to the Monastery of Mary and Martha in Bethany, Palestine, to become a nun. When she arrived, she asked Fr. Theodosius the chaplain for a rule of prayer. Fr. Theodosius was somewhat surprised to find that she could read even ancient Byzantine Greek. Therefore, for her first year in the monastery he set her to reading only the Gospels and St. John Climacus.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: apparat, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 10px; text-align: justify;">She was three years in Bethany. In April 1962, Patriarch Athenagoras of Constantinople sought to send an Orthodox monastic to Taize in France. Sister Gabrielia went from Taize to America.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: apparat, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 10px; text-align: justify;">In 1963, she was back in Greece. The Gerontissa was tonsured to the Small Schema by Abbot Amphilochios (Makris) on Patmos in the Cave of St. Anthony under the Monastery of Evangelismos just before she and the nun Tomasina left again for India. Elder Amphilochios was enthusiastic at the idea of a nun, who would be open to the active outreach in the world. In India, she was for three years in Nani Tal in Uttar Pradesh, where Fr. Lazarus (Moore) was the priest and where he consulted the Gerontissa in his translations of the Psalter and the Fathers. Between 1967 and 1977, Gerontissa traveled in the Mission field of East Africa, in Europe, including visiting old friends and spiritual fathers Lev Gillet and Sophrony of Essex, again to America, and briefly in Sinai, where Archbishop Damianos was attempting to reintroduce women's monasticism.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: apparat, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 10px; text-align: justify;">She traveled extensively, with much concern and broad love for the people of God. Some of her spiritual children found her in Jerusalem beside the Tomb of Christ; others found her on the mission field of East Africa. In the 50s and 60s, she used to have a few thousands of spiritual friends from all over the world! She used to pray for everybody day and night!</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: apparat, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 10px; text-align: justify;">In the year 1977, she lived hidden in a little apartment, the "House of the Angels" in Patissia, Athens, in the midst of the noise and smog and confusion of central Athens. In 1989, she moved to Holy Protection hermitage on the island of Aegina, close by the shrine of St. Nectarios. There she called the last two of her spiritual children to become monastics near her, and there she continued to receive many visitors. At the start of Great Lent in 1990, she was hospitalized for lymphatic cancer. She was forty days in the hospital, leaving during Holy Week and receiving communion on Pascha. And to the puzzlement of the doctors, the cancer disappeared. It was not yet her time.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: apparat, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 10px; text-align: justify;">Gerontissa finally withdrew to quiet. With only one last nun, she moved for the last time in this life, to the island of Leros. There they established the hesychastarion of the Holy Archangels. Only in this last year of her life did she accept the Great Schema at the hands of Fr. Dionysious from Little St. Anne's Skete on Mount Athos. He came to give her the Schema in the Chapel of the Panaghia in the Kastro on the top of Leros.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: apparat, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 10px; text-align: justify;">Gerontissa Gabrielia reposed on March 28, 1992, having never built a monastery. Her biography and collected writings were published in Greek in 1996, through the work of her last monastic daughter and the contribution of many, many others, who held the Gerontissa dear.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: apparat, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">Anyone, who knew the Gerontissa realized that God has not left us without His saints, even down to the present day. The few words recorded here scarcely suggest the clarity and love of her soul. Words are only the tools of this world; the wonder of Gerontissa was wrapped in the mystery of the silence of the world to come. She was humility and love incarnate.</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: apparat, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;">(<a href="https://www.monastiriaka.gr/en/gerontissa-gabrielia-gavrielia-n-86064.html">source</a>)</p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: apparat, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: apparat, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><b><i>See <a href="https://www.vimaorthodoxias.gr/mitropoleis/22i-epeteios-anakomidis-leipsanon-gerontissis-gavriilias-stin-lero/">here</a> for a recent feast on the 22nd anniversary of the translation of her holy relics.</i></b></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: apparat, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDGusnOisyIGreN-Dx3y8cygzj_nWwtSqIH7M8GjF6ICVVRjHJtk60UbyAi6himnnTat6aY10cml-dB_HBPvjrbe0pm6X33DuGHD7TQmek50ETqi-CjTVrWCyrg-VOsnJ7VrpAFYSfmHupWYFolSYkVIjWd1oj3AqoNPch56dJbuoU1LLGw8SLNrK-/s604/L1ahe_XTY0.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="604" data-original-width="424" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDGusnOisyIGreN-Dx3y8cygzj_nWwtSqIH7M8GjF6ICVVRjHJtk60UbyAi6himnnTat6aY10cml-dB_HBPvjrbe0pm6X33DuGHD7TQmek50ETqi-CjTVrWCyrg-VOsnJ7VrpAFYSfmHupWYFolSYkVIjWd1oj3AqoNPch56dJbuoU1LLGw8SLNrK-/w281-h400/L1ahe_XTY0.jpg" width="281" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>St. Gabriela, the Ascetic of Love (<a href="https://catalog.obitel-minsk.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/L1ahe_XTY0.jpg">source</a>)</i></b></div><br /><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: apparat, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: apparat, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><b><i>On October 3rd, 2023, she was canonized by the Ecumenical Patriarchate (<a href="https://www.ekklisiaonline.gr/nea/ektakto-ekklisia-agiokatataxi-monachis-gavriilias-papagianni/?utm_source=push.native&utm_medium=notification&utm_campaign=Notifications">source</a>)</i></b></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: apparat, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="-webkit-font-kerning: inherit; background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #777777; font-family: "Droid Sans", arial, sans-serif; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 15.2px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 20px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: inherit; border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 15.2px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><b><i>Selected Quotes</i></b></span></p><p style="-webkit-font-kerning: inherit; background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #777777; font-family: "Droid Sans", arial, sans-serif; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 15.2px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 20px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: inherit; border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 15.2px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Two things are very important… “Love one another,” and “Fear not, only believe.”</span></p><p style="-webkit-font-kerning: inherit; background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #777777; font-family: "Droid Sans", arial, sans-serif; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 15.2px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 20px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: inherit; border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 15.2px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">We become a reflection of Heaven by saying: ‘Thy will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven’.</span></p><p style="-webkit-font-kerning: inherit; background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #777777; font-family: "Droid Sans", arial, sans-serif; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 15.2px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 20px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: inherit; border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 15.2px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> If you have love for all the world, the whole world is beautiful.</span></p><p style="-webkit-font-kerning: inherit; background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #777777; font-family: "Droid Sans", arial, sans-serif; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 15.2px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 20px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: inherit; border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 15.2px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">If you do not get rid of “No” and “Tomorrow” from your life, you will never get to where the Lord wants you, Who grants you everything. He will give you the bodily strength when you answer “Yes” and “Now”. The prophets, the angels and the saints all said, “Behold here I am… Let it be according to Your word.”</span></p><p style="-webkit-font-kerning: inherit; background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #777777; font-family: "Droid Sans", arial, sans-serif; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 15.2px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 20px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: inherit; border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 15.2px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Truth and light are synonymous.When you follow the truth you are in the light, you are with Christ.</span></p><p style="-webkit-font-kerning: inherit; background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #777777; font-family: "Droid Sans", arial, sans-serif; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 15.2px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 20px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: inherit; border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 15.2px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">True prayer always reaches heaven. The angels carry it to the right place and the answer comes. Its basis is Truth, and “Not My will, but that of the Father Who sent me.”</span></p><p style="-webkit-font-kerning: inherit; background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #777777; font-family: "Droid Sans", arial, sans-serif; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 15.2px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 20px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: inherit; border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 15.2px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Say prayer-ropes also just with “Thank you”. </span><br /><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: inherit; border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 15.2px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> The angels always come. You should have continual conversation with your guardian angel. About everything. Especially in difficulties and when you cannot get across to someone. He always helps.</span></p><p style="-webkit-font-kerning: inherit; background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #777777; font-family: "Droid Sans", arial, sans-serif; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 15.2px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 20px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: inherit; border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 15.2px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> When it is in God’s programme for you to go somewhere, you will go. That is why I am generally quiet in life. I have observed that even if a person does not want to, God moves him.</span></p><p style="-webkit-font-kerning: inherit; background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #777777; font-family: "Droid Sans", arial, sans-serif; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 15.2px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 20px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: inherit; border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 15.2px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Never expect anybody to understand you. Only God.</span></p><p style="-webkit-font-kerning: inherit; background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #777777; font-family: "Droid Sans", arial, sans-serif; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 15.2px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 20px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: inherit; border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 15.2px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">When one is alone with God, the time passes unimaginably quickly. More quickly than when you have companionship… And yet even within the world one can remain united with God. How? When whatever he is doing he directs his thoughts to Him… when whatever good comes his way he gives Him glory… and whatever testing he meets, he gives Him thanks.</span></p><p style="-webkit-font-kerning: inherit; background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #777777; font-family: "Droid Sans", arial, sans-serif; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 15.2px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 20px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: inherit; border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 15.2px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Love means to respect the freedom of the other.</span></p><p style="-webkit-font-kerning: inherit; background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #777777; font-family: "Droid Sans", arial, sans-serif; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 15.2px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 20px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: inherit; border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 15.2px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">You must not talk about persons who are absent.</span></p><p style="-webkit-font-kerning: inherit; background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #777777; font-family: "Droid Sans", arial, sans-serif; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 15.2px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 20px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: inherit; border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 15.2px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> Love is always on the cross. Because Christ is on the cross.</span></p><p style="-webkit-font-kerning: inherit; background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #777777; font-family: "Droid Sans", arial, sans-serif; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 15.2px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 20px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: inherit; border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 15.2px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">If coal is not “beaten”, can it become diamond?</span></p><p style="-webkit-font-kerning: inherit; background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #777777; font-family: "Droid Sans", arial, sans-serif; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 15.2px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 20px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: inherit; border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 15.2px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">The Lord allows those who love Him to be tested, first, so that their faith in Him may grow stronger, and second, to set an example for those around.</span></p><p style="-webkit-font-kerning: inherit; background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #777777; font-family: "Droid Sans", arial, sans-serif; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 15.2px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 20px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: inherit; border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 15.2px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Some people want to go to the Resurrection without passing by way of Gologatha.</span></p><p style="-webkit-font-kerning: inherit; background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #777777; font-family: "Droid Sans", arial, sans-serif; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 15.2px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 20px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: inherit; border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 15.2px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">The sermon on the mount and the epistle of Saint James. Every day! What a pity that we do not hear them more often…</span></p><p style="-webkit-font-kerning: inherit; background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #777777; font-family: "Droid Sans", arial, sans-serif; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 15.2px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 20px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: inherit; border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 15.2px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">My wishes: may the grace of our Christ, the love of the omnipotent Father and the inspiration of the Holy Spirit be with you! May your example be the life of the Mother of God, who will lead you at every step with her archangels and angels as your heavenly mother; that you love your mother who brought you into life and brought you up, and may you give love and joy first to her, and then to all who come near you.</span></p><h6 style="-webkit-font-kerning: auto; background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #777777; font-family: "Droid Sans", arial, sans-serif; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 0.9em; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: 1.3; margin: 20px 0px 10px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: inherit; border: 0px; color: purple; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 13.68px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><i>Nun Gavrilia (1999). Mother Gavrilia: The Ascetic of Love. Athens: Ekdoseis K. Papagiannoulis Tertios & Sia. (<a href="https://iconandlight.wordpress.com/2017/03/27/two-things-are-very-important-love-one-another-and-fear-not-only-believe-mother-gabriela-papayannis/">source</a>)</i></span></h6><h6 style="-webkit-font-kerning: auto; background-color: white; border: 0px; font-family: "Droid Sans", arial, sans-serif; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: 1.3; margin: 20px 0px 10px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: 13.68px;"><i>Another interview on the Saint <a href="http://amfoterodexios.blogspot.com/2020/01/eldress-of-love-gavrilia-by-eldress.html">here</a>, and writing <a href="https://iconandlight.wordpress.com/2017/03/27/two-things-are-very-important-love-one-another-and-fear-not-only-believe-mother-gabriela-papayannis/">here</a>.</i></span></span></h6><h6 style="-webkit-font-kerning: auto; background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #777777; font-family: "Droid Sans", arial, sans-serif; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 0.9em; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: 1.3; margin: 20px 0px 10px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDxD9kSTFbEi17TnMXTtfOTl9qRMc59k0Ry1RtPUHKVkir2l-Hk0yqkkRVPHA9mTrltCz0hZ_lItol-2KtHSRBTx6E4czlv_9VupD162wQZZzNVH2fP8syX221n9eVXZy44EssnLijXRpRwYYldyYRjiSW2cx4ZPMSKlAXJOS-JsVlhV2RT2bYVqhb/s1078/01%20Gavrielia%20by%20Filothei.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1078" data-original-width="579" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDxD9kSTFbEi17TnMXTtfOTl9qRMc59k0Ry1RtPUHKVkir2l-Hk0yqkkRVPHA9mTrltCz0hZ_lItol-2KtHSRBTx6E4czlv_9VupD162wQZZzNVH2fP8syX221n9eVXZy44EssnLijXRpRwYYldyYRjiSW2cx4ZPMSKlAXJOS-JsVlhV2RT2bYVqhb/w215-h400/01%20Gavrielia%20by%20Filothei.jpg" width="215" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>St. Gabriela, the Ascetic of Love (<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxocCNLEhfYQj56DXu8QxpN1odk9__J7jz8lZl_cRhvDzHWVPkSZyq6GODmCQgKj1lEaMPzBuA3g4W6VjLMm8DPIwxRuFFtDi0aPXR9SsLjzVltFvrIeqhM5j6NB5GMOi6pgloRpHIU1Y/s1600/01+Gavrielia+by+Filothei.jpg">source)</a></i></div><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: inherit; border: 0px; color: purple; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 13.68px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></span></h6><p style="-webkit-font-kerning: inherit; background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #777777; font-family: "Droid Sans", arial, sans-serif; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 15.2px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 20px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: inherit; border: 0px; color: red; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 15.2px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: inherit; border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 15.2px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: 700; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><i>Apolytikion (Plagal of the Fourth Tone)</i></span></span></p><p style="-webkit-font-kerning: inherit; background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #777777; font-family: "Droid Sans", arial, sans-serif; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 15.2px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 20px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: inherit; border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 15.2px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><i><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: inherit; border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 15.2px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: 700; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: inherit; border: 0px; color: red; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 15.2px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">In</span></span> thee the image was preserved with exactness, O Mother; for taking up thy cross, thou didst follow Christ,and by thy deeds thou didst teach us to overlookthe flesh,for it passeth away, but to attend to the soul since it is immortal.Wherefore, O righteous <span style="-webkit-font-kerning: inherit; border: 0px; color: red; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 15.2px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: inherit; border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 15.2px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: 700; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Gavrilia</span></span>, thy spirit rejoiceth with the Angels.</i></span></p><p style="-webkit-font-kerning: inherit; background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #777777; font-family: "Droid Sans", arial, sans-serif; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 15.2px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 20px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: inherit; border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 15.2px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">(<a href="https://iconandlight.wordpress.com/2017/03/27/two-things-are-very-important-love-one-another-and-fear-not-only-believe-mother-gabriela-papayannis/">source</a>)</span></p><p style="-webkit-font-kerning: inherit; background-color: white; border: 0px; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 20px; vertical-align: baseline;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #777777; font-family: "Droid Sans", arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15.2px; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/akvaNg936gw" width="320" youtube-src-id="akvaNg936gw"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i><span face="Droid Sans, arial, sans-serif" style="color: #777777;"><span style="font-size: 15.2px;">"My heart will burst from Love" - About Mother Gavrilia - Orthodox Christian Talk (Nov 30 2019), </span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 15.2px;"><span face="Droid Sans, arial, sans-serif" style="color: #777777;">Speaker: Heiromonk Michael of St. Gregory Palamas Monastery in Perrysville, Ohio - Recorded Nov 30 2019, I</span></span><span face=""Droid Sans", arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: transparent; color: #777777; font-size: 15.2px;">n this presentation Fr Michael will offer reminiscences of Mother Gavrilia of Leros, "The Ascetic of Love," and her five languages of Christian living. </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 15.2px;"><span face="Droid Sans, arial, sans-serif" style="color: #777777;">Given at the St John the Baptist Ukrainian Orthodox Church Oshawa Spiritual Retreat (Evangelismos Greek Orthodox Church Oshawa)</span></span><span face="Droid Sans, arial, sans-serif" style="color: #777777;"><span style="font-size: 15.2px;"> (<a href="https://youtu.be/akvaNg936gw">source</a>)</span></span></i></b></div><p></p><p style="-webkit-font-kerning: inherit; background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #777777; font-family: "Droid Sans", arial, sans-serif; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 15.2px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 20px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: inherit; border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 15.2px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><b></b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZSmSB_RMTl_oC9DvTixcDR1zw1rdVrCgR5Ts1xG2QHApxKbY1rwPGS0DOH93cMVbSHzy0QEpWKbvuqMBT48X2OzE_SrASBbkXpVWH1o-MS145p-UhGUGbzysw_-hYW-zs3KX409ULyeHPAZXUNz0E20zBBZEICa8zXBB3aFR-D_RZf4-7j4cG_dHe/s600/8EBDC0B8-BF9F-4D7C-AEDE-EDDBD0B3D427.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="450" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZSmSB_RMTl_oC9DvTixcDR1zw1rdVrCgR5Ts1xG2QHApxKbY1rwPGS0DOH93cMVbSHzy0QEpWKbvuqMBT48X2OzE_SrASBbkXpVWH1o-MS145p-UhGUGbzysw_-hYW-zs3KX409ULyeHPAZXUNz0E20zBBZEICa8zXBB3aFR-D_RZf4-7j4cG_dHe/s320/8EBDC0B8-BF9F-4D7C-AEDE-EDDBD0B3D427.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><b>The first liturgy celebrated in her honor at the Metropolis Chapel of St. Sophrony on Leros, before her Holy Skull, celebrated October 4th, 2023 (<a href="https://www.vimaorthodoxias.gr/mitropoleis/proti-archieratiki-theia-leitoyrgia-pros-timin-tis-osias-gavriilias-sti-lero/">source</a>)</b></i></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6XWKcVl_08LryPge5svx04wb122U232ss_E0wV3ryDirNclBfOOBeNopnYS59RSVvZ0L3-mQyFcHd0Qm43MjAp-Lr9Z6l1mZMJ1J5kCtRbQBqcnmqfCnubYOnyLZGoAgglBwMtmDevgoXJvb8Xo6I4YrI7OGN680ZTMxxW2DCUKVwQDu0vPNGrqNg/s600/FCBCF62D-14E1-4E72-92E7-FE3B5534BA9C.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="429" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6XWKcVl_08LryPge5svx04wb122U232ss_E0wV3ryDirNclBfOOBeNopnYS59RSVvZ0L3-mQyFcHd0Qm43MjAp-Lr9Z6l1mZMJ1J5kCtRbQBqcnmqfCnubYOnyLZGoAgglBwMtmDevgoXJvb8Xo6I4YrI7OGN680ZTMxxW2DCUKVwQDu0vPNGrqNg/s320/FCBCF62D-14E1-4E72-92E7-FE3B5534BA9C.jpeg" width="229" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/HGSq4RApdVg" width="320" youtube-src-id="HGSq4RApdVg"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><b>The Metropolitan of Leros chanting her Megalynarion for the first time during liturgy on October 4th, 2023 (<a href="https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=HGSq4RApdVg">source</a></b></i>)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: inherit; border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 15.2px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGvO1qGsiOSzmqsf5MthqMwNZdz3WIYV7skTm582JdMCgGiktREtOrcni9Gmu3QGjqeKjezYOOgBtnO0p9cOwxXsIXqRVxiFW5ofPFHM9E9cODUddN1rVa1Sv7scCmHXTV2h4QSzehF0CEquAgYz2twjj8X8idv7SS-MnV1DLM_kjX1YRBGUvwbg0Y/s1000/Narthex-Ss-Maria-Matrona--Gavrilia-smaller%20(1).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="978" data-original-width="1000" height="391" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGvO1qGsiOSzmqsf5MthqMwNZdz3WIYV7skTm582JdMCgGiktREtOrcni9Gmu3QGjqeKjezYOOgBtnO0p9cOwxXsIXqRVxiFW5ofPFHM9E9cODUddN1rVa1Sv7scCmHXTV2h4QSzehF0CEquAgYz2twjj8X8idv7SS-MnV1DLM_kjX1YRBGUvwbg0Y/w400-h391/Narthex-Ss-Maria-Matrona--Gavrilia-smaller%20(1).jpg" width="400" /></a></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: inherit; border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 15.2px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><b><i>Icon depicting Sts. Maria of Paris, Matrona of Moscow and Gavrilia (<a href="https://stinnocentmonastery.org/images/Saints%20Lives/Narthex-Ss-Maria-Matrona--Gavrilia-smaller.jpg">source</a>)</i></b></span></div><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: inherit; border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 15.2px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span><p></p><p style="-webkit-font-kerning: inherit; background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #777777; font-family: "Droid Sans", arial, sans-serif; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 15.2px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 20px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: inherit; border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: 15.2px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><b><i>Through the prayers of our Holy Fathers, Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy on us and save us! Amen!</i></b></span></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4990141932888502187.post-36502107994188295852022-04-13T08:58:00.001-07:002023-10-03T08:59:58.990-07:00Elder Eumenios Saridakis canonized<p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVfTMgtP-OQz98PGotTMxp7tA-CF8XGwMNGUip6neq7cq5x67O7LxIuIOpov9yZS2VilPBML__P5ibQTFDYilRFi3Z44wwVFKSBO-wNtkO5rHbqUEqXqoW63KdaQ2DUdglUaPFZTRWDihzIXSPYQiOKErW7WD1fCPzYXAhBSQo1UBjP95U9b8Byg/s1054/646CE89D-D5EE-42C1-9A27-E8B50DFD7AA6.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1054" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVfTMgtP-OQz98PGotTMxp7tA-CF8XGwMNGUip6neq7cq5x67O7LxIuIOpov9yZS2VilPBML__P5ibQTFDYilRFi3Z44wwVFKSBO-wNtkO5rHbqUEqXqoW63KdaQ2DUdglUaPFZTRWDihzIXSPYQiOKErW7WD1fCPzYXAhBSQo1UBjP95U9b8Byg/w274-h400/646CE89D-D5EE-42C1-9A27-E8B50DFD7AA6.jpeg" width="274" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><b>Icon of Sts. Anthimos of Chios, Nikephoros the Leper, and the Newly-canonized Eumenios (Saridakis)</b> (<a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/846958273649953332/" style="text-align: left;">https://www.pinterest.com/pin/846958273649953332/</a>)</i></div><p></p><p style="border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px 0px 20px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;"><i><b>On April 14th, 2022, the Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate canonized Elder Eumenios (Saridakis) </b>(<a href="https://www.romfea.gr/epikairotita-xronika/49430-apokleistiko-agiokatataksi-gerontos-evmeniou-saridaki">https://www.romfea.gr/epikairotita-xronika/49430-apokleistiko-agiokatataksi-gerontos-evmeniou-saridaki</a>)</i></p><p style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; border: 0px; caret-color: rgb(119, 119, 119); color: #777777; font-family: "Droid Sans", arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15.2px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px 0px 20px; text-align: center; text-size-adjust: auto; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: red; font-family: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-weight: 700; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Holy Elder Eumenios Saridakis:</span></span><br /><span style="border: 0px; color: red; font-family: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-weight: 700; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">the holy friend of lepers</span></span></p><p style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; border: 0px; caret-color: rgb(119, 119, 119); color: #777777; font-family: "Droid Sans", arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15.2px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px 0px 20px; text-size-adjust: auto; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Reposed on <span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-weight: 700; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">May 23</span>, <span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-weight: 700; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Sunday before Pentecost</span>, 1999</span></p><p style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; border: 0px; caret-color: rgb(119, 119, 119); color: #777777; font-family: "Droid Sans", arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15.2px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px 0px 20px; text-align: center; text-size-adjust: auto; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: red; font-family: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-weight: 700; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">St</span></span>. <span style="border: 0px; color: red; font-family: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-weight: 700; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Porphyrios of Kavsokalyvia</span></span> used to say about Elder Evmenios: <span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-weight: 700; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">“You should go and receive the blessing of Elder Eumenios, for he is the hidden Saint of our time. A saint like Elder Eumenios comes along only once every two hundred years ”.</span></span></p><p style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; border: 0px; caret-color: rgb(119, 119, 119); color: #777777; font-family: "Droid Sans", arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15.2px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px 0px 20px; text-size-adjust: auto; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: red; font-family: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; font-family: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-weight: 700; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Fr.</span></span> Eumenios was born in 1931 in Ethia of Monophatsion in the province of Heraklion of Crete, the eighth child of a poor family of faithful Christians. He became a monk at the age of 17; he struggled to cultivate his soul with love and prayer and was tested very harshly by leprosy; but later also, while a priest, by a demonic influence which tormented him in body and soul, but was freed of it after many prayers, vigils and exorcisms in monasteries of Crete, such as the monasteries of Koudoumás and Panagía Kalyvianí. </span><br /><span style="border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Leprosy brought him to the Hospital for Infectious Diseases in the St.Barbara suburb of Athens. He was healed there, but, having seen human suffering, he decided to remain at the Hospital as a priest, in order to help comfort his fellow-men as much as he could! That was where “he was to begin his pastoral work, in the presence of which, those with theological degrees and ecclesiastic offices ought to kneel”.</span></p><p style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; border: 0px; caret-color: rgb(119, 119, 119); color: #777777; font-family: "Droid Sans", arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15.2px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px 0px 20px; text-size-adjust: auto; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">His love and his ascetic labours brought God’s grace upon him; this humble priest (who officiated in the chapel of the Holy Unmercenaries and Physicians, Saints Cosmas and Damianos, situated inside the Hospital for Infectious Diseases) reached a high degree of sanctity – which he kept secret as much as he could – and became endowed with the gift of foresight, lofty spiritual experiences and visions and helped countless people of every social class and level of education – not only with his advice and his prayers, but also with his sanctified presence.</span></p><p style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; border: 0px; caret-color: rgb(119, 119, 119); font-family: "Droid Sans", arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15.2px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px 0px 20px; text-size-adjust: auto; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">The Elder loved everyone, every individual personally, and he was particularly a laughing saint – his booming laugh was one of his distinctive features – likewise, he would often exit the Inner Sanctum during the course of a Liturgy, with his beard soaked by his tears, since he used to pray for all of our suffering and unfortunate fellow-men, obviously because he also had the gift of tears.</span></p><p style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; border: 0px; caret-color: rgb(119, 119, 119); color: #777777; font-family: "Droid Sans", arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15.2px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px 0px 20px; text-size-adjust: auto; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">At the Hospital for Infectious Diseases, he was blessed to meet the leprosied holy monk Nicephorus [St. Nikephoros the Leper] who, even though blinded by the illness, had nevertheless become a great spiritual father of many Christians and a teacher to Elder Evmenios.</span></p><p style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; border: 0px; caret-color: rgb(119, 119, 119); font-family: "Droid Sans", arial, sans-serif; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px 0px 20px; text-size-adjust: auto; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15.2px; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">He spent the last two years of his life at the “Annunciation” Hospital and on May 23, 1999 he gave up his spirit in the Lord and was buried at his birth place (in Ethia), in accordance with his wishes. (cf. Monk Simon, Fr. Evmenios – The hidden saint of our time, Athens 2010, ed. 2, pp. 137-146). (<a href="http://o-nekros.blogspot.gr/2011/02/elder-evmenios-saridakis-holy-friend-of.html" style="border: 0px; color: #009bc2; font-family: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: "Droid Serif", Times, serif; font-size: 0.9em; font-style: italic;"><span style="border: 0px; color: purple; font-family: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">http://o-nekros.blogspot.gr/2011/02/elder-evmenios-saridakis-holy-friend-of.html</span></span></a>)</span></p><p style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; border: 0px; caret-color: rgb(119, 119, 119); font-family: "Droid Sans", arial, sans-serif; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px 0px 20px; text-size-adjust: auto; vertical-align: baseline;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsfErkqoExktip-RO2sgQAEdrvwNcPUYjqryAyUzPU2vJpbvH9y0KyTlX0XhY48_PdZ74LpZaP0e9rcgKAjUXd3vwBNA0BO4J3stx32nobbVpGksL4raQeodxDfwvJpC2aM3uwiP_-C5Lozx0gf39_yNhqjSyCmQZM70UCEty_ZySk-sHgxLJyig/s469/10FA4A94-90CF-4207-B4BB-FFB6A13DB3B4.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="469" data-original-width="300" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsfErkqoExktip-RO2sgQAEdrvwNcPUYjqryAyUzPU2vJpbvH9y0KyTlX0XhY48_PdZ74LpZaP0e9rcgKAjUXd3vwBNA0BO4J3stx32nobbVpGksL4raQeodxDfwvJpC2aM3uwiP_-C5Lozx0gf39_yNhqjSyCmQZM70UCEty_ZySk-sHgxLJyig/s320/10FA4A94-90CF-4207-B4BB-FFB6A13DB3B4.jpeg" width="205" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">St. Eumenios Saridakis (<a href="https://media.pravoslavie.ru/293327.p.jpg?mtime=1528289444" style="text-align: left;">https://media.pravoslavie.ru/293327.p.jpg?mtime=1528289444</a>)</div><p></p><p style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; border: 0px; caret-color: rgb(119, 119, 119); font-family: "Droid Sans", arial, sans-serif; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px 0px 20px; text-size-adjust: auto; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: 15.2px;"><b><i>Apolytikion of St Eumenios Saridakis in the Plagal of the First Tone</i></b></span></p><p style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; border: 0px; caret-color: rgb(119, 119, 119); font-family: "Droid Sans", arial, sans-serif; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px 0px 20px; text-size-adjust: auto; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: 15.2px;"><i>A divine comforter for those storm-tossed, the defender of those in dangers and the sure guide of the faithful towards piety, let us praise Eumenios with our hymns, for he suffered with zeal equaling Job, and drives away the evil spirits, and he is our good-minded intercession with the compassionate Lord.</i></span></p><p style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; border: 0px; caret-color: rgb(119, 119, 119); font-family: "Droid Sans", arial, sans-serif; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px 0px 20px; text-size-adjust: auto; vertical-align: baseline;">(<a href="https://www.romfea.gr/images/article-images/2022/04/Osios-Eumenios-Akolouthia.pdf">https://www.romfea.gr/images/article-images/2022/04/Osios-Eumenios-Akolouthia.pdf</a>)</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTPZiNk8jsJLgCOVPaR42FG41sEuVyLCZevrJ81Bq-17PJJTEqV90hRCB4sBsQyA_OCw8g125n5Wo5bMSQsSKpz_Vun50jg5vc08pl0aLmph92eEwaTkBM41P_VIkH1SSYwN8KDr0wooeaN-YsCR0tNOxXGCaowHGFQ2JO8XewaLcjKgYQz0ToFA/s1600/C1D32F02-6DC4-4287-8DED-3B3D45FEA78B.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><b><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="908" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTPZiNk8jsJLgCOVPaR42FG41sEuVyLCZevrJ81Bq-17PJJTEqV90hRCB4sBsQyA_OCw8g125n5Wo5bMSQsSKpz_Vun50jg5vc08pl0aLmph92eEwaTkBM41P_VIkH1SSYwN8KDr0wooeaN-YsCR0tNOxXGCaowHGFQ2JO8XewaLcjKgYQz0ToFA/s320/C1D32F02-6DC4-4287-8DED-3B3D45FEA78B.jpeg" width="182" /></b></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><b>St. Eumenios Saridakis</b> (<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYjcaITQffxcnfs1owHq9Zhf_t6eDVvSYGm3g454BuK5dDL3ObnqMyo__5zB-eQxFWHXpEOqCXrzLImuJNFUlapM8eu1Dzz7IMGW7enEGY74OgxgTkwSbTb9MoeoL3Cn99fyCdKZQ1vzIg/s1600/1600457204081699-0.png" style="text-align: left;">https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYjcaITQffxcnfs1owHq9Zhf_t6eDVvSYGm3g454BuK5dDL3ObnqMyo__5zB-eQxFWHXpEOqCXrzLImuJNFUlapM8eu1Dzz7IMGW7enEGY74OgxgTkwSbTb9MoeoL3Cn99fyCdKZQ1vzIg/s1600/1600457204081699-0.png</a>)</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><p style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; border: 0px; caret-color: rgb(119, 119, 119); font-family: "Droid Sans", arial, sans-serif; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0px 0px 20px; text-size-adjust: auto; vertical-align: baseline;"><b><i>Through the prayers of our Holy Fathers, Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy on us and save us! Amen!</i></b></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4990141932888502187.post-10657768997248574962021-09-09T02:40:00.004-07:002021-09-09T02:40:45.487-07:00Elder Symeon Kragiopoulos on the Nativity of the Theotokos: "The heavier the burdens we’ve got to lift in this world, the greater God’s blessing will be..."<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPV0mo-TptdY6vOO09CZzIjEJabTKY_ZkEmzJztOqfQMABNSkg99fr1ldAdvHDfzIPtbG0PbfWCvGshOfBwDHeWAcDjiKnYOLAb1TtMk9wgNH2ef-ltlwU_w0Kq1EtKJ1Ustix4qMIkA/s1440/nativity.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPV0mo-TptdY6vOO09CZzIjEJabTKY_ZkEmzJztOqfQMABNSkg99fr1ldAdvHDfzIPtbG0PbfWCvGshOfBwDHeWAcDjiKnYOLAb1TtMk9wgNH2ef-ltlwU_w0Kq1EtKJ1Ustix4qMIkA/w400-h300/nativity.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><b>The Nativity of the Theotokos</b> (<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj69Uhpmvd8rxSFo5lcFQslYztQWRJXNHJgSWl-SldDO_GrLJZ1O_-mArNAp5xxWDrrGQF6vJuY7bRbBucuVJT2KUb6zADTMd8bGU2XkZamZ2ARFsMp2Un2_FjprHNsEDJ4eqA_ye17qptl/s1600/nativity.jpg">source</a>)</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i> </i></div><p style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The heavier the burdens we’ve got to lift in this world, the greater God’s blessing will be, as was the case of saint Anna who, though infertile, brought the Virgin Mary into the world.</span></p><p style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Something similar will happen to each one of us, if we don’t despair and if we take this difficult and unbearable burden as special grace from God. Indeed, that’s the way things are. So great will the blessing from God be that man will remain in wonder.</span></p><p style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">To get to this point, man shouldn’t grumble. On the contrary, let us allow this unbearable cross, this unbearable shame we have to carry be the reason we refuse to grumble. Let it be the reason why we learn to feel gratitude to God. Let it be the reason we cry out to God with all our might, the reason we entrust ourselves to God and indeed expect for His blessing, His grace, His love to come.</span><span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"> </span></p><p align="center" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: maroon; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span lang="en-US" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Archimandrite Symeon Kragiopoulos (†)</span></span></span></span></p><p align="center" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: maroon; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span lang="en-US" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">From the book: Archimandrite Symeon Kragiopoulos, “SPIRITUAL MESSAGES” Panorama Thessaloniki, 2017</span></span></span></span></p><p align="center" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: maroon; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span lang="en-US" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">(<a href="https://www.orthodoxpath.org/saints-and-elders-counsels/the-nativity-of-theotokos/">source</a>)</span></span></span></span></p><p align="center" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: maroon; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span lang="en-US" style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><i>Most-holy Theotokos, save us!</i></b></span></span></span></span></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4990141932888502187.post-56766868176548389642021-08-15T03:50:00.004-07:002021-08-15T03:50:27.284-07:00Elder Symeon Kragiopoulos: "If we’re humble like the Virgin Mary, we will spiritually bear Christ in us in our measure..."<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieluGLXJyO7lDWCcD6trtKWfwouyVOIPXgyDRVTuxvGyPGXgoIJNs8HYi1LU3n6b0yIaffyqnf4a5l6ZbIrpIldv-vGYIcJo_9kVMsWVcLB-Z2Coc6SSudYPD6kmLCMSo35-TxkWl_GQ/s1063/16th-century_unknown_painters_-_The_Dormition_of_the_Mother_of_God_-_WGA23489-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1063" data-original-width="850" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieluGLXJyO7lDWCcD6trtKWfwouyVOIPXgyDRVTuxvGyPGXgoIJNs8HYi1LU3n6b0yIaffyqnf4a5l6ZbIrpIldv-vGYIcJo_9kVMsWVcLB-Z2Coc6SSudYPD6kmLCMSo35-TxkWl_GQ/w320-h400/16th-century_unknown_painters_-_The_Dormition_of_the_Mother_of_God_-_WGA23489-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><b>The Dormition of the Theotokos</b> (<a href="http://austroca.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/16th-century_unknown_painters_-_The_Dormition_of_the_Mother_of_God_-_WGA23489-1.jpg">source</a>)</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i> </i></div><p style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The Gospel of Matins says, “For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden”. It is said by the saints that if we’re humble like the Virgin Mary, we will spiritually bear Christ in us in our measure, just like the Virgin Mary did, who was pregnant with Christ, the Son of God, Who sanctified her and sanctifies all of us. And I say so, according to the words of Apostle Paul: “My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you”. Everything else in life is worth nothing.</span></p><p style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">It’s a pity if we get distracted, if we are led astray and get tossed to and fro, and lose what is of the utmost importance: Christ. Let’s humble ourselves before God in order to gain Christ.</span></p><p style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The fact that you can’t stand any pressure is a reaction of the old man. Through the chaos that takes place inside you because of the pressure you may be feeling, all you will have to lose is your self-love and pride.</span></p><p style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: maroon; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Archimandrite Symeon Kragiopoulos (†)</b></span></span></p><p style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: maroon; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><i>From the book: Archimandrite Symeon Kragiopoulos, “SPIRITUAL MESSAGES” Panorama Thessaloniki, 2017</i></b></span></span></p><p style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: maroon;"><b><i>(<a href="https://www.orthodoxpath.org/catechisms-and-articles/dormition-of-the-theotokos/">source</a>)</i></b></span></p><p style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 10px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: maroon;"><b><i>Most-Holy Theotokos, save us!</i></b></span></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4990141932888502187.post-67813918749696495222021-05-05T02:55:00.000-07:002021-05-05T02:55:04.793-07:00Video of Mother Makaria telling of the Revelation of the Relics of St. Ephraim of Nea Makri<p style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;"> Christ is risen! Truly He is risen!</span></i></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ObSrLD1XFtQ" width="320" youtube-src-id="ObSrLD1XFtQ"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><b>Here is a video of Mother Makaria of blessed memory, telling in her own words the story of the Revelation of the Holy Relics of St. Ephraim of Nea Makri. May the Lord bless and protect all those suffering through the world through their prayers! </b>(<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ObSrLD1XFtQ">source</a>)</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i> </i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>Christ is risen from the dead, by death, trampling down upon death, and to those in the tombs, He has granted life!</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>Truly the Lord is risen!</i></b></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4990141932888502187.post-8879550578198005862021-05-05T02:43:00.000-07:002021-05-05T02:43:32.691-07:00Vasiliki Rallis on the Revelation of Sts. Raphael, Nicholas and Irene of Lesvos<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Christ is risen! Truly He is risen!</span></i></b><b><i><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/08QXtgH-ohY" width="320" youtube-src-id="08QXtgH-ohY"></iframe></div>
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<i><b>This is a moving talk from Mrs. Vasiliki Rallis, who was one of the many simple villagers who witnessed the appearing and miracles and the finding of the Holy Relics of Sts. Raphael, Nicholas and Irene in Thermi of Lesvos. Her talk is in Greek with English subtitles</b> (<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=08QXtgH-ohY&t=720s">source</a>)</i></div>
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<b><i>Christ is risen from the dead, by death, trampling down upon death, and to those in the tombs, He has granted life!</i></b></div>
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<b><i>Truly the Lord is risen!</i></b></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4990141932888502187.post-71330503356787347122021-05-02T04:47:00.000-07:002021-05-02T04:47:59.287-07:00Quote from Elder Ephraim of Arizona on Holy Pascha<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Christ is ri</span></i></b><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">sen! Truly He is risen!</span></i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZuBWV1uhM7rNGPF5NdGOlEuJK_8li-X7jIejeTcrysTw-Gj4eR_SVIztIiuRbKQKm4XVpPbdxfgaEKUZjHevmaojHBV29JOyeGRUOOh5bKHLMjhspjR4tPD7Q6adQHW4GT072_Oo73A/s564/%25CE%2595%25CE%2599%25CE%259A%25CE%259F%25CE%259D%25CE%2591-%25CE%2591%25CE%259D%25CE%2591%25CE%25A3%25CE%25A4%25CE%2591%25CE%25A3%25CE%2597%25CE%25A3-%25CE%25A4%25CE%259F%25CE%25A5-%25CE%25A7%25CE%25A1%25CE%2599%25CE%25A3%25CE%25A4%25CE%259F%25CE%25A5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="543" data-original-width="564" height="385" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZuBWV1uhM7rNGPF5NdGOlEuJK_8li-X7jIejeTcrysTw-Gj4eR_SVIztIiuRbKQKm4XVpPbdxfgaEKUZjHevmaojHBV29JOyeGRUOOh5bKHLMjhspjR4tPD7Q6adQHW4GT072_Oo73A/w400-h385/%25CE%2595%25CE%2599%25CE%259A%25CE%259F%25CE%259D%25CE%2591-%25CE%2591%25CE%259D%25CE%2591%25CE%25A3%25CE%25A4%25CE%2591%25CE%25A3%25CE%2597%25CE%25A3-%25CE%25A4%25CE%259F%25CE%25A5-%25CE%25A7%25CE%25A1%25CE%2599%25CE%25A3%25CE%25A4%25CE%259F%25CE%25A5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><b>The Resurrection of Christ</b> (<a href="https://tinostoday.gr/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/ΕΙΚΟΝΑ-ΑΝΑΣΤΑΣΗΣ-ΤΟΥ-ΧΡΙΣΤΟΥ.jpg">source</a>)</i></div><p><b>March 24th, 1980. Holy Pascha.</b></p><p><b>Today is the Resurrection of Christ.</b></p><p><b><i>"Come, receive the light, from the never-setting light..."</i></b></p><p>O, never-setting, perfect light that never sets, surpassingly bright and surpassingly white, O how you magnetize my <i>nous</i>, my soul, my heart! I desire you endlessly, with love and <i>eros</i> unending. When will I be made worthy of the gift of the compassion of my Most-Holy God the Father, to partake of You unto the ages of ages!</p><p>My unworthiness troubles me, that I am not worthy of such a place among the saved, but I am worthy of hell and of eternal punishment.</p><p>The Resurrection, the eternal Pascha, attracts me terribly. It draws me above the state of things. Above heaven. Above to the sure desire, which I greatly desire to find. But, when will this occur?</p><p>O Pascha, together with the Angels, with the Saints, dressed in white, who so greatly desire me and attract me! New songs and unspeakable words are chanted and praised to God, with an awesome, but also unspeakable peace and serenity.</p><p>O Pascha, without end, and transformation of the unspeakable joy and Festival! My Father and my God, preserve me from every evil that I myself might be made worthy, I the refuse, one day to be found at that Pascha which cannot be described in human words, nor expressed and spoken of.</p><p>Rejoice and exalt, you to as well, O my Lady Theotokos, at the arising of Your Son and God. In the divine beauty of your Son and God, remember me, the wretched one, that I might be found together with you in the eternal Pascha!</p><p>...It is the day of Resurrection, let us brilliantly shine forth, O people, Pascha, the Lord's Pascha.</p><p>I greet you this year, my Pascha.</p><p>(<a href="http://apantaortodoxias.blogspot.com/2021/05/24-1980.html">source</a>)</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPLTC1_jDP-SFiKv0Wgc88sqCMtxIjtLtBc0y0S7C1WPTWv-nuBiRRnmB0xwZcuYjxG5OQtRFtXd-4zvNhRvA-_JNz-44Nqqxs5RRIuJ63FG25LETsenpja0QPmiArhjBKGL2c4yLPNg/s617/1619849383444875-0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="617" data-original-width="355" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPLTC1_jDP-SFiKv0Wgc88sqCMtxIjtLtBc0y0S7C1WPTWv-nuBiRRnmB0xwZcuYjxG5OQtRFtXd-4zvNhRvA-_JNz-44Nqqxs5RRIuJ63FG25LETsenpja0QPmiArhjBKGL2c4yLPNg/w230-h400/1619849383444875-0.jpg" width="230" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><b>Elder Ephraim at Pascha at St. Anthony's Monastery, Arizona</b> (<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSIawpug1ijV-SygfWmFdi1kok2mMrBt1CMM7s4dZzMIYc1Ri9zp1v4qHggxy6WL23LDuBPmznqL9CFgrtqUsPe83j4MEj15RYNWM21XYQo7IFnWlRAZ1mA4FFQAix2bRWArNOSQbYCR2z/s1600/1619849383444875-0.png">source</a>)</i></div><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Christ is risen from the dead, by death, trampling down upon death, and to those in the tombs, He has granted life!</i></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Truly He is risen!</i></b></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4990141932888502187.post-9359100355147384172021-03-26T01:59:00.001-07:002021-03-26T01:59:34.228-07:00"O faithful, share the glad tidings of the recreation of the world"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaARgfFSyCRrw61Mjg6uU5cFoledX6Y1LYSLm9KkT9oFMIc74IladpNk16hNzgBZ-T1xTFj7uOXiYmAbVvhHjM1OrnQxhSdeeWEM9b0ZUCVo7Zjs296wHu-RDXGBSiHcFpl5KN4U0joA/s1528/Annunciation_Icon_Sinai_12th_century.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1528" data-original-width="1032" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaARgfFSyCRrw61Mjg6uU5cFoledX6Y1LYSLm9KkT9oFMIc74IladpNk16hNzgBZ-T1xTFj7uOXiYmAbVvhHjM1OrnQxhSdeeWEM9b0ZUCVo7Zjs296wHu-RDXGBSiHcFpl5KN4U0joA/w270-h400/Annunciation_Icon_Sinai_12th_century.jpg" width="270" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><b>The Annunciation of the Theotokos</b> (<a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/82/Annunciation_Icon_Sinai_12th_century.jpg">source</a>)</i></div><p><span style="font-size: large;">The General of the Angelic Powers was sent from God Pantocrator to the Pure Virgin to bring the strange good news of the incomparable wonder: that God will become a babe from her, without seed, refashioning mortals of every race. O faithful, share the glad tidings of the recreation of the world.</span></p><p><b><span style="font-size: large;">-Exaposteilarion of the Great Feast of the Annunciation</span></b></p><p>(<a href="https://glt.goarch.org/texts/Mar/Mar25.html">source</a>)</p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Through the prayers of our Holy Fathers, Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy on us and save us! Amen!</i></b></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4990141932888502187.post-74427545933943406172021-03-23T03:48:00.000-07:002021-03-23T03:48:55.062-07:00St. Leonidas with his Seven Disciples: Sts. Vasilissa, Galini, Theodora, Kallida, Nike, Nounechia and Charissa the Martyrs of Corinth<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ0PmEGh4zV_ASKaCMIeYcHDNzsNS0WwCf6yTlqCIq1vf7yHhaO1Gmbyd9xTncOGMElmgfvQet5IEKhz39qRad__EPz9iYsVO_r-fhWbbfCjWQLWyTAP5fid_Qr_Gj8D5LeTm-2zPSsA/s864/agios_lewnidis.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="864" data-original-width="521" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ0PmEGh4zV_ASKaCMIeYcHDNzsNS0WwCf6yTlqCIq1vf7yHhaO1Gmbyd9xTncOGMElmgfvQet5IEKhz39qRad__EPz9iYsVO_r-fhWbbfCjWQLWyTAP5fid_Qr_Gj8D5LeTm-2zPSsA/w241-h400/agios_lewnidis.jpg" width="241" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>St. Leonidas with his fellow martyrs and disciples:</i></b> <b style="text-align: left;"><i>Sts. Vasilissa, Galini (or Galina), Theodora, Kallida (or Cali), Nike, Nounechia and Charissa (or Chariessa) the Martyrs of Corinth - Commemorated April 16th and on Bright Wednesday (<a href="https://www.porosnews.gr/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/agios_lewnidis.jpg">Source</a>)</i></b></div><p><b><i>St. Leonidas with his Seven Disciples: Sts. Vasilissa, Galini (or Galina), Theodora, Kallida (or Kali), Nike, Nounechia and Charissa the Martyrs of Corinth</i></b></p><p>These holy Martyrs struggled in Corinth during the holy days of Pascha under the reign of the Emperor Decius (249-251AD)</p><p>St. Leonidas was "exarch" in the spiritual realm, in other words, was an abbot of a group of disciples of the Lord. They were all seized in Troizinia of the Peloponnese during the days of Holy Week, and led to Corinth. Nounechia and Vasilissa (the mother of Nunechia), Galine, Theodora, Kalida, Nike and Charissa were led with him to the governor Venousto.</p><p>There, the governor tried to sway them at first with flattery, but later with threats, to forth St. Leonidas and the seven women to deny their faith in Christ. The Martyrs, however, remained unshaken. Venoustos, doubting that St. Leonidas would remain steadfast in his faith in Christ, ordered him to be hung up high and for his body to be torn apart with terrible instruments. He then gave the command to drown the Martyr in the Corinthian Gulf together with the women Saints.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Fu6PcSBWTg6bpC5127uC0GfDOh9LvbNzrHxYT4c3m3SwiZUbgn0ZbSSK-j6fWvrnqlYsTQkNfJfdI3K1EFvYe_erEHyq8Cc_5R6NnAGMGBmR8hvUe8YZt66ZegFblfMJlNcZsxhklA/s1600/20180902_102247%257E3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="636" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Fu6PcSBWTg6bpC5127uC0GfDOh9LvbNzrHxYT4c3m3SwiZUbgn0ZbSSK-j6fWvrnqlYsTQkNfJfdI3K1EFvYe_erEHyq8Cc_5R6NnAGMGBmR8hvUe8YZt66ZegFblfMJlNcZsxhklA/w159-h400/20180902_102247%257E3.jpg" width="159" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><b>St. Leonidas the Martyr, before the sea were he was martyred</b> (<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi96HTPPsE1QowDDTm2Hrc626BpDzCgIycv_0kC22ixsEfJzsCeumDDCsso2Pd-q-0o2ceMg3kKVUlEMyCbKugl0EsvH8xrxPAbK6nuKp0DaLO6QLLvVekQ37q0gcSQnITUH62LmHyD9IIi/s1600/20180902_102247%257E3.jpg">source</a>)</i></div><p>And though these women Martyrs were led by the executioners and thrown into the sea, they walked upon the waters as on dry land, as St. Charissa chanted like the Prophetess Miriam, while the Egyptians were being drowned in the Red Sea: "I have run one mile, O Lord, and an army pursued me, but I did not deny You, O Lord. Save my spirit." As the boat reached them, they continued to chant odes until their executioners tied them with stones and drowned them in the depth of the sea. The Saints entered into Paradise on the great day of Holy Saturday.</p><p>Pious Christians gathered their Holy Relics and buried them, at the place were years later was built the famed <a href="https://www.johnsanidopoulos.com/2010/04/newly-revealed-martyrs-leonidas-and-his.html">Lechaion Basilica</a>, which, at the time of its construction, was the largest known church in the world. The church was destroyed, however, and the Holy Relics of the Saints were lost until 1917, <a href="https://www.johnsanidopoulos.com/2010/04/newly-revealed-martyrs-leonidas-and-his.html">when pious inhabitants of Epidavros received visions to dig in a certain place</a>, and that they would find a sacred treasure. At the place where they dug, they found a sarcophagus, which which were placed the Holy Relics of the Seven Women Martyrs, and another sarcophagus with the Holy Relic of the Martyr Leonidas. Immediately, the faithful people began to build a church in honor of the Saint, in which they placed the Holy Relics. To this day, the Holy Relics of St. Leonidas and his seven women disciples are treasured in the Holy Church of the Annunciation in Epidavros, and are festally taken to the Church of the Holy Martyr Leonidas (in the same town) on Bright Wednesday annually for their feast day.</p><p>(<a href="https://www.synaxarion.gr/gr/sid/2670/sxsaintinfo.aspx">source</a>)</p><p><b><i>The full life of the Saints are part of the life of their spiritual brother and teacher, St. Kodratos, written by Nikephoros Gregoras. It can be found in </i><a href="https://books.google.com/books?id=r9Y-w2AkEmAC&pg=PA517&lpg=PA517&dq=%22και+ουκ+ηρνησάμην+σε,+σώσον+μου+το+πνεύμα&source=bl&ots=UrOEgKzNA5&sig=ACfU3U2tvpyIiuPEYsScAOktuj4Mwx8wvA&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiNqJzMk7zvAhWFGs0KHVt9DGcQ6AEwAHoECAQQAw#v=onepage&q=%22και%20ουκ%20ηρνησάμην%20σε%2C%20σώσον%20μου%20το%20πνεύμα&f=false" style="font-style: italic;">Patrologia curses completus, series graces</a><i>.</i></b></p><p><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhISuT3AqKhNyoSA4x-M7IpFIV3tvEk9GbHU3yefU0AnSQL5QwPn003yaq-T7SOiH73NuWDqdktaMfIKcP45bY_2T1W7k_OPiDvZu4D7fCGBi5BLMkyX6bwFgFyADoL0iqU7x_VYp9Tw/s512/unnamed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="512" data-original-width="331" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhISuT3AqKhNyoSA4x-M7IpFIV3tvEk9GbHU3yefU0AnSQL5QwPn003yaq-T7SOiH73NuWDqdktaMfIKcP45bY_2T1W7k_OPiDvZu4D7fCGBi5BLMkyX6bwFgFyADoL0iqU7x_VYp9Tw/w259-h400/unnamed.jpg" width="259" /></a></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>St. Leonidas with his seven disciples (<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEigRA8jAvo7dY07yiNV2kOIcg6qkgQqcP1QK-95fzwLvj0YhOye-R5sJi_EsYSdK7GUGzY_0UxERYzjO-Y08CCbR-71KbM1b4Wg4LTgSBVSHun5nDiw9XM0oZYmfMsh42uegQL9DAPdLuhiQtZtHeGDPY8HwE538OuWvJ2xSzN9dcD-8M__=">source</a>)</i></b></div><p></p><p><b><i>Selected hymns translated from the Service to St. Leonidas the Martyr and his seven female disciples. (Note that the hymns are not metered)</i></b></p><p><b>Prosomoia of the Stichera from Great Vespers in Tone Four. As the brave one among martyrs.</b></p><p>Let us all honor the brave and divine Martyrs of Christ, the all-perfect Leonidas, and together with him, those virgin and martyred young women, who faithfully and steadfastly confessed Christ together with him, and they all received the crowns of victory, as manly champions of our spotless and holy faith.</p><p>You followed after Christ, O all-glorious Leonidas, and you became a dwelling place for Virgins, and you struggled together with them, wholly casting down the passions of the body, and you struggled with manliness, approaching the Lord wearing a crown, being martyred in a godly manner, as most-brave Martyrs.</p><p>You loved Christ, and you followed after His teachings, gathering your beauty together, O Venerable Ones, in the Spirit, and you were led by the famed Leonidas, and with manliness kept the good confession of Christ, and you all struggled together, while you ever now rejoice in Heaven.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpAITqQGjKxPGkN6gAqONNFPkoxq7jDgK52B7fXHxy4cXZyS0vu_xUOXOEVs28g4N7D7ZK7muJxJc9dYt6D9ofMDrC29th_E45dklB8rmSGinImFcd49jU8lOr2Ht4LhNt8HHXI5E-Yw/s540/%25CF%2583%25CE%25B1%25CC%2581%25CF%2581%25CF%2589%25CF%2583%25CE%25B70055-Small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="399" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpAITqQGjKxPGkN6gAqONNFPkoxq7jDgK52B7fXHxy4cXZyS0vu_xUOXOEVs28g4N7D7ZK7muJxJc9dYt6D9ofMDrC29th_E45dklB8rmSGinImFcd49jU8lOr2Ht4LhNt8HHXI5E-Yw/w295-h400/%25CF%2583%25CE%25B1%25CC%2581%25CF%2581%25CF%2589%25CF%2583%25CE%25B70055-Small.jpg" width="295" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><b>St. Leonidas with his seven disciples</b> (<a href="https://argolika.gr/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/σάρωση0055-Small.jpg">source</a>)</i></div><p><b>Doxastikon of the Stichera in the Plagal of the Fourth Tone.</b></p><p>You hearkened to the words of Christ the Teacher, and with manliness you took up His Cross of martyrdom. And having lived a holy life, through your blood, and in the depths of the sea, you were put to death with radiance, O all-perfect Martyrs: Leonidas the glorious, Chariessa and Nike, Nounechia, Vasilissa, Galini, Theodora and Kallis, the beautifully victorious Virgins of the Lord, with spotless and sacred lives. Entreat Him on behalf of us, that we be delivered from the traps of the enemy, we who praise you in faith, and with fervor celebrate your all-sacred memory.</p><p><b>Idiomelon of the Litia in the First Tone.</b></p><p>Come, O faithful, let us gather together in the house of the Lord, and let us hymn with hymns of praise the glorious athlete of Christ, Leonidas the Martyr, and those precious women who were crowned together with him, having been martyred through a terrible martyrdom. These with boldness and bravery in mind imitated the confessors, and became martyrs in their disposition, that we might find grace in the Heavens on the day of judgment.</p><p><b>Doxastikon of the Aposticha in the Plagal of the First Tone.</b></p><p>Let us trumpet forth with the trumpet of song, and let us hymn with rejoicing the true athletes of Christ the the martyrs of the true faith, for they smashed down the wiles and threats of the enemy upon the firm rock of their hearts, and struggled with manliness in mind, and though cast into the depths of the sea, they harmoniously chanted to the Lord: "I have run one mile with you, O Lord, and I have not denied You, though an army persued me; save my spirit." O beautifully victorious Martyrs, and the sacred choir of Leonidas: intercede with the Lord, as you have great boldness before Him, on behalf of those who with faith and fervor hymn your all-honored memory.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizm9txJfMd81OduBQNA3TEA9Rr-uT6qbrXys7uB7tBWxlMGQol-2yXYTpa7200R3F7fOMjZ1bAB0Rx4U1DJ4rQDiRl32AbOWQeOlBZhdWxITZEHpm6KZIUQLv9PW3iqMjr4t7t8BqppA/s512/unnamed2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="512" data-original-width="439" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizm9txJfMd81OduBQNA3TEA9Rr-uT6qbrXys7uB7tBWxlMGQol-2yXYTpa7200R3F7fOMjZ1bAB0Rx4U1DJ4rQDiRl32AbOWQeOlBZhdWxITZEHpm6KZIUQLv9PW3iqMjr4t7t8BqppA/w343-h400/unnamed2.jpg" width="343" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><b>St. Leonidas with his seven disciples</b> (<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEjANuIDFLRB73VK-8dyEe2y4r9YOSeq2tOipoRhyphenhyphengWWiyOqQW-yzqX_1DnR4Qtb3WzREbvu8ZpgYMjKUDaDPsKJcn1Bdsb0cwcrcwxlvv4DRCX9u9UN3avZvW8bO58EkwAQFP3V_EXgJhSVaydCB0aWv5d_7tp6_VAKOUzk-k_AkYF6AMCM=">source</a>)</i></div><p><b>Apolytikion in the Third Tone. The world has found you.</b></p><p>You have become a great defender of Epidavros, O Leonidas, and you were not shaken by the wiles of belial, as you cast down the honor to the demons, and you confessed Christ with boldness, together with the wise Women, O All-blessed Ones, ceaselessly entreat that we be granted the great mercy.</p><p><b>Kontakion in the Fourth Tone. O You Who were lifted up upon the Cross.</b></p><p>Let us now honor the protectors of Epidavros, and let us praise the famed Martyrs, Leonidas the glorious soldier of Christ, and the seven Women Champions who celebrate together with him, who now stand at the Throne of glory, fervently entreating. Christ on behalf of those who with faith celebrate their memory.</p><p><b>Oikos.</b></p><p>You counted all the things of the earth as refuse, and now dwell before the Heavenly Throne in glory, as worthy Martyrs of the Lord, for you, O Leonidas, were hung upon the wood, and you life was then ended by being cast into the sea together with your fellow athletes. Having reached Him, O true soldiers of the Lord, you were received and made worthy of the good things of Heaven, and you now ever entreat Christ on behalf of those who with faith celebrate their memory.</p><p><b>Synaxarion</b></p><p>On this day (April 16th, or Bright Wednesday), the memory of the Holy Martyrs Leonidas, Chariessa, Nike, Galini, Kallidos, Nounechias, Vasilissa and Theodora.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRb18BZHGZm1AucAknyL5mzE_icfU6t2BV1Ux_bRismcfPNiq0OMk_pdNsyUhjpl4OISF1F0beGInxDtyjE21m5GYeXx50q-M0WGL_xwTQcB_tB5DJbiMDE3QvbrW_uX-WIvapAQgjVw/s738/2958029_orig-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="738" data-original-width="613" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRb18BZHGZm1AucAknyL5mzE_icfU6t2BV1Ux_bRismcfPNiq0OMk_pdNsyUhjpl4OISF1F0beGInxDtyjE21m5GYeXx50q-M0WGL_xwTQcB_tB5DJbiMDE3QvbrW_uX-WIvapAQgjVw/w333-h400/2958029_orig-1.jpg" width="333" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><b>St. Leonidas with his seven disciples</b> (<a href="https://argolika.gr/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/2958029_orig-1.jpg">source</a>)</i></div><p><b>Verses</b></p><p><i>To Leonidas</i></p><p>The bosom of the sea receives Leonidas, who has reached the bosom of Abraham.</p><p><i>To Chariessa</i></p><p>"The sea," says Chariessa, "does not frighten me, but the sea becomes a foretaste of graces for me."</p><p><i>To Galini and Nike</i></p><p>Galini and Nike are cast into the deep, bringing up victory and peace from the storm.</p><p><i>To Kallida</i></p><p>The depth of the sea receives Kalida, who was aflame with eros for the beauty of the Lord, loved by her soul.</p><p>To Nounechia</p><p>Having found a reward of salvation from the deep, you were shown to be mindful, O Nounechia.</p><p><i>To Vasilissa and Theodora</i></p><p>The womb of the sea receives two daughters, who fled the womb of the enemy.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8ZYmYZDziV0cgxGbgCLefoyBcdxScKQHJWBzycQ008O_cgQ4W11YiUXJlbFnNPCMx4W1sKqtDHnu9_SctS7TUw_flX7AqLPmomaISbzSMOJ7NHCRc1bKQLk44IVZF4zZ3-Eawf1E7nw/s1237/2227608_orig.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="777" data-original-width="1237" height="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8ZYmYZDziV0cgxGbgCLefoyBcdxScKQHJWBzycQ008O_cgQ4W11YiUXJlbFnNPCMx4W1sKqtDHnu9_SctS7TUw_flX7AqLPmomaISbzSMOJ7NHCRc1bKQLk44IVZF4zZ3-Eawf1E7nw/w400-h251/2227608_orig.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><b>St. Leonidas with his seven disciples</b> (<a href="https://argolika.gr/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/2227608_orig.jpg">source</a>)</i></div><p><b>Exaposteilarion in the Third Tone. O Apostles from afar.</b></p><p>In hymns let us praise the Martyr Leonidas and his seven-membered band, who fled to Christ, having cast down belial.</p><p><b>Prosomoia of the Praises in the First Tone. O all-praised Martyrs.</b></p><p>O beautifully victorious Martyrs of God, who honored the Lord Who is the Creator of all creation, you were in no way swayed by the threats of the enemy, and you lawlessly were put to death. And now you intercede that our souls might be grated peace and the great mercy.</p><p>Having reached your blessed end through martyrdom in the depth of the sea, O glorious Martyrs, you truly dried up the rivers of vanity and the streams of evil through your steadfastness. Therefore, entreat that our souls be granted peace and the great mercy.</p><p>Come, O faithful, let us all bless Leonidas, Nike and Chariessa, and Nounechia, Vasilissa, Galini, Kalida, and Theodora, who have come to dwell in the Kingdom, and let us cry out to them: through your prayers to Christ, may He grant peace to His world.</p><p><b>Doxastikon of the Praises in the Plagal of the Fourth Tone.</b></p><p>Come, O band of people who love the Martyrs, to glorious Epidavros that has gathered as is truly right to honor the glorious Martyrs, and with reverence, let us embrace the treasury of their Relics, and praise them as worthy athletes of the Lord: O spiritual priest, glorious Leonidas, together with the Seven Women, the foundations of the Church, entreat God on behalf of us, that He have compassion upon us, and save the souls of those who praise your sacred struggle.</p><p><b>Megalynarion.</b></p><p>Rejoice, O all-radiant lights, divine Leonidas, and the seven-numbered Choir of Women Martyrs, the pride and protectors of glorious Epidavros, and our defenders in the faith.</p><p>(<a href="https://analogion.com/forum/index.php?threads/16-Ακολουθία-Αγίου-Μάρτυρος-Λεωνίδη-και-της-συνοδείας-αυτού.33742/">source</a>)</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKP3kUNJQM1kMjV3-n5grCxIFwoAmFwsAnt5efZ8AkIaiQ-xOiro6haNPyD2btkjeXhyAuq-3Uht1chh84CkfoygdkQeSvJVapm1j-Odo4Quz_j8nZFSUNDGok468zNwyuND_xD3AG3g/s1024/861px-Saint_Leonides_of_Trizina.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="861" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKP3kUNJQM1kMjV3-n5grCxIFwoAmFwsAnt5efZ8AkIaiQ-xOiro6haNPyD2btkjeXhyAuq-3Uht1chh84CkfoygdkQeSvJVapm1j-Odo4Quz_j8nZFSUNDGok468zNwyuND_xD3AG3g/w336-h400/861px-Saint_Leonides_of_Trizina.jpg" width="336" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><b>St. Leonidas with his seven women disciples</b> (<a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/aa/Saint_Leonides_of_Trizina.jpg/861px-Saint_Leonides_of_Trizina.jpg">source</a>)</i></div><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Through the prayers of our Holy Fathers, Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy on us and save us! Amen!</i></b></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4990141932888502187.post-11445245235530405532021-02-27T03:02:00.000-08:002021-02-27T03:02:02.438-08:00St. Ephraim of Katounakia: The Martyr of Obedience<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/vLxLcrfzTn4" width="320" youtube-src-id="vLxLcrfzTn4"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><b>Here is a video with English subtitles of a talk of Metropolitan Athanasios of Lemesou on the newly-canonized St. Ephraim of Katounakia, including video clips of the Saint himself, who is celebrated today as his first feast day. May we have his prayers and blessings!</b> (<a href="https://youtu.be/vLxLcrfzTn4">source</a>)</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Verdana, Arial, sans-serif;"><em> </em></strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Verdana, Arial, sans-serif;"><em>Selected hymns from the </em></strong><a href="https://www.pemptousia.gr/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/%CE%95%CE%A6%CE%A1%CE%91%CE%99%CE%9C-%CE%9A%CE%91%CE%A4%CE%9F%CE%A5%CE%9D%CE%91%CE%9A%CE%99%CE%A9%CE%A4%CE%9F%CE%A5-%CE%91%CE%9A%CE%9F%CE%9B%CE%9F%CE%A5%CE%98%CE%99%CE%91.pdf" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #223344; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Verdana, Arial, sans-serif;" target="_blank"><strong><em>service</em></strong></a><strong style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Verdana, Arial, sans-serif;"><em> to <a href="https://full-of-grace-and-truth.blogspot.com/2018/03/elder-ephraim-of-katounakia-1998.html" style="color: #223344;" target="_blank">St. Ephraim of Katounakia</a> (Commemorated February 27th), written by Dr. Charalampos Bousias, Hymnographer of the Patriarchate of Alexandria</em></strong><span style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Verdana, Arial, sans-serif;"> </span></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Verdana, Arial, sans-serif;"><strong>Apolytikion in the Plagal of the First Tone. Let us worship the Word.</strong></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Verdana, Arial, sans-serif;">O newly-shining lamp-lighter of noetic prayer, as a dweller of Katounakia and a light of the Holy Mountain, who illumined all with the light of your virtues, O most-divine Ephraim, who proceeded to the heights of <em>theosis</em>, dispassion and <em>nepsis</em>: Do not cease to entreat Christ for us.</div><div style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Verdana, Arial, sans-serif;"> </div><div style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Verdana, Arial, sans-serif;"><strong>Kontakion in the Plagal of the Fourth Tone.</strong></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Verdana, Arial, sans-serif;">Let us praise the hard-working, prayerful and <em>neptic</em> ascetic of Katounakia, who was lifted up from every baseness of the <em>nous </em>towards the virtues through purification, as one equal to the Angels, let us mortals praise him with psalms and divine hymns, crying out: <em>Rejoice, O most-divine Father.</em></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Verdana, Arial, sans-serif;"> </div><div style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Verdana, Arial, sans-serif;"><strong>Oikos</strong></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Verdana, Arial, sans-serif;">The Angels were astonished, beholding your feats in Katounakia, O Ephraim, and the chaste citizens of Athos beheld the grace that dwelt in you through your monastic way of life, and they cry out these things with compunction in soul:</div><div style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Verdana, Arial, sans-serif;">Rejoice, bodiless one bearing flesh,</div><div style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Verdana, Arial, sans-serif;">Rejoice, inheritor of Heaven.</div><div style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Verdana, Arial, sans-serif;">Rejoice, defender of dispassion and <em>nepsis</em>,</div><div style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Verdana, Arial, sans-serif;">Rejoice, fellow-dweller with non-possessiveness and grace.</div><div style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Verdana, Arial, sans-serif;">Rejoice, unassailable foundation of prayer of the heart,</div><div style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Verdana, Arial, sans-serif;">Rejoice, greatly-varied stream of perfect obedience.</div><div style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Verdana, Arial, sans-serif;">Rejoice, you who were a disciple at the feet of Joseph,</div><div style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Verdana, Arial, sans-serif;">Rejoice, you who showed to all the virtue of your heart.</div><div style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Verdana, Arial, sans-serif;">Rejoice, godly offspring of Thebes,</div><div style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Verdana, Arial, sans-serif;">Rejoice, goodness by canon and knowledge.</div><div style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Verdana, Arial, sans-serif;">Rejoice, dweller of Katounakia,</div><div style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Verdana, Arial, sans-serif;">Rejoice, protector of those who approach you.</div><div style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Verdana, Arial, sans-serif;"><em>Rejoice, O all-venerable Father.</em></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Verdana, Arial, sans-serif;"> </div><div style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Verdana, Arial, sans-serif;"><strong>Synaxarion</strong></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Verdana, Arial, sans-serif;">On this day (February 27th), the memory of our Venerable and God-bearing Father Ephraim, who lately lived in asceticism in Katounakia.</div><div style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Verdana, Arial, sans-serif;"> </div><div style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Verdana, Arial, sans-serif;"><strong>Verses</strong></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Verdana, Arial, sans-serif;">Obedience, prayer and a harsh way of life</div><div style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Verdana, Arial, sans-serif;">You lived, O Ephraim, in Katounakia.</div><div style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Verdana, Arial, sans-serif;"><br /></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Verdana, Arial, sans-serif;"><b><i>Through the prayers of our Holy Fathers, Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy on us and save us! Amen!</i></b></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4990141932888502187.post-58727000988955491192021-02-26T03:00:00.001-08:002021-02-27T03:34:56.114-08:00 Akathist to the Holy Prophet Elias (Elijah) the Tishbite<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8_9ozSBjf5GrUfql_UIX5mhMfbgccJiyd6eMHmTCD9panF-JxPqW0luKw7sj0PFFVw8QEdQcsNkpMDhcgC2wxDBOAuyegK-fJBJvoWMjZq_WGFA8GE6vVN2_KudGdXb_MWD-h1WwhAQ/s1080/sf_ilie_11.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="780" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8_9ozSBjf5GrUfql_UIX5mhMfbgccJiyd6eMHmTCD9panF-JxPqW0luKw7sj0PFFVw8QEdQcsNkpMDhcgC2wxDBOAuyegK-fJBJvoWMjZq_WGFA8GE6vVN2_KudGdXb_MWD-h1WwhAQ/w289-h400/sf_ilie_11.jpg" width="289" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><b>Holy Prophet Elias (Elijah) the Tishbite</b> (<a href="https://doxologia.ro/sites/default/files/styles/media-articol-colorbox/public/imagine/2013/07/sf_ilie_11.jpg?itok=z5soy1my">source</a>)</i></div><p><b><i>Akathist to the Holy Prophet Elias (Elijah) the Tishbite - The Great Prophet of Fire, 900 BC, - 20th of July</i></b></p><p><b>Kontakion 1</b></p><p>Chosen by God to turn Israel from the deception of Baal, dread denouncer of lawless kings, you shone forth with flaming zeal for God Almighty with holiness of life and miracles, who in the flesh was caught up to the heavens and shall come again before the Second Coming of Christ: to you do we dedicate hymns of praise, O Elijah, prophet of God. As you have boldness before the Lord, by your prayers free from all evil and adverse circumstances us that piously cry out to you: <i>~Rejoice, O Elijah, great prophet of God, Glorious forerunner of the Second Coming of Christ!</i></p><p><b>Ikos 1</b></p><p>You were an angel in the flesh, O prophet, in your zeal for God and in your pure life, for while you were yet an infant, your father, Sobah, beheld radiant angels conversing with you, swaddling you in fire, and nourishing you with flames, which was an omen of your flaming zeal for God, the power of your words and your blameless life which was a light. Wherefore, with amazement we cry to you such things as these:</p><p>~Rejoice, you who from eternity were chosen for the ministry of saving the children of Israel!</p><p>~Rejoice, you who from your mother’s womb were prepared as a herald of divine truth and piety!</p><p>~Rejoice, you who astounded your father with the most glorious vision which concerned you!</p><p>~Rejoice, you who from your youth did love virginal purity and silence!</p><p>~Rejoice, you who despised the vanity of this world and all its goods, and</p><p>did consecrate your soul totally to the Lord!</p><p>~Rejoice, you who were illumined by God with the light of wisdom and from childhood drank your fill of the teaching of piety!</p><p><b><i>~Rejoice, O Elijah, great prophet of God, Glorious forerunner of the Second Coming of Christ!</i></b></p><p><b>Kontakion 2</b></p><p>Beholding impiety and perversion in Israel, O most glorious prophet, you were greatly vexed of spirit, and were inflamed with zeal for the glory of God, for the children of Israel were bowing down before abominable idols and had departed from the true God, to Whom all the armies of heaven cry out with fear: <b><i>Alleluia!</i></b></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiioyh5Csgi4-ujnTAoMmyNKekqbeszjDmzVEqVX-F2bYENpSzCMMhMQqZngj-baYH09jCErEg6gkOOqTXkneX73e3GU3Hq56kZ0UYUgfYqPsGarWxcWa9OGij76W8re42Xr492OnIvbA/s1412/92c3523de61d06eebdc515f2babb64b9_XL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1412" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiioyh5Csgi4-ujnTAoMmyNKekqbeszjDmzVEqVX-F2bYENpSzCMMhMQqZngj-baYH09jCErEg6gkOOqTXkneX73e3GU3Hq56kZ0UYUgfYqPsGarWxcWa9OGij76W8re42Xr492OnIvbA/w255-h400/92c3523de61d06eebdc515f2babb64b9_XL.jpg" width="255" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><b>Holy Prophet Elias </b>(<a href="https://www.profitisilias.com.gr/media/k2/items/cache/92c3523de61d06eebdc515f2babb64b9_XL.jpg">source</a>)</i></div><p></p><p><b>Ikos 2</b></p><p>Ahad, the unjust king of Israel, blinding his reason with evil intent, forsook God Almighty and worshipped the abominable idol Baal, and in his kingdom he propagated idolatry and impiety. But you, O prophet, filled with great zeal for God, boldly denounced the king, proclaiming to him that, as punishment for him and his kingdom, there would be neither rain nor dew for three years and six months, and that there would be a great famine throughout all the land. Marveling, therefore, at such zeal for God and great boldness, with love we cry to you:</p><p>~Rejoice, fearless preacher of the truth and mighty champion of piety!</p><p>~Rejoice, zealous denouncer of impiety!</p><p>~Rejoice, you who did move our longsuffering God to punish unrepentant sinners!</p><p>~Rejoice, you who did close heaven with your word and did make barren the fruitful earth!</p><p>~Rejoice, you who did ask of the Lord a three year famine on account of the people’s impiety!</p><p>~Rejoice, for the Lord Most High made you a god to Ahab, as of old He made Moses to Pharaoh!</p><p><b><i>~Rejoice, O Elijah, great prophet of God, Glorious forerunner of the Second Coming of Christ!</i></b></p><p><b>Kontakion 3</b></p><p>Truly by the power of your prayer, O most wondrous prophet, was the sky closed, and it did not rain for three years and six months, and great famine was there throughout all the land, that, perhaps, tormented by burning heat and hunger, the impious people might repent and turn to the Lord, crying out to Him in compunction: <b>Alleluia!</b></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0fx3K9Y2mY_FelhP-aFYCtqRrclGqQIEhZOGA26WpjGz1gRPrP0PgOKMoRZTP-Sqy7Tpj-IqdCJuk5P1L-xUcFJulmuBru4XxWXT-A8OPpDkZxqvBM_c9WrL4qk51AqjEIwZKHUBVbg/s1500/2steps.gr_paintings_icons_profet_helias_parnitha_attica_001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1004" data-original-width="1500" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0fx3K9Y2mY_FelhP-aFYCtqRrclGqQIEhZOGA26WpjGz1gRPrP0PgOKMoRZTP-Sqy7Tpj-IqdCJuk5P1L-xUcFJulmuBru4XxWXT-A8OPpDkZxqvBM_c9WrL4qk51AqjEIwZKHUBVbg/w400-h268/2steps.gr_paintings_icons_profet_helias_parnitha_attica_001.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><b>Holy Prophet Elias</b> (<a href="https://www.2steps.gr/themes/photos/0001/010/001242/vl/2steps.gr_paintings_icons_profet_helias_parnitha_attica_001.jpg">source</a>)</i></div><p></p><p><b>Ikos 3</b></p><p>Having great goodwill towards you, O prophet, the Lord wished to set you apart from the unjust children of Israel, that you might not endure hunger and thirst with them; and He commanded you to go to the brook of Cherith, where ravens fed you, bringing you bread and meat. Wherefore, we bring you these praises:</p><p>~Rejoice, you who by fasting and vigilance did blot out all earthly and vain imaginations!</p><p>~Rejoice, you who by prayer and thought of God did give wings to your mind that it might fly to the heights!</p><p>~Rejoice, exultation of patriarchs and adornment of prophets!</p><p>~Rejoice, boast of virgins and glory of the venerable!</p><p>~Rejoice, instructor of holy hierarchs and strength of martyrs!</p><p>~Rejoice, for you did turn the children of Israel, blinded by impiety and unbelief, back to the path of truth!</p><p><b><i>~Rejoice, O Elijah, great prophet of God, Glorious forerunner of the Second Coming of Christ!</i></b></p><p><b>Kontakion 4</b></p><p>A great tempest which ruptured the mountains came before the Lord approached you on Horeb, O prophet; then there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake; and after the earthquake, a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire; and after the fire, there was the voice of a gentle breeze, and as such did the Lord make Himself manifest unto you. Perceiving His presence, you did cover your face with your mantle, crying out to Him in fear and joy: <b><i>Alleluia!</i></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAHq2GJmbldMemkiCDBBOOzrHmrjBOrx8jK9o8iSHzlNvac92R5Co91RLC5puY3judg5V3q-6-cB9LXC1GuFXepYPPfvSIwuEfMG5YixMsg6OSNzyn-Kb6YypXdNlswDAMB4mXWNnWKQ/s1440/9575_16838_1080_2000.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAHq2GJmbldMemkiCDBBOOzrHmrjBOrx8jK9o8iSHzlNvac92R5Co91RLC5puY3judg5V3q-6-cB9LXC1GuFXepYPPfvSIwuEfMG5YixMsg6OSNzyn-Kb6YypXdNlswDAMB4mXWNnWKQ/w300-h400/9575_16838_1080_2000.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><b>The Holy Prophet Elias</b> (<a href="https://www.psfiles.gr/photos/9575_16838_1080_2000.jpg">source</a>)</i></div><p><b>Ikos 4</b></p><p>Ahab, on hearing your command, that he gather together all the tribes of Israel on Mount Carmel and invite thereunto all the shameful prophets of Baal, straightway sent word and assembled all, and he himself came there. And you, O zealot of the glory of God, wishing to put the abominable idols utterly to shame and to glorify the true God, commanded that two sacrifices be made ready, but that they not be set on fire, saying: “The God Who shall answer by fire, He is God.” And, on hearing this, all the people said: “Good is the word of Elijah. Let it be so!” And we, magnifying you, cry out:</p><p>~Rejoice, great emissary of the heavenly King and herald of His holy Commands!</p><p>~Rejoice, adamant unsurpassed in zeal, and unshakable pillar of piety!</p><p>~Rejoice, mighty protector of truth and steadfast opponent of the enemies of God!</p><p>~Rejoice, up-rooter of impiety and instiller of piety!</p><p>~Rejoice, flaming zealot of the glory of God!</p><p>~Rejoice, for even in the last days of the world you shall preach the true God and denounce the wretched Antichrist!</p><p><b><i>~Rejoice, O Elijah, great prophet of God, Glorious forerunner of the Second Coming of Christ!</i></b></p><p><b>Kontakion 5</b></p><p>Jezebel, the unjust queen, thought to extinguish you, the divinely guided star; for, filled with wrath against you because of the destruction of her shameful prophets, she wished to slay you, for her heart was hardened , and she wished not to believe in your wonders, O prophet, or to acknowledge the true God, chanting unto Him:<b> Alleluia!</b></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsdVRoTLrnZds8bMpH09I157UvFvqQXNsP_BI7qAw7ChmkpqdkpMEvCecO5J1uJQCuSyYkvzDDyd3ARdeQps-v3BisR86ZCuZao0fxqyN7k2DBJs7h_pUPzfLd22joIeTwspJ1nm2PlQ/s1800/profiti-ilia-monastiri-pantokratoros-agio-oros-04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="1350" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsdVRoTLrnZds8bMpH09I157UvFvqQXNsP_BI7qAw7ChmkpqdkpMEvCecO5J1uJQCuSyYkvzDDyd3ARdeQps-v3BisR86ZCuZao0fxqyN7k2DBJs7h_pUPzfLd22joIeTwspJ1nm2PlQ/w300-h400/profiti-ilia-monastiri-pantokratoros-agio-oros-04.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><b>The wondrous icon of the Holy Prophet Elias from the Skete of the same name, on Mount Athos</b> (<a href="https://www.ekklisiaonline.gr/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/profiti-ilia-monastiri-pantokratoros-agio-oros-04.jpg">source</a>)</i></div><p></p><p><b>Ikos 5</b></p><p>All the people of Israel, beholding the fire from the Lord which at your prayer came from the heavens upon your sacrifice, O all-praised prophet, and which burnt it all, devouring the wood and the stones, earth and water, fell upon their faces, crying out: “Truly the Lord is God! He is God!” And the people believed in God, but you did slay the shameful prophets of Baal. Therefore, glorifying Almighty God, Who works wonders, thus do we say to His favored one:</p><p>~Rejoice, you who did acquire exceeding great boldness before the Master of all!</p><p>~Rejoice, you who did confirm divine truth with signs and wonders!</p><p>~Rejoice, you who put the deception of the demons to shame and glorified the true faith!</p><p>~Rejoice, you who did enlighten the unbelieving with the true knowledge of God!</p><p>~Rejoice, you who, in pouring water thrice upon the sacrifice, did reveal the mystery of the All-holy Trinity!</p><p>~Rejoice, for the nature of all things that are were subject to you, and fire and water obeyed you!</p><p><b><i>~Rejoice, O Elijah, great prophet of God, Glorious forerunner of the Second Coming of Christ!</i></b></p><p><b>Kontakion 6</b></p><p>You did show yourself to be a preacher of true knowledge of God and piety, not only in Israel, but in a heathen land as well, O prophet, being sent by the Lord to Zareptah of the land of Sidon to be maintained by a widow, or rather that you might maintain her during the famine; for, possessed of the great grace of working wonders, you did abundantly increase the flour and oil in her house until the time of famine passed, and by breathing thrice you did, through prayer, resurrect her dead son, chanting to God Who works wonders: <b>Alleluia!</b></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSxqjbfBb_-BvSvddwTXm7pxc5ZOv4B6-oo-GHOlgHK1oHA2IhrTzNN53VLcaZC9FL88RPgjkAjpc46lDeyGOBCTfN6Zb5yZVksY7Wy_TmPhsl9bkk-gHGl99ncc9Ize3zbFq1wU0_lg/s1103/DSC01522ilias.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1103" data-original-width="800" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSxqjbfBb_-BvSvddwTXm7pxc5ZOv4B6-oo-GHOlgHK1oHA2IhrTzNN53VLcaZC9FL88RPgjkAjpc46lDeyGOBCTfN6Zb5yZVksY7Wy_TmPhsl9bkk-gHGl99ncc9Ize3zbFq1wU0_lg/w290-h400/DSC01522ilias.jpg" width="290" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><b>The Holy Prophet Elias</b> (<a href="https://toperivoli.gr/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/DSC01522ilias.jpg">source</a>)</i></div><p></p><p><b>Ikos 6</b></p><p>Shining forth with great zeal for God Almighty, O prophet, you were exceedingly grieved that the children of Israel had forsaken His covenant, had cast down His altars and slain His prophets. And the Lord, for your comfort, told you that not all of Israel had departed from Him, but that there would be seven thousands of His hidden servants, who had not bent their knees to Baal. Wherefore, mindful of your zeal for God, with reverence we sing to you such things as these:</p><p>~Rejoice, faithful servant and close friend of the Lord!</p><p>~Rejoice, model and boast of pious pastors!</p><p>~Rejoice, teacher of salvation and enlightenment for them that sit in darkness!</p><p>~Rejoice, you who are attentive to the courage of defenders of the truth and do strengthen them in their struggles and sufferings for righteousness!</p><p>~Rejoice, for you did burn with seraphic love for God!</p><p>~Rejoice, for the Lord obeyed you in all and did everything according to your request!</p><p><b><i>~Rejoice, O Elijah, great prophet of God, Glorious forerunner of the Second Coming of Christ!</i></b></p><p><b>Kontakion 7</b></p><p>The Lord Who loves mankind, wishing to manifest His lovingkindness to repentant sinners, when the time of the famine which had been foretold had passed, sent down at your prayer and through the word of your lips, O prophet, a gentle and abundant rain upon the burnt dry land. And the children of Israel, granted such great mercy, in compunction of heart thankfully cried out to God: <b>Alleluia!</b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmCgr0Erg0j6TUbyfiRpH350vckGg-vr__BSHq-jqfzRnZgvhEYluO4ut4uMa-EPJn757EPVdpx6xgRf3N7NU-Z7q_xgCUmdhhqNab3jPR5WBzo-joj0rACux30DJEovPoqwkU5Eop0Q/s1200/5bb8d3eb59e7a34a70e5f5916b7ac27b_2048x.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1181" data-original-width="1200" height="394" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmCgr0Erg0j6TUbyfiRpH350vckGg-vr__BSHq-jqfzRnZgvhEYluO4ut4uMa-EPJn757EPVdpx6xgRf3N7NU-Z7q_xgCUmdhhqNab3jPR5WBzo-joj0rACux30DJEovPoqwkU5Eop0Q/w400-h394/5bb8d3eb59e7a34a70e5f5916b7ac27b_2048x.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><b>The Holy Prophet Elias</b> (<a href="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1322/7943/articles/5bb8d3eb59e7a34a70e5f5916b7ac27b_2048x.jpg?v=1596649490">source</a>)</i></div><p><b>Ikos 7</b></p><p>The impious king Ahab added a new crime to his iniquities when he commanded that the innocent Naboth be slain and his vineyard seized. Wherefore, denouncing the lawless king, you did foretell to him, O prophet, that swine and dogs would lick his blood where Naboth was put to death, and that the dogs would devour Jezebel, his wife, and that all his house would be utterly destroyed. Therefore, mindful of this dread prophecy, which was fulfilled, we are filled with terror, crying:</p><p>~Rejoice, dread one who take vengeance upon oppressors and the cruelhearted!</p><p>~Rejoice, mighty helper of orphans and of those that are tried!</p><p>~Rejoice, punisher of those that honor not the feast of the saints of the Orthodox Church!</p><p>~Rejoice, you who cast down audacious blasphemers of the name of God!</p><p>~Rejoice, you that with a word of reproof, as with thunder, strike down iniquity!</p><p>~Rejoice, you who know things of the future as though they were present, and see things afar off as though they were near!</p><p><b><i>~Rejoice, O Elijah, great prophet of God, Glorious forerunner of the Second Coming of Christ!</i></b></p><p><b>Kontakion 8</b></p><p>Strange and supernatural foresight did the Lord show in your regard, O prophet, when He commanded the hungry and child-hating ravens to feed you during the famine by the brook of Cherith, where, ever abiding in prayer and thought of God, you did sing to God: <b>Alleluia!</b></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEtDldYqvm7I7TOBLtXjC2-imXmd1ujlTq6PbRR4JneOj5FiiFsjXgEXJEY3oPkDDZMQmTEgq4DHPOHva7g0NNDxh4KuVzE4Z34ZCtC1enezq__MRRwBnEKr2IraG8q4YXdskzwjH2Hg/s1000/B0091A-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="803" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEtDldYqvm7I7TOBLtXjC2-imXmd1ujlTq6PbRR4JneOj5FiiFsjXgEXJEY3oPkDDZMQmTEgq4DHPOHva7g0NNDxh4KuVzE4Z34ZCtC1enezq__MRRwBnEKr2IraG8q4YXdskzwjH2Hg/w321-h400/B0091A-1.jpg" width="321" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><b>The Holy Prophet Elias</b> (<a href="https://www.imiviron.gr/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/B0091A-1.jpg">source</a>)</i></div><p></p><p><b>Ikos 8</b></p><p>Wholly adorned were you with great humility, O prophet of God. Wherefore, with fire did you consume the two captains of fifty with their warriors who came with pride to take you to the unjust king Ahad; but you did have mercy on Obadiah, who had fed the disciples of the prophet. Wherefore, we offer you these hymns of praise:</p><p>~Rejoice, humbler and punisher of the prideful, and protection and helper of the lowly!</p><p>~Rejoice, chastiser of corrupt judges, and helper of them that judge righteously!</p><p>~Rejoice, champion of pious soldiers amid battle, and subduer of the impious adversary!</p><p>~Rejoice, you who were clad in wisdom as with a breastplate, and protected with righteousness as with a shield!</p><p>~Rejoice, you who were armed with zeal for God as with a sword, and were feathered with fasting as with wings!</p><p>~Rejoice, you who were covered with faith as with a helmet of salvation, and were crowned with love as with a diadem most radiant!</p><p><b><i>~Rejoice, O Elijah, great prophet of God, Glorious forerunner of the Second Coming of Christ!</i></b></p><p><b>Kontakion 9</b></p><p>All of human nature was exceedingly amazed at how you, O most wondrous prophet, did walk for forty days, neither eating nor drinking, until you did reach Mount Horeb, where you were granted the most glorious vision and the most sweet discourse of the Lord Almighty, chanting to Him: <b>Alleluia!</b></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9qZasiAXkBFuIQ_hhvn7N5RY71HXDI7olvwEhWvM7eOWKl1H3ULCOrp_7_ffLUoz2_mv6o1cPoguAi7Hg3jh-tNiUSOemDNBUOO8pZsaPrgbujyzgbrELX7a5ThAUOY-VblXVBqmovg/s1200/ascension-of-prophet-elias-4262709_1920-933x1200.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="933" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9qZasiAXkBFuIQ_hhvn7N5RY71HXDI7olvwEhWvM7eOWKl1H3ULCOrp_7_ffLUoz2_mv6o1cPoguAi7Hg3jh-tNiUSOemDNBUOO8pZsaPrgbujyzgbrELX7a5ThAUOY-VblXVBqmovg/w311-h400/ascension-of-prophet-elias-4262709_1920-933x1200.jpg" width="311" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><b>The ascent of the Holy Prophet Elias in the fiery chariot </b>(<a href="https://www.etsimagazin.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/ascension-of-prophet-elias-4262709_1920-933x1200.jpg">source</a>)</i></div><p></p><p><b>Ikos 9</b></p><p>The most eloquent of orators are at a loss how to understand and explain sufficiently how you, O Elijah of great renown, being of human flesh and subject to such passions as we are, were caught up in your body to heaven in a fiery chariot which appeared to you, drawn by fiery horses. Therefore, glorifying the Lord Who has magnified you and marveling at your ascension, we reverently cry to you:</p><p>~Rejoice, that with most wondrous abstinence you did slay within yourself the old man!</p><p>~Rejoice, that with the fire of divine zeal you did consume within yourself every material imagination!</p><p>~Rejoice, you who made glad the human race by your translation to heaven and have confirmed that life is indeed eternal!</p><p>~Rejoice, you who were honored by God with surpassing honor and glory, and were glorified more than all the prophets of old!</p><p>~Rejoice, you who were greeted joyously by the angelic choirs in the heavenly mansions!</p><p>~Rejoice, for your name is honored throughout the entire world and your zeal for God is exceedingly glorious!</p><p><b><i>~Rejoice, O Elijah, great prophet of God, Glorious forerunner of the Second Coming of Christ!</i></b></p><p><b>Kontakion 10</b></p><p>The Most Good God, wishing to save the people of Israel from the deception of Baal, chose you, O great prophet, as the instrument of His will and robed you with divine authority, that you might convert the unbelieving, correct transgressors, enlighten the ignorant and teach all to chant unto God: <b>Alleluia!</b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtSnGrX6-lU7KWINKROaZbNMQc2doQ7CZaACyKbdqi0ik1ewA-RXg5wLUC6KM-8At-ORfBqyCNMB3Vg4F66QSAv9IGhWAbEuJx6LaT4ZOD6SO9kCGncyM5XM2uJQo_AiOjhMNW9oFG4w/s1600/1aed29cd264f83da731ce9a7bf4a0af0.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1157" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtSnGrX6-lU7KWINKROaZbNMQc2doQ7CZaACyKbdqi0ik1ewA-RXg5wLUC6KM-8At-ORfBqyCNMB3Vg4F66QSAv9IGhWAbEuJx6LaT4ZOD6SO9kCGncyM5XM2uJQo_AiOjhMNW9oFG4w/w289-h400/1aed29cd264f83da731ce9a7bf4a0af0.jpg" width="289" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><b>The Holy Prophet Elias</b> (<a href="https://i.pinimg.com/originals/1a/ed/29/1aed29cd264f83da731ce9a7bf4a0af0.jpg">source</a>)</i></div><p><b>Ikos 10</b></p><p>Be a rampart and an aid unto us, O most holy prophet, appeasing by your mighty mediation the righteous wrath of God, which does strike us, the sinful and unprofitable, with drought and famine, as also with destructive winds and plagues; that, delivered from misfortune, we may thankfully chant unto you:</p><p>~Rejoice, you who close and open the sky with your prayers, and send from God fruitfulness and barrenness of the earth!</p><p>~Rejoice, you who by your intercession before God send down gentle rains and life-giving dew upon the plants of the earth!</p><p>~Rejoice, you who calm the raging waves of the sea and the dreadful tempests, and direct the thunder and lightning in accordance with God’s will!</p><p>~Rejoice, you who subdue destructive winds and pestilence which attack both man and beast!</p><p>~Rejoice, nourisher of orphans and widows, and protector of compassionate people!</p><p>~Rejoice, for you do strike down impious blasphemers and persecutors of the true Faith, and drive away spirits of malice from the servants of God!</p><p><b><i>~Rejoice, O Elijah, great prophet of God, Glorious forerunner of the Second Coming of Christ!</i></b></p><p><b>Kontakion 11</b></p><p>Accept from us this compunctionate hymn, O Elijah, prophet of God, as you did accept the petition of Elisha when he asked you for a double portion of the Spirit which was in you; and when, caught up to heaven, you did let fall your mantle upon him, which he took up, he parted the waters of the Jordan, as you had before, and became the heir to the grace of God which worked within you. Thus, with the mantle of your mercy do protect us also from every misfortune and evil circumstance, that with thanksgiving we may cry out to God: <b>Alleluia!</b></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk7SbB8CQpSj3OKnVp5ZNbnznHCaYywtVsJGJYUJbtNqPkHSjRhVfdYfqpicyzdNkgmn7sGEBPY9sdizCEaFPoGeouoJbeAERO5rg6GkxAm6d2-vOI-JMa6ph78r3bhIQZDSUEeJBWjw/s1400/%25CE%2597%25CE%25BB%25CE%25B9%25CC%2581%25CE%25B1%25CF%25824.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1400" data-original-width="1158" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk7SbB8CQpSj3OKnVp5ZNbnznHCaYywtVsJGJYUJbtNqPkHSjRhVfdYfqpicyzdNkgmn7sGEBPY9sdizCEaFPoGeouoJbeAERO5rg6GkxAm6d2-vOI-JMa6ph78r3bhIQZDSUEeJBWjw/w331-h400/%25CE%2597%25CE%25BB%25CE%25B9%25CC%2581%25CE%25B1%25CF%25824.jpg" width="331" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><b>The ascent of the Holy Prophet Elias in the fiery chariot </b>(<a href="https://naosagiasbarbaras.gr/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Ηλίας4.jpg">source</a>)</i></div><p></p><p><b>Ikos 11</b></p><p>A radiant beacon were you in Israel, O all-praised prophet, shining forth in your wisdom and your life, which equaled that of the angels and yet, more with your extraordinary zeal for God and with most glorious miracles, illumining the people with true knowledge of God and driving away the gloom of idolatry. Wherefore, we dedicate hymns of praise to you, singing:</p><p>~Rejoice, bright star that has illumined the entire universe with your radiance!</p><p>~Rejoice, luminous lamp, ever burning and casting light upon those that sit in darkness!</p><p>~Rejoice, you who were enlightened with the spirit of wisdom and understanding, and were full of the spirit of counsel and might!</p><p>~Rejoice, you who were illumined with the spirit of knowledge and piety and were watered with the spirit of the fear of God!</p><p>~Rejoice, you who were adorned with lofty virtues and most glorious miracles!</p><p>~Rejoice, for you did fulfil the judgments of God on earth, and did anoint prophets and kings!</p><p><b><i>~Rejoice, O Elijah, great prophet of God, Glorious forerunner of the Second Coming of Christ!</i></b></p><p><b>Kontakion 12</b></p><p>Great grace was given you by God, O all-praised prophet, for in your earthly life you did prophesy and did work wondrous miracles, and then you were in your flesh caught up to heaven. And after you were caught up, you did wondrously stand on Tabor before the Transfigured Lord and did converse with Him; and even until this day, you do not cease to work wonders and to pour forth mercy and healing upon them that ardently honor you, faithfully chanting to God: <b>Alleluia!</b></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz_0kuk_kYBC-1jdTkZaW6mRGf4f38iJlGNYCvcs36LwpiMiZ-opjVi1163hkgynlLOlWAzKwRtPhHvnZ0WdQN_-HkGjgyTANrMoxtzstZuqOFXanQ6s_oTjWVIWDmx2uy4MNCBEJ9UA/s2048/0d8bd4d80043454848c5b40b184ccb0b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1559" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz_0kuk_kYBC-1jdTkZaW6mRGf4f38iJlGNYCvcs36LwpiMiZ-opjVi1163hkgynlLOlWAzKwRtPhHvnZ0WdQN_-HkGjgyTANrMoxtzstZuqOFXanQ6s_oTjWVIWDmx2uy4MNCBEJ9UA/w305-h400/0d8bd4d80043454848c5b40b184ccb0b.jpg" width="305" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><b>The Holy Prophet Elias</b> (<a href="https://i.pinimg.com/originals/0d/8b/d4/0d8bd4d80043454848c5b40b184ccb0b.jpg">source</a>)</i></div><p></p><p><b>Ikos 12</b></p><p>Hymning your flaming zeal for God and your life, which equaled that of the angels, and your marvelous and most glorious wonders and the Lord’s surpassing good pleasure toward you, we praise you, O Elijah, prophet of great renown. Yet, unable fittingly to describe your greatness and glory, with compunction we cry to you such things as these:</p><p>~Rejoice, ark of divine glory and most honored temple of the all-holy Trinity!</p><p>~Rejoice, ever-burning lamp of the Churches, and fragrant blossom of the paradise of God!</p><p>~Rejoice, guide of pious desert-dwellers and instructor and strengthener of virgins!</p><p>~Rejoice, for you rouse sinners to repentance, and by your intercession do obtain everlasting life for the whole human race!</p><p>~Rejoice, for you delight yourself in the holy splendors of ineffable glory, and ever glorify the Lord!</p><p>~Rejoice, for at the end of time you will work great signs and wonders for the confirmation of the people in the true Faith, and for the denunciation of Antichrist!</p><p><b><i>~Rejoice, O Elijah, great prophet of God, Glorious forerunner of the Second Coming of Christ!</i></b></p><p><b>Kontakion 13</b></p><p>O most wondrous and most glorious Elijah, prophet of God, great zealot of God, who from God send down both fruitfulness and barrenness upon the earth: hear this modest prayer which we reverently offer you, and by your fervent intercession before the Lord preserve us from drought, famine, and deadly pestilence; and grant us seasonable weather and an abundance of fruit, and a spirit of true faith and piety, that, delivered from eternal torment, we may be granted the blessedness of paradise, chanting unto God: <b>Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia! (Thrice)</b></p><p><b>Ikos 1 and Kontakion 1 are repeated.</b></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-v65D-wYzf_EPaFpRcm74WR34TSqkqkiC-jpInqxp1s-WvzQpqFExjKLzViZ5D-TJP0XbUxch5KWDtKIdoZ0cuxTeLQo1Z1pPus3vc8vV7EiprHtmr5UhavqszF2VVYkfztPfeC6sQQ/s512/unnamed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="512" data-original-width="312" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-v65D-wYzf_EPaFpRcm74WR34TSqkqkiC-jpInqxp1s-WvzQpqFExjKLzViZ5D-TJP0XbUxch5KWDtKIdoZ0cuxTeLQo1Z1pPus3vc8vV7EiprHtmr5UhavqszF2VVYkfztPfeC6sQQ/w244-h400/unnamed.jpg" width="244" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><b>The Holy Prophet Elias</b> (<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEjtZf4Pp47kzoY8e5OKG-Iv_oE6Xs2lLSo82cfFJ77D5jsccDXe9HlIXWlo9cIEC0FB6-iRsLw0SU9yf3vD01gEouj8FWZxgghWaeJFMbUF7XB6BKdNIE_EdJ-Vtf67_L7Hrucmw3BfSaCj5IadRBna9do3AMDoW-p-UEhE9UD6S0moG-yNW71Ek7ueQTQi=">source</a>)</i></div><p></p><p><b>Prayer to Holy Elijah, Glorious Prophet of God</b></p><p>O all-laudable and most wondrous Elijah, prophet of God, who in your life, which equaled that of the angels, shone forth upon the earth with flaming zeal for the Lord God Almighty, and yet more with most glorious signs and wonders; and then, in accordance with God’s extreme good pleasure in your regard, was supernaturally caught up to heaven in your flesh on a fiery chariot, was granted to converse on Tabor with the Transfigured Savior of the world, and now ever abide in the mansions of paradise, and stand before the throne of the Heavenly King: hear us, who are sinful and unprofitable, who at this hour stand before your holy icon and earnestly have recourse to your mediation. Entreat God, who love mankind, on our behalf, that He grant unto us the spirit of repentance and contrition for our sin and help us with His all-powerful grace to depart from our ways of impiety and to prosper in every good work; that He strengthen us in the battle with our passions and lusts; that He implant in our hearts the spirit of humility and meekness, the spirit of brotherly love and absence of guile, the spirit of patience and chastity, the spirit of zeal for the glory of God and for the salvation of our neighbor. By your supplications, O prophet, set at nothing the evil ways of the world and, moreover, the pernicious and destructive spirit of this age, which afflicts the Christian race with irreverence for the divine Orthodox Faith, for the order of the Holy Church and for the commandments of the Lord, and with disrespect for parents and the ruling authorities, and cast the people down into the abys of impiety, subversion and perdition. By your intercession, O most wondrous prophet, turn away the righteous wrath of God from us, and deliver all the cities and villages of our land from drought and famine, from fearsome tempests and earthquakes, from deadly plagues and pestilence, from the incursion of enemies and from evil strife. By your supplications, O most glorious one, strengthen our civil authorities in the great and burdensome task of governing the nation, and make them prosper in all good works and undertakings which lead to the establishment of peace and justice in our land. Aid our military forces in battle against the enemy. O prophet of God, beseech the Lord that He grant: our pastors—holy zeal for God, heartfelt concern for the salvation of their flock, wisdom in teaching and correction, piety and strength amid temptations; our judges—impartiality and detachment; the oppressed—justice and sympathy; all in authority—concern for those that are governed, mercy and justice; the governed—obedience to the authorities and ready fulfillment of their obligations, that living in this age in peace and piety, we may thus be granted to partake of the eternal blessings in the Kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, to Whom is due glory, honor and worship, with His Un-originate Father and with the All-Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.</p><p>(<a href="https://holyprophetelijahonmountcarmel.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Akathist-to-St.-Elijah-ENGLISH.pdf">source</a>)</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEXm4OCor0iANFlwPn3blE9uwV3-2yoP3GKg9OnQCRsbF8C7Eculw0dwDGX1TH42obz1nqn2iE-VPiEnhEpTwgAQPsc4E7LJADGJIOg3NvCL5cKB84k8wTDnwqXtMxp_3v-BbCdeCnhg/s2015/6e7e28a0888cb4fc09378788a1073748.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2015" data-original-width="1043" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEXm4OCor0iANFlwPn3blE9uwV3-2yoP3GKg9OnQCRsbF8C7Eculw0dwDGX1TH42obz1nqn2iE-VPiEnhEpTwgAQPsc4E7LJADGJIOg3NvCL5cKB84k8wTDnwqXtMxp_3v-BbCdeCnhg/w208-h400/6e7e28a0888cb4fc09378788a1073748.jpg" width="208" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><b>Holy Prophet Elias</b> (<a href="https://i.pinimg.com/originals/6e/7e/28/6e7e28a0888cb4fc09378788a1073748.jpg">source</a>)</i></div><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Through the prayers our Holy Fathers, Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy on us and save us! Amen!</i></b></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4990141932888502187.post-79589425354584515842021-01-06T11:00:00.003-08:002021-01-06T11:00:36.461-08:00Homily on Theophany by St. Luke of Simferopol<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blog.obitel-minsk.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/89.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="522" data-original-width="640" height="326" src="https://blog.obitel-minsk.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/89.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>The Baptism of Christ, the Great Feast of Theophany (<a href="https://blog.obitel-minsk.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/89.jpg">Source</a>)</i></div><p><b><i>Homily on Theophany by St. Luke of Simferopol</i></b></p><p>The Gospel reading of Theophany provides a word of Christ of great importance. And on this I wish now to turn your attention for a bit.</p><p>This great event of the Theophany of the Lord was preceded by the preaching on the banks of the Jordan River by John, the Forerunner of the Lord, the greatest among those born of women. His fiery preaching of repentance, for which he prepared beforehand for twenty years in the desert of Judea, attracted to him a great multitude of people. The fiery word of his preaching set ablaze the hearts of men, whom he baptized in the waters of the Jordan to purify their sins.</p><p>But on that great day, to his great astonishment, among the others who were coming to be baptized was Him Who he had never seen, but was Him Whom he revealed would come to baptize him with the Holy Spirit. And having fallen at His feet, he told Him with reverence: "I have need to be baptized by You, and You come to me?" (Matthew 3:14)</p><p>We, hope are truly baptized by the Holy Spirit and fire, could not understand why the sinless Son of God went to His servant John and asked to be baptized by him with the baptism of repentance, in order for Him to be loosened from sins that He did not possess, if Christ had not responded to the question of the Forerunner in this way: "Let it be so, for thus we will fulfill all righteousness." (Matthew 3:15)</p><p>O, our Lord! We venerate You and Your Forerunner, and we thank You from the depths of our hearts for teaching us to respect and honor "all righteousness", and to hate any type of injustice, for this comes from the devil. Every righteousness, even the most insignificant righteous act, is blessed by God. You received baptism from John in the Jordan River for the remission of sins, because You wished to fulfill whatever was seen beforehand in the plan of God. The descent into the waters of the Jordan served as a seal of repentance for those who were coming to be baptized. For repentance from one's whole heart in those who received the baptism of John, received from God remission of their sins...</p><p>Therefore, the baptism of John was righteous. Our Savior was not speaking only about this righteousness to John, however, in order to silence him and to answer his question, but He was speaking about every righteousness, in other words, regarding the plan of God. With His Divine Word, He sanctified and blessed every truth and simultaneously condemned every injustice.</p><p>Think, my beloved, people of the spirit as myself, communicants of the little flock of Christ, how much injustice exists in the word! What a great sin is war, when the faithful, and especially Christian people kill each other! If the murder even of one person is punished by death in many peoples, then, how much will our Lord punish those who have led the murder of tens of millions of people?! Any sin is injustice, and war is the greatest injustice, which we all must despise...</p><p>The Baptism of our Lord has for us an exalted meaning as well, for we have the revelation of the Holy Trinity. At the instant when the Lord stood up from the water, from Heaven was heard the voice of God the Father, Which bore witness to the Son, saying: "This is my beloved Son, in Whom I am well-pleased." (Matthew 3:17) And the Holy Spirit "in the form of a dove", descended from Heaven upon the head of the Pre-eternal Son of God. This Theophany has great importance, as it is also called besides the Baptism of the Lord. He Himself, the tri-hypostatic God, revealed the divinity of His Second Person, of the incarnate Word of God. God--Father and Holy Spirit as well--were revealed as well to mankind together with the Savior of the race of men...</p><p>O, Son of God! O, our Savior, Lord Jesus Christ! To Your works of love, to Your countless wonders, please do another wonder: draw close with Your right hand to my stony heart and turn it to a "heart of flesh". Amen.</p><p><b><i>-From the Words and Homilies of St. Luke of Simferopol, Vol. II., Published by Orthodox Kypseli</i></b></p><p><em><span style="color: purple;">(<a href="https://iconandlight.wordpress.com/2019/01/05/%CE%BA%CF%8D%CF%81%CE%B9%CE%B5-%CE%B9%CE%B7%CF%83%CE%BF%CF%8D-%CF%87%CF%81%CE%B9%CF%83%CF%84%CE%AD-%CE%AC%CE%B3%CE%B3%CE%B9%CE%BE%CE%B5-%CE%BC%CE%B5-%CF%84%CE%B7%CE%BD-%CE%B4%CE%B5%CE%BE%CE%B9%CE%AC/">source</a>)</span></em></p><h4 style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://iconandlight.wordpress.com/2015/01/04/5477/%CE%98%CE%B5%CE%BF%CF%86%CE%AC%CE%BD%CE%B5%CE%B9%CE%B1_%20Theophany_%D0%91%D0%BE%D0%B3%D0%BE%D1%8F%D0%B2%D0%BB%D0%B5%CC%81%D0%BD%D0%B8%D0%B5-%D0%A2%D0%B5%D0%BE%D1%84%D0%B0%CC%81%D0%BD%D0%B8%D1%8F_Teofan%C3%ADa_%E1%83%9C%E1%83%90%E1%83%97%E1%83%9A%E1%83%98%E1%83%A1%E1%83%A6%E1%83%94%E1%83%91%E1%83%90_Boboteaza"></a></h4><div><em><span style="color: purple;"> </span></em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em><span style="color: purple;"><b>Through the prayers of our Holy Fathers, Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy on us and save us! Amen!</b></span></em></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4990141932888502187.post-90751249160342056502020-12-28T02:08:00.000-08:002020-12-28T02:08:07.029-08:00St. Ephraim of Katounakia on the Humble Simplicity of the Cave of Bethlehem<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzOtJnti0awLy89v2foxbqvMQKYc0Eymrjj-FfXcwTOg3FLfBfxDD0bY5JGF6MGRP8Iy3R7dMP1AZH5vLIGC-u-FQYNc5cxSKM45_wM1vtDTe2DP71Xntw2TFabmG8jcL3EMsNCraRmg/s429/nativity-mary-christ.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="429" data-original-width="315" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzOtJnti0awLy89v2foxbqvMQKYc0Eymrjj-FfXcwTOg3FLfBfxDD0bY5JGF6MGRP8Iy3R7dMP1AZH5vLIGC-u-FQYNc5cxSKM45_wM1vtDTe2DP71Xntw2TFabmG8jcL3EMsNCraRmg/w294-h400/nativity-mary-christ.jpg" width="294" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><b>Christ's Nativity in the humble Cave of Bethlehem</b> (<a href="https://www.goarch.org/documents/32058/2133293/nativity-mary-christ.jpg">source</a>)</i></div><p>"I remember," said St. Ephraim of Katounakia, "that I was astonished by everywhere in the Holy Lands, but when I went to the Cave of Bethlehem, there, my heart was broken! It was torn into a thousand pieces! And I said, 'how was God born in this place, in this cave, without any consolation, like one thrown out of the city? This God Who could make anything for Himself, but, without complaint, far from every worldly comfort, during the night (and the coldest night of the year), the longest night of the year, in a totally abandoned place, He Who created everything--Heaven and Earth--He was born in this place!</p><p>"And when I returned [to his cell on Mount Athos], I entered in and saw my blankets (what blankets did He have?), and I saw what I had, and I was ashamed, and said: 'If God was born in that cave, how could I need all of these things?' I saw pots and pans..."</p><p>Metropolitan Athanasios of Lemesou, who was relating the story, comments that: "If I were to describe his pots...not even our dogs would eat from them! And if I could describe his bed...not even our pigs would we put in them!</p><p>"But, he perceived his place to be a luxury, over the top. And from then on, when they would tell him: "Elder, your cell is small." He would reply: "God was born in a cave. If I thought of God's cave, well then, what could I say regarding my own?"</p><p>(<a href="http://apantaortodoxias.blogspot.com/2020/12/blog-post_380.html">source</a>)</p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Through the prayers of our Holy Fathers, Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy on us and save us! Amen!</i></b></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4990141932888502187.post-54505592778913420112020-12-25T05:27:00.001-08:002020-12-25T05:27:05.050-08:00"Come, O faithful, let us see where Christ is born..."<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><i> Christ is born! Glorify Him!</i></b></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzWEw4CiAtNj1wN6uUJtwQfB7ugUQ86gvmqVH06NfcDqHNR4lzAIuh_ZD4ONhzn31LK5GLXRKbdDXwLzgERv_lYPGmyG7Uitwj-uC4JDZrGAOJ_sgkDpe_8dsJdOn3OMuEeEaw6vqZAA/s1206/dcafc76d72bb03f1f327859db8150891.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="684" data-original-width="1206" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzWEw4CiAtNj1wN6uUJtwQfB7ugUQ86gvmqVH06NfcDqHNR4lzAIuh_ZD4ONhzn31LK5GLXRKbdDXwLzgERv_lYPGmyG7Uitwj-uC4JDZrGAOJ_sgkDpe_8dsJdOn3OMuEeEaw6vqZAA/w400-h226/dcafc76d72bb03f1f327859db8150891.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><b>The Nativity of Christ</b> (<a href="https://i.pinimg.com/originals/dc/af/c7/dcafc76d72bb03f1f327859db8150891.jpg">source</a>)</i></div><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Come, O faithful, let us see where Christ is born, let us follow therefore, where the star is leading, together with the Magi, the Kings of the East. Angels ceaselessly hymn there, Shepherds offer their wonder and a worthy hymn, saying "Glory in the highest to Him Who is born today in the Cave from the Virgin and Theotokos, in Bethlehem of Judea.</span></p><p><b><span style="font-size: large;">-Kathisma from Matins for the Nativity of Christ</span></b></p><p>(<a href="http://glt.goarch.org/texts/Dec/Dec25.html">source</a>)</p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Through the prayers of our Holy Fathers, Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy on us and save us! Amen!</i></b></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4990141932888502187.post-30459780075417303262020-12-17T13:14:00.001-08:002020-12-17T13:14:07.395-08:00"Called to the Great Banquet of the Kingdom of God", sermon by Metropolitan Nicholas of Mesogaia<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/xSKZuPe47e0" width="320" youtube-src-id="xSKZuPe47e0"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>"Called to the Great Banquet of the Kingdom of God", sermon by Metropolitan Nicholas of Mesogaia, with English subtitles (<a href="https://youtu.be/xSKZuPe47e0">source</a>)</i></b></div><b><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span></div><i><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Through the prayers of our Holy Fathers, Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy on us and save us! Amen!</i></b></div></i></b><p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4990141932888502187.post-48399868343532380992020-12-17T10:51:00.002-08:002020-12-17T10:51:23.039-08:00Akathist to St. Anastasia Pharmakolytria (The Deliverer from Potions)<p><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkosiqqX6ZoZAphAZW4Bl63S9_aMQH-gfXkkVW9Rocthvj5EjVIqh2yiem8kgqYLcNv2LSWwXKumnKZUgxuZAeRbR7MVluTMYehzINOSBQucFV5sEGSQFH2PriPQtodNVkeAPfLofWWg/s1016/276954_1539263686-850x550_width_50.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1016" data-original-width="850" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkosiqqX6ZoZAphAZW4Bl63S9_aMQH-gfXkkVW9Rocthvj5EjVIqh2yiem8kgqYLcNv2LSWwXKumnKZUgxuZAeRbR7MVluTMYehzINOSBQucFV5sEGSQFH2PriPQtodNVkeAPfLofWWg/w335-h400/276954_1539263686-850x550_width_50.jpg" width="335" /></a></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>St. Anastasia the Great Martyr and Pharmakolytria (The Deliverer from Potions) (<a href="https://veryimportantlot.com/cache/lot/121675/276954_1539263686-850x550_width_50.jpg?_=1539263686">source</a>)</i></b></div><p></p><p><b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Akathist to St. Anastasia Pharmakolytria (The Deliverer from Potions)</span></b></p><p><b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Note: The service below is a translation found online from the Russian text. I edited it for grammar and readability, but without having knowledge of Russian or access to that text, there may some significant changes compared to the original text. May the Saint bless, protect and heal all those who are suffering throughout the world!</i></span></b></p><h3><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Troparion, Tone 4</span></h3><h3><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">The true namesake of the victorious Resurrection are you called, O martyr of Christ, who were victorious over your enemies with patience, on behalf of Christ, your Bridegroom, Whom you loved, pray to save our souls.</span></p></h3><h3><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Kontakion, Tone 2</span></h3><h3><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">Those who are amidst the temptations and sorrows of life hasten to your temple, and are granted gifts from the Divine grace that lives in you, O Anastasia: do grant speedy healing for the world.</span></p></h3><p><b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Kontakion 1</span></b></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">To the chosen s</span>aint of Christ, the all-blessed Great Martyr Anastasia, we bring praiseworthy singing, as she who has much boldness to the Lord, deliver from all troubles, sorrows and illnesses, the faithful who cry out freely with love: <i>Alleluia.</i><br /></p><p><b>Ikos 1</b></p><p>You have become like an angel with a pure mind, having had your mind upon Him, Who is the Creator of all visible and invisible creation, eternal from the beginning and the One desired by all the righteous; we, praising your wise teaching from the holy martyr Chrysogonus, cry out with love: <br /> Rejoice, you who loved the faith of Christ;</p><p>Rejoice, you who followed the piety of your mother Fausta.</p><p>Rejoice, you who preserved the purity of your virginity;</p><p>rejoice, you who were always guarded invisibly by the angels.</p><p>Rejoice, for you have drawn near to God by your purity; <br /><i> Rejoice, all-blessed Great Martyr Anastasia, holy visitor and intercessor for our souls in prison.</i></p><p><b>Kontakion 2</b></p><p>Saint Anastasia, beholding the many Christians suffering in dungeons for the name and teachings of Jesus Christ, began to serve them with zeal, but was helped by God to comfort and heal them, singing with reverence: <i>Alleluia.</i></p><p><b>Ikos 2</b></p><p>O godly-wise Anastasia, you reasoned that this whole world is passing vanity and corruption, and for this, you despised precious clothing and possessions, and secretly clothed beggars, entering the dungeons to serve as a confessor of Christ; we follow her in our minds, and we appeal to her with love: <br /> Rejoice, imitator of Christ;</p><p>Rejoice, visitor of prisoners in the dungeon.</p><p>Rejoice, consoler of the confessors of Christ;</p><p>Rejoice, you who have spent your gold and silver on them.</p><p>Rejoice, by them who have acquired the Kingdom of Heaven;</p><p>Rejoice, you who washed the hands and feet of the saints and cleaned their hair.</p><p>Rejoice, you who healed their ills and honestly buried their bodies; <br /></p><p><i>Rejoice, all-blessed Great Martyr Anastasia, holy visitor and intercessor for our souls in prison.</i></p><p><b>Kontakion 3</b></p><p>Strengthened by power from above, holy martyr, you blessedly served the saints, and shamed the hater of every virtue the devil, enduring enslavement from your impious husband; we, praising your goodness, Anastasia, sing along with you: <i>Alleluia.</i></p><p><b>Ikos 3</b></p><p>Have great love in the Lord for all who suffer for the Name of Christ in dungeons; we, marveling at her courage, crying to her: <br /> Rejoice, chosen bride of Christ;</p><p>Rejoice, diligent keeper of the commandments of Christ.</p><p>Rejoice, for you have fulfilled this not in words alone, but in deeds;</p><p>Rejoice, you who were ready to lay down your life for your friends.</p><p>Rejoice, for you have received much bitterness for Christ;</p><p>Rejoice, for you have become like a strong diamond through your patience. <br /></p><p><i>Rejoice, all-blessed Great Martyr Anastasia, holy visitor and intercessor for our souls in prison.</i></p><p><b>Kontakion 4</b></p><p>Your husband held you like a captive and a slave, O Saint Anastasia, and raised up a storm of fury against you, as an impious tormentor; we, remembering the bitterness from him and your suffering, sing to the Lord who strengthened you:<i> Alleluia.</i></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj62Wsr7gNaOEPyaslJG-1RV7Ao9Id6q0aZJeigBT-muh1ovEeMpkw9BNJTqSddmt_0qrN1HjYZWrHo__BUwK6MEtSwQDyq0HjMESO6kE8ZSjz9BvNvL9fZn_KuRkR1cAkILSe4z-WYwg/s1566/DvO09Q7U0AAujqi.jpg-large.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1566" data-original-width="1335" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj62Wsr7gNaOEPyaslJG-1RV7Ao9Id6q0aZJeigBT-muh1ovEeMpkw9BNJTqSddmt_0qrN1HjYZWrHo__BUwK6MEtSwQDyq0HjMESO6kE8ZSjz9BvNvL9fZn_KuRkR1cAkILSe4z-WYwg/w341-h400/DvO09Q7U0AAujqi.jpg-large.jpg" width="341" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><b>St. Anastasia Pharmakolytria</b> (<a href="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DvO09Q7U0AAujqi.jpg:large">source</a>)</i></div><p></p><p><b>Ikos 4</b></p><p>Hearing, O Blessed Anastasia, that your holy teacher Chrysogonus had endured much for Christ, you followed him with your sufferings and secretly sung to him: "Teacher, I will die with you, and nothing else remains, if you let go of the spirit, I will fall dead beside you." We, wondering at your patience, say these things: <br /> Rejoice, you who did not spare your honest flesh;</p><p>rejoice, you who spent days and nights at the feet of Christ.</p><p>Rejoice, you who wished to spend your wealth on God for the sake of the poor;</p><p>Rejoice, the one who works wisely.</p><p>Rejoice, one who has the care of those who suffer in bonds;</p><p>Rejoice, you who entered the Heavenly mansion eternally. <br /></p><p><i>Rejoice, all-blessed Great Martyr Anastasia, holy visitor and intercessor for our souls in prison.</i></p><p><b>Kontakion 5</b></p><p>Like a godly star you appeared in the land of Rome, O great martyr Anastasia, and you visit those who suffer for Christ in dungeons and in their hearts confirm their faith, but they ever cry with you to God, the Savior of all: <i>Alleluia.</i></p><p><b> Ikos 5</b></p><p>Seeing your God-bearing teacher Chrysogonus in persecution by this world, you commanded yourself, like the Prophet [David], to cry out: "Why are you downcast? Trust in God." (Psalm 43) we, remembering your grief and sorrow for your teacher, call out to you: </p><p> Rejoice, you who have placed all your trust in the Lord;</p><p>Rejoice, you who endured the oppression of the earthly kingdom for the sake of the Heavenly.</p><p>Rejoice, through your purity, you have been honored to live in heaven with the Angels;</p><p>Rejoice, you who draw near to God through your sorrows.</p><p>Rejoice, for through your prayers you deliver us from many sorrows;</p><p>Rejoice, for by your intercessions you free from temptations. <br /></p><p><i>Rejoice, all-blessed Great Martyr Anastasia, holy visitor and intercessor for our souls in prison.</i></p><p><b>Kontakion 6</b></p><p>The whole Christian world preaches your honest exploits, Great Martyr Anastasia, and glorifies your sufferings, praises your martyrdom and sings to God: <i>Alleluia.</i></p><p><b> Ikos 6</b></p><p>You shone greater than the sun with your virtues in the great city of Rome, when the prediction of your teacher, Holy Chrysogonus, about the death of your godless husband was fulfilled. Freed by God, you began to care for the martyrs of Christ with increasing zeal; we, looking with love at your deeds, say to you these things: <br /> Rejoice, zealous helper for the suffering;</p><p>Rejoice, you who comforted the friends of Christ with divine words.</p><p>Rejoice, who had great care for the three virgins: Agapia, Chionia and Irene;</p><p>Rejoice, for you have strengthened those for the trial of martyrdom.</p><p>Rejoice, you who bore grief in your mind;</p><p>Rejoice, you who made your heart a dwelling place for the Holy Spirit.</p><p>Rejoice, you who were completely consumed by the fire of love for God;</p><p>Rejoice, for through your blood you have found His heavenly mansion.</p><p>Rejoice, for you have brought down the enemy of salvation through your courage; <br /></p><p><i>Rejoice, all-blessed Great Martyr Anastasia, holy visitor and intercessor for our souls in prison.</i></p><p><b>Kontakion 7</b></p><p>The desire of holy Chrysogonus, the martyr, to die for Christ, was fulfilled with God's Providence: when you saw the honest relics of your passion-bearer teacher, kissing them kindly, you cried, from the depths of your soul you offered a song to God: <i>Alleluia.</i></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjasH5XUV3fZ0C7NPjVCslY4jVHVv4DUHMZ8pVyqn2Vpnp7uARa4ANR7wJVl-OQf5VoR15SybpipXY53iVtUGUdSqlkSwsFqHNgSLnHI6RFfkLlta9NHtAHUs_OdvMj5NW6DjLduTNpJQ/s1024/f9409f85cf3cfb95f6079a695e72fcf9.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="850" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjasH5XUV3fZ0C7NPjVCslY4jVHVv4DUHMZ8pVyqn2Vpnp7uARa4ANR7wJVl-OQf5VoR15SybpipXY53iVtUGUdSqlkSwsFqHNgSLnHI6RFfkLlta9NHtAHUs_OdvMj5NW6DjLduTNpJQ/w333-h400/f9409f85cf3cfb95f6079a695e72fcf9.jpg" width="333" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><b>St. Anastasia Pharmakolytria</b> (<a href="https://i.pinimg.com/originals/f9/40/9f/f9409f85cf3cfb95f6079a695e72fcf9.jpg">source</a>)</i></div><p></p><p><b>Ikos 7</b></p><p>Our Lord has given you a new grace and power, when you had perceived a calling to pass from city to city, visiting those sitting in chains. We, following your wandering, sweetly cry to you: <br /> Rejoice, follower of the footsteps of Christ;</p><p>rejoice, servant of many saints.</p><p>Rejoice, you who were taken aback by Christ's purity;</p><p>Rejoice, glorified great martyr.</p><p>Rejoice, icon of your name-sake;</p><p>Rejoice, free cleansing of the faithful through your gold from the bonds of prison.</p><p>Rejoice, through your prayers you deliver us from the bonds of sinfulness;</p><p>Rejoice, you who sends forth healing to the sick.</p><p>Rejoice, for you raise up those near death by God's command; <br /></p><p><i>Rejoice, all-blessed Great Martyr Anastasia, holy visitor and intercessor for our souls in prison.</i></p><p><b>Kontakion 8</b></p><p>Your wandering with the holy martyr Theodota was a gift for many: for the sick the gift of healing, for many who have died, you prepared burial, for those living, the strengthening of deeds of virtue; make us worthy, we who are unworthy, O saint, through your prayers, to chant with our reason to God: <i>Alleluia.</i></p><p><b> Ikos 8</b></p><p>All the rooms of the dungeon were filled with your much weeping and wailing, when you came early according to your custom and did not greet even one prisoner, because that night, for the name of Christ, all those who were set aside by the command of the evil king, were all given death; we, remembering your grief for God's friends, cry out like this: <br /> Rejoice, for you diligently searched for the servants of Christ in the dungeons;</p><p>rejoice, servant who found those in the Heavenly mansion.</p><p>Rejoice, you who had taken up the Lord's Cross with love on her body;</p><p>Rejoice, you who were honored everywhere to see the stripes of the Lord Almighty with intelligent eyes.</p><p>Rejoice, for through your love for your neighbors, you have acquired great boldness towards God; <br /></p><p><i>Rejoice, all-blessed Great Martyr Anastasia, holy visitor and intercessor for our souls in prison.</i></p><p><b>Kontakion 9</b></p><p>Though you were threatened with wicked torture, O invincible passion-bearer, for denying the idols, you fearlessly cried out to them: "I am the servant of Christ, and I sing to Him day and night: <i>Alleluia."</i></p><p><b>Ikos 9</b></p><p>The chief priest of the idols has spoken with you, that with flattery he might catch your holy soul; But you, having learned of all the cunning of the enemy, shamed the tormentor and transformed all evil to good, unquestioningly gazing at the instruments of torment and all the tortures; we, marveling at your courage, cry out with tender voices: <br /> Rejoice, you who voluntarily left this whole, fleeting world;</p><p>rejoice, you who longed to receive various torments for Christ.</p><p>Rejoice, for you had chosen to go unto death with love;</p><p>Rejoice, for you astonished the tormentors with your patience.</p><p>Rejoice, for you have adorned the Church of Christ with your sufferings;</p><p>rejoice, you who trampled the demons under your feet. <br /></p><p><i>Rejoice, all-blessed Great Martyr Anastasia, holy visitor and intercessor for our souls in prison.</i></p><p><b>Kontakion 10</b></p><p>Save all the people who desire you, help them with your prayers before the Lord, O great martyr, and ask for remission of the sins of those who honor your suffering, and who cry out with you: <i>Alleluia.</i></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9irTglzDjiun87hTVH0ZmEwUkpL8xFabfNexzoLb1x2mdSSOHXhdwv7ndNib26sTRIV9K3iMyZuPYZkk0MbVgIoQhLRUuOENNthTm4E2QZKFYb2JONN-I0pOlQBjb3utD7Joz3gYHgw/s2048/d19636934966546922b563e159647c8f.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1638" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9irTglzDjiun87hTVH0ZmEwUkpL8xFabfNexzoLb1x2mdSSOHXhdwv7ndNib26sTRIV9K3iMyZuPYZkk0MbVgIoQhLRUuOENNthTm4E2QZKFYb2JONN-I0pOlQBjb3utD7Joz3gYHgw/w320-h400/d19636934966546922b563e159647c8f.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><b>St. Anastasia Pharmakolytria</b> (<a href="https://i.pinimg.com/originals/d1/96/36/d19636934966546922b563e159647c8f.jpg">source</a>)</i></div><p></p><p><b>Ikos 10</b></p><p>Saint Anastasia, you loved the Heavenly King with all your heart, and were thrown into prison on behalf of the Sweetest Jesus, crawling with hunger and melting away with thirst, you were strengthened by prayer; we, glorifying your great suffering, chant unto her these things: <br /> Rejoice, follower of the passion of Christ;</p><p>rejoice, you who were adorned with victorious glory.</p><p>Rejoice, praise and glory of pious wives;</p><p>Rejoice, for you have transformed an earthly dungeon into the Heavenly Hall.</p><p>Rejoice, you who settled down there with the martyrs;</p><p>Rejoice, you who remember us by your prayer at the Throne of God.</p><p>Rejoice, speedy breaking of the bonds of sin;</p><p>Rejoice, you who drive away demons from people. <br /></p><p><i>Rejoice, all-blessed Great Martyr Anastasia, holy visitor and intercessor for our souls in prison.</i></p><p><b>Kontakion 11</b></p><p>We offer our all-heartfelt singing to you, glorifying your suffering for Christ, and we pray to you: holy passion-bearer, ask the merciful Lord for all people for health, longevity and victory over enemies. But to us, who praise your torments, give peace and salvation, as we sing unto God forever: <i>Alleluia.</i></p><p><b> Ikos 11</b></p><p>You followed with a bright and joyful face the suffering prepared for you by the tormentors, with a song with joy we cry out: <br /> Rejoice, you who didst endure drowning in the sea by God's might;</p><p>Rejoice, you who were stretched out by your tormentors upon four pillars and thereby become like the Son of God Crucified on the Cross.</p><p>Rejoice, you who were burned with fire even unto death;</p><p>Rejoice, rich treasury of healings.</p><p>Rejoice, abundant vessel of the gifts of God;</p><p>rejoice, abundant performer of all good blessings.</p><p><i>Rejoice, all-blessed Great Martyr Anastasia, holy visitor and intercessor for our souls in prison.</i></p><p><b>Kontakion 12</b></p><p>Grace from above is sent down to all of us, flowing with love from the container of your relics, and we ask the Lord for forgiveness of our sins, and to those who are sick and suffering healing, and in thanksgiving, we all cry out God, Who is wondrous in the Saints: <i>Alleluia.</i></p><p><b>Ikos 12</b></p><p>Singing of the feats of your torments freely endured for Christ, we bow down to your sufferings, O great martyr, and we honor your holy death and pray to thee: extend your help from heaven to us also, living in the darkness of passions and temptations, crying to you: <br /> Rejoice, holy great martyr, who offered her body as a godly sacrifice in many different martyrdoms;</p><p>rejoice, dove, flying up to the Jerusalem on high.</p><p>Rejoice, pure and blameless bride of Christ;</p><p>Rejoice, spiritual censer, bringing incense to God for us.</p><p>Rejoice, for those who honor your memory and your sufferings have you as a mirror of the God-pleasing life;</p><p>Rejoice, you who speedily heal mental and bodily diseases.</p><p>Rejoice, bright image of life for all who hope to achieve a Christian end; <br /></p><p><i>Rejoice, all-blessed Great Martyr Anastasia, holy visitor and intercessor for our souls in prison.</i></p><p><b>Kontakion 13</b></p><p>O long-suffering and delightful, holy great martyr Anastasia! Receive our present little prayer from your unworthy servants, brought to you with love, and ask Christ God for the remission of our sinful bonds, and, through your prayers, may we escape God's wrath and eternal condemnation, and may we be rewarded in the Kingdom of Heaven with you forever, chanting to God: <i>Alleluia ...</i></p><p><i>(This kontakion is read three times, then ikos 1 and kontakion 1)</i></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja5zeRryYzl8b91rdnZv3dmteoi4MpPPRr99aA471tCxWdq2VpVkJ-R-81jrdONPge43B9HV4MEHAXnmnseYTvsON1dnBnGfCamgQ9QNvVFJLyrMmcI-2YXYY1LrY33m-4O3KYxTBr-g/s1200/unnamed.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="852" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja5zeRryYzl8b91rdnZv3dmteoi4MpPPRr99aA471tCxWdq2VpVkJ-R-81jrdONPge43B9HV4MEHAXnmnseYTvsON1dnBnGfCamgQ9QNvVFJLyrMmcI-2YXYY1LrY33m-4O3KYxTBr-g/w284-h400/unnamed.jpg" width="284" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><b>St. Anastasia Pharmakolytria </b>(<a href="https://lh5.ggpht.com/rviewlzdbEbVaiCvhv2kc7Q8GYWa9TOcV-BOQf5QyaSkKLxP34BD3MdazTI=s1200">source</a>)</i></div><p></p><p><b>Prayer to the Holy Great Martyr Anastasia</b></p><p>O long-suffering and wise great martyr of Christ Anastasia, you stand with your soul in heaven at the throne of the Lord, and on earth, by the grace given to you, you perform various healings. Look with mercy on the people who are coming and praying before your relics, asking for your help: stretch out your holy prayers to the Lord for us, and ask us for the remission of our sins, healing for the sick, for the grieving and needy aid; pray the Lord, that He may He give all of us a Christian end and a good answer to His Terrible Judgment, that we may be honored with you to glorify the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit forever and ever. Amen.</p><p>(<a href="https://sevded.ru/en/interery/akafist-velikomuchenice-anastasii-uzoreshitelnice-akafist/">source</a>)</p><p style="text-align: center;"><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiywonmcZHs9eJ1slzSXbAICqW_Q1W6VqKTfd5xQCCicVIgZ6l0TdjovLpngthhd1eSsvT5wLdkBvPfpU1ZQkHcnQ-Ckr__R7hyphenhyphen21wxAMBlxf6B-FQHDAqUEf340M49r0h1A7cS4xQK1A/s1000/B0056-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="842" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiywonmcZHs9eJ1slzSXbAICqW_Q1W6VqKTfd5xQCCicVIgZ6l0TdjovLpngthhd1eSsvT5wLdkBvPfpU1ZQkHcnQ-Ckr__R7hyphenhyphen21wxAMBlxf6B-FQHDAqUEf340M49r0h1A7cS4xQK1A/w336-h400/B0056-1.jpg" width="336" /></a></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>St. Anastasia Pharmakolytria (<a href="https://www.imiviron.gr/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/B0056-1.jpg">source</a>)</i></b></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Through the prayers of our Holy Fathers, Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy on us and save us! Amen!</i></b></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4990141932888502187.post-12929986840982675332020-12-16T11:09:00.005-08:002020-12-16T11:09:55.736-08:00Akathist to St. Mary Magdalene, the Equal-to-the-Apostles<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj32kmK61u9u8YEqFI1cSqnH7rY7ycTu_m7PHsme05uSViU62hsTN5QIMa0_gm88AE_gwnJV-2rwboshdaNNrBcFgBbDaDBkjehIMNVqW78dHD2NdGA4RrsIrSGb2JP2mmIDz5SWyvBlA/s1600/untitled2.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1198" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj32kmK61u9u8YEqFI1cSqnH7rY7ycTu_m7PHsme05uSViU62hsTN5QIMa0_gm88AE_gwnJV-2rwboshdaNNrBcFgBbDaDBkjehIMNVqW78dHD2NdGA4RrsIrSGb2JP2mmIDz5SWyvBlA/s400/untitled2.png" width="298" /></a></div>
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<em><strong>Christ appearing to St. Mary Magdalene after His Resurrection</strong> (</em><a href="https://iconreader.files.wordpress.com/2011/10/sacred-metochion-of-simonos-petras-the-convent-annunciation-of-the-theotokos-in-ormylia-chalkidik_1985.jpg" target="_blank"><em>source</em></a><em>)</em></div>
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<span style="color: red;">AKATHIST HYMN SAINT MARY MAGDALENE, EQUAL OF THE APOSTLES </span></div>
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<span style="color: red;">Whose Memory the Holy Church Celebrates on Aug. 4/July 22</span></div>
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<span style="color: red;"> Kontakion I</span></div>
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<span style="color: red;">P</span>repared by the Lord for a ministry equal to that of the apostles, O holy Mary Magdalene, thou didst follow after thy beloved Christ; wherefore, we lovingly praise thee with hymns. As thou hast great boldness before the Lord, by thy supplications deliver us from all manner of misfortunes, that we may ever cry out to thee with joy: <em>Rejoice, O holy Mary Magdalene, equal of the apostles, who loved the sweetest Lord Jesus more than all good things!</em></div>
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<span style="color: red;">Ikos I <br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: red;">T</span>he Creator of the angels and Lord of hosts, Who foreknew His good providence, chose thee, O holy myrrh-bearer, from the city of Magdala, freeing thee from the snares of the devil, and thereafter thou didst show thyself to be a faithful handmaid to the Lord, zealous for His glorification in thy life and ministry. And, marveling at God's dispensation concerning thee, we cry out to thee in compunction of heart: <br /></div>
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Rejoice, thou who wast called by the Son of God into His wondrous light out of the darkness of the devil; </div>
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Rejoice, thou who, through His grace, didst remain pure of body and spirit to the end!</div>
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Rejoice, thou who didst with purity utterly preserve thy heart and poverty of spirit; </div>
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Rejoice, thou who, first of all, wast counted worthy to behold the risen Christ! </div>
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Rejoice, Thou who didst thoroughly conquer the power of the enemy; </div>
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Rejoice, thou who hast shone forth in mighty faith and fervent love for Christ God! </div>
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Rejoice, thou who didst love Christ the Savior with all thy heart;</div>
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Rejoice, thou who didst serve Him faithfully even unto death!</div>
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Rejoice, thou whose soul was made new by grace;</div>
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Rejoice, thou who didst store the preaching of the Gospel in the treasury of thy heart! </div>
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Rejoice, thou who didst announce the news of the Resurrection unto the apostles; </div>
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Rejoice, thou who wast honored by conversation with an angel! </div>
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Rejoice, O holy Mary Magdalene, equal of the apostles, who loved the sweetest Lord Jesus more than all good things! </em></div>
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<span style="color: red;">Kontakion II <span style="color: red;"><br /></span></span></div>
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The holy Mary, beholding herself delivered from the seven cruel demons, cleaved unto Christ God, the Vanquisher of Hades, with all her heart, teaching all men to worship God, not with their lips alone, but with their whole life, and crying out to Him: <span style="color: red;">Alleluia! </span></div>
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<span style="color: red;">Ikos II</span></div>
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The human mind is at a loss, pondering how thou didst rise from such affliction to the summit of angelic life by the grace of Christ, O right laudable Mary Magdalene. Wherefore, having thee as our good intercessor, we entreat thee fervently: Deliver us from the abyss of sin, that with love we may cry out to thee such things as these: </div>
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Rejoice, thou who didst escape cruel enslavement to the demons; </div>
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Rejoice, thou who didst manifestly denounce the deception of the wicked spirits! </div>
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Rejoice, thou who hast taught all to have recourse to Christ God amid the assaults of the enemy; Rejoice, thou who urgest all not to despair amid great sorrow of soul!</div>
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Rejoice, thou who hast shown all sinners the way to holiness; </div>
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Rejoice, thou who didst recognize the omnipotent power of the grace of Christ! </div>
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Rejoice, good instructor in the offering of thanksgiving meet for God; </div>
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Rejoice, faithful teacher of the true praise of God! </div>
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Rejoice, thou who in thy life hast shown us the right path of this earthly course; rejoice, good helper of all sinners before God! </div>
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Rejoice, protectress of our souls from the deception of Satan;</div>
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Rejoice, O our fervent mediatress before Christ in all sorrow! </div>
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Rejoice, O holy Mary Magdalene, equal of the apostles, who loved the sweetest Lord Jesus more than all good things! </div>
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<span style="color: red;">Kontakion III </span></div>
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By the power of divine grace, as well as by thine own good volition, thou didst leave the house of thy father without regret, as did Abraham of old, and didst joyfully follow after Christ God; wherefore, we entreat thee, O glorious Mary, disciple of Christ: By thy supplications enlighten our hearts with love for God, that we may cry out to Him, now and forever: <span style="color: red;">Alleluia!</span> </div>
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<span style="color: red;">lkos III </span></div>
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Possessing the divinely bestowed power of wisdom, O Mary Magdalene, as a good disciple thou didst manfully reject the beautiful things of this world, and thou didst truly serve the Word Who impoverished Himself for us in His great lovingkindness. Wherefore, we cry out to thee with compunction: </div>
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Rejoice, good disciple of Christ; </div>
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Rejoice, instructor in true love for God! </div>
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Rejoice, thou who didst recognize well the vanity of this world; </div>
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Rejoice, thou who didst manfully spurn its joys! </div>
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Rejoice, thou who considered the beautiful things of the world to be as nought; </div>
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Rejoice, thou who before time pointed out the good path of life to the ranks of monastics! </div>
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Rejoice, thou who guidest all along the way to Christ God;</div>
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Rejoice, thou who didst leave thine earthly home to do works of compassion! </div>
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Rejoice, thou who hast found the lovingkindness of Christ here and in heaven; </div>
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Rejoice, for thereby thou hast attained unto everlasting blessedness! </div>
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Rejoice, O wise ewe-lamb who didst flee from evil wolves to Christ, the good Shepherd;</div>
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Rejoice, thou who hast entered into the fold of His reason-endowed sheep!</div>
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Rejoice, O holy Mary Magdalene, equal of the apostles, who loved the sweetest Lord Jesus more than all good things! </div>
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<span style="color: red;">Kontakion IV </span></div>
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The tempest of demonic rage assailed the temple of thy soul with great force, O holy Mary, but was unable to shake it utterly, for thou didst find salvation on the firm rock of the Faith of Christ; and standing thereon, O wise woman, thou teachest all to chant unto our All-good God the hymn: <span style="color: red;">Alleluia! </span></div>
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<em><strong>Christ appearing to St. Mary Magdalene after His Resurrection</strong> (</em><a href="https://tomperna.files.wordpress.com/2017/04/st-mary-magdalene-with-risen-christ-icon.jpg?w=640" target="_blank"><em>source</em></a><em>)</em></div>
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<span style="color: red;">Ikos IV </span></div>
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Hearing, O divinely wise Mary, that in following Christ thou didst find true gladness of heart, righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, we also strive for a place in the choir of those who have a share in His divine kingdom. And to thee, as an heir thereof who hast shown us the way to it, we all say such things as these:</div>
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Rejoice, thou who hast loved the heavenly sweetness of Jesus; </div>
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Rejoice, thou who hast found true life in Christ!</div>
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Rejoice, thou who by faith hast provided for . us an image thereof; </div>
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Rejoice, thou who now dwellest in the joy of heaven forever! </div>
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Rejoice, thou who ever tastest of the food of paradise; </div>
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Rejoice, thou who kindled within thy heart the fire of love for God! </div>
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Rejoice, faithful handmaiden of Christ God, beloved of Him; </div>
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Rejoice, earnest intercessor for us before God!</div>
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Rejoice, O our helper amid tribulations; rejoice, O our good and meek teacher! </div>
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Rejoice, all-honored habitation of the Holy Spirit; </div>
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Rejoice, flute whereby the music of His grace falleth upon our ears! </div>
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Rejoice, O holy Mary Magdalene, equal of the apostles, who loved the sweetest Lord Jesus more than all good things! </div>
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<span style="color: red;">Kontakion V</span> </div>
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Among the myrrh-bearing women thou wast shown to be a divinely guided star leading all to Christ, O glorious Mary. And now, standing with them continually before the Holy Trinity, by thy supplications cause us also to be admitted to their sacred choir, illumining the gloomy path of our life with thy light, that we may cry out to God with joy: <span style="color: red;">Alleluia!</span> </div>
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<span style="color: red;">Ikos V </span></div>
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Beholding Christ God hanging upon the Cross, O holy Mary, thou didst show wondrous courage; for many of His disciples deserted their Master. But as thy soul and mind were afire with His eternal divine teachings, thou didst surmount the weakness of thy female nature, and thus shared in the saving sufferings of Christ. Wherefore, seeing this thy valiant courage, we cry out to thee: </div>
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Rejoice, adornment and ornament of wise women; </div>
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Rejoice, goodly joy of all Christians! </div>
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Rejoice, thou who didst suffer with Christ God as He hung upon the Cross; </div>
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Rejoice, thou who hast shown us the path of steadfast love for Him! </div>
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Rejoice, thou who by such love hast obtained great boldness in intercession before God for us; </div>
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Rejoice, beauty and boast of women! </div>
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Rejoice, mighty refuge for Christians;</div>
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Rejoice, thou who art mightier than powerful men! </div>
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Rejoice, thou who art wiser than the wise of this world;</div>
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Rejoice, for God revealed to thee the mysteries of His wisdom! </div>
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Rejoice, for God the Word Himself taught thee true theology; </div>
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Rejoice, thou who didst love Christ God more than thine own life! </div>
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Rejoice, O Mary Magdalene, equal of the apostles, who loved the sweetest Lord Jesus more than all good things!</div>
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<span style="color: red;"> Kontakion VI </span></div>
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By Thy grace Thou healest the infirm and makest weak vessels strong, O Christ our King. For the myrrh-bearing women stood by Thy Cross and announced the grace of the Cross to all without fear; and the choirs of wise women, hastening to emulate the choirs of the angels, ever vigilantly cry out to the Holy Trinity: <span style="color: red;">Alleluia! </span></div>
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<span style="color: red;">Ikos VI</span> </div>
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Seeking to be illumined by the light of true knowledge of God, O wondrous Mary, when thou didst see God hanging upon the Cross, thou didst say, weeping: "How is it that our Light now accepteth a voluntary death?" And we, knowing of thy glorious enlightenment by the grace of the Holy Spirit, cry out to thee such things as these: </div>
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Rejoice, thou who didst weep over the crucified Christ from the depths of thy heart;</div>
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Rejoice, thou who hast found everlasting gladness in the mansions of heaven!</div>
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Rejoice, thou who hast provided us with an example of beneficial weeping; </div>
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Rejoice, for thou art our continual joy! </div>
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Rejoice, true consolation of all the sorrowful; </div>
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Rejoice, for thou didst suffer with Christ on earth, for His sake! </div>
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Rejoice, for thou art glorified with Him and in Him in heaven; </div>
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Rejoice, mighty conqueror of all our enemies! </div>
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Rejoice, speedy helper amid all our tribulations;</div>
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Rejoice, for thy memory is sweet to all Christians!</div>
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Rejoice, for thy name is most precious to the whole Church of Christ; </div>
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Rejoice, true vine of the vineyard of Christ! </div>
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Rejoice, O Mary Magdalene, equal of the apostles, who loved the sweetest Lord Jesus more than all good things! </div>
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<span style="color: red;">Kontakion VII</span></div>
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<span style="color: red;"> </span></div>
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Desiring to comprehend the invincible power of the Cross, with the other women thou didst stand in the presence of the suffering of Christ at the foot of the Cross of the Savior until the end, O all-glorious Mary. And experiencing the pain of the Mother of the Lord with her, thou didst cry aloud in perplexity: "What is this strange mystery? He Who sustaineth all creation hath willed to suffer!" And with love we cry out to Him Who of His own will was lifted up upon the life-bearing Cross:<span style="color: red;"> Alleluia! </span></div>
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<em><strong>St. Mary Magdalene</strong> (</em><a href="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/71yJ0yZSfhL._AC_SL1208_.jpg" target="_blank"><em>source</em></a><em>)</em></div>
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<span style="color: red;">Ikos VII</span> </div>
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A wondrous woman wast thou revealed to be in thy love for Christ God, O blessed Mary; for showing it forth in thy bitter lamentations, falling down before Him Who was taken down from the Cross, thou didst bathe His all-pure wounds with thy tears. And following the noble Joseph and Nicodemus, the lover of justice, thou didst hasten with the other holy women to the tomb of the Savior, at once weeping and comforting His all-immaculate Mother as she wept inconsolably, her soul pierced by a cruel sword. And we, knowing thy courage to be such, humbly cry out to thee: </div>
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Rejoice, thou who didst wash the all-pure wounds of Christ with thy tears;</div>
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Rejoice, thou who didst manifestly suffer with His all-immaculate Mother! </div>
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Rejoice, thou who didst remain with Christ even unto His burial;</div>
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Rejoice, thou who didst watch with perplexity as Life was laid in the tomb! </div>
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Rejoice, O our good teacher of tears of repentance;</div>
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Rejoice, thou who dost instruct us to wash away the defilements of sin thereby! </div>
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Rejoice, thou who dost urge us to soften therewith our hardened hearts; </div>
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Rejoice, thou who hast provided for us an example of true wisdom! </div>
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Rejoice, thou who teachest us to be ever mindful of the suffering of Christ;</div>
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Rejoice, O glorious Mary, together with the all-immaculate Virgin Mary, our faithful mediatress! Rejoice, good servant of Christ; </div>
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Rejoice, thou who didst please the Lord, and not men! </div>
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Rejoice, O holy Mary Magdalene, equal of the apostles, who loved the sweetest Lord Jesus more than all good things! </div>
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<span style="color: red;">Kontakion VIII</span></div>
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The burial of the Bestower oflife, Who granteth life to all, appeared a strange thing to thee, O divinely wise Mary. And wounded by the love of Him, while yet enshrouded in the gloom of grief, thou didst bring myrrh to His sepulcher and pour forth tears as sweet-smelling unguents. Wherefore, thou now abidest in the fragrant mansions of paradise, ever crying out to God with the choirs of the angels: <span style="color: red;">Alleluia!</span></div>
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<span style="color: red;">Ikos VIII</span></div>
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Jesus was all sweetness, all joy, all life to thee, O holy Mary. And seeing the stone rolled away from the tomb, and finding Him not, thou didst hasten, lamenting, to Simon, the living rock of faith, and to the other disciple, whom Jesus loved; and with anguish over this thou didst say unto them: "They have taken the Lord from the tomb, and I know not where they have laid Him!" But now, free of that sorrow, thou dost rejoice eternally with Christ in heaven. And, hoping that by thy supplications we may enter into the same joy, with compunction we on earth cry out to thee thus: </div>
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Rejoice, thou who hast overcome the darkness of night by the radiance of thy love for Christ;</div>
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Rejoice, thou who hast taught us to keep nightly vigil in prayer!</div>
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Rejoice, thou who art illumined with everlasting light in heaven; </div>
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Rejoice, thou who hast bought the kingdom of heaven with poverty of spirit!</div>
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Rejoice, for after thy sorrow over the sufferings of Christ thou didst find abundant consolation; </div>
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Rejoice, O meek woman, inheritor of the land of celestial paradise!</div>
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Rejoice, thou who didst hunger and thirst after the righteousness of Christ, for thou now eatest thy fill at the banquet of heaven; </div>
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Rejoice, O merciful one, who didst find the mercy of the Master and dost fervently entreat His mercy for us! </div>
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Rejoice, for, as one pure of heart, thou now beholdest God face to face; </div>
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Rejoice, for thou, first of all, wast deemed worthy to behold the resurrection of Christ, our everlasting Peace!</div>
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Rejoice, thou who wast persecuted for the sake of Christ's righteousness, for thine is the kingdom of God; </div>
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Rejoice, thou who hast acquired eternal gladness and a great reward in the heavens! </div>
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Rejoice, O holy Mary Magdalene, equal of the apostles, who loved the sweetest Lord Jesus more than all good things! </div>
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<span style="color: red;">Kontakion IX </span></div>
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Every rank of the angels was amazed at the great mystery of Thy glorious resurrection, O Christ our King; and Hades was shaken, seeing Thee descend into the uttermost depths of the earth and break asunder the everlasting bonds which held the captives, O Christ. And, rejoicing with the myrrh-bearing women, we cry out to Thee with gladness:<span style="color: red;"> Alleluia! </span></div>
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<span style="color: red;">Ikos IX </span></div>
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Even the tongues of the most eloquent of orators do not suffice to recount thy great sorrow as is meet, O glorious Mary, when thou didst stand outside the tomb, weeping. For who can describe the pain of thy soul when thou didst not find the Lord, Whom thou loved more than life, in the sepulcher? Thy grieving heart could not accept the consolation offered by the radiant angels. And remembering this thy sorrow with compunction, we chant to thee such things as these: </div>
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Rejoice, thou who didst enter the cave to see Jesus Christ;</div>
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Rejoice, thou who now beholdest Him seated upon the throne of glory! </div>
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Rejoice, thou who didst see the radiant inhabitants of heaven while yet on earth; </div>
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Rejoice, thou who didst receive from them the joyful news of the resurrection of Christ!</div>
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Rejoice, for thou dost now ever rejoice with them;</div>
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Rejoice, thou who didst bring myrrh to Christ with love!</div>
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Rejoice, thou who didst sweetly hasten to the sweet-smelling fragrance of the myrrh of Christ; </div>
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Rejoice, thou who didst reject the bitterness of the joys of the sinful world! </div>
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Rejoice, thou who didst love the heavenly sweetness of Jesus; </div>
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Rejoice, O goodly and tender plant of the orchard of Jesus! </div>
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Rejoice, right fruitful vine of the garden of God; </div>
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Rejoice, thou who wast shown to be a temple of the most Holy Spirit, all adorned!</div>
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Rejoice, O holy Mary Magdalene, equal of the apostles, who loved the sweetest Lord Jesus more than all good things! </div>
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<span style="color: red;">Kontakion X</span></div>
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Even if Thou didst descend into the grave, desiring to save the world, O Immortal One, yet didst Thou destroy the power of hades and didst rise again, O Christ God, exclaiming to the myrrh-bearing women: Rejoice! And with them we now offer unto Thee the hymn of joy: <span style="color: red;">Alleluia!</span></div>
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<em><strong>St. Mary Magdalene</strong> (</em><a href="https://www.uncutmountainsupply.com/icons/of-saints/by-name/m/st-mary-magdalene-20th-c-1ma51/" target="_blank"><em>source</em></a><em>)<br /> </em></div>
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<span style="color: red;">Ikos X</span></div>
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Thy love for Christ, Who loved thee, was stronger than walls of stone, O glorious myrrhbearer Mary Magdalene. Wherefore, thou alone, before all others, didst behold our Life risen from the grave. But thou didst suppose Him to be the gardener and didst cry out to Him, forgetting the weakness of thy away!" But His sweet voice showed thee the Master, and hath taught us to cry out to thee thus:</div>
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Rejoice, thou who before all others didst see the true Gardener risen from the dead;</div>
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Rejoice, thou who hast thine abode in the garden of heaven!</div>
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Rejoice, thou who art now continually nourished on the grapes of God's grace;</div>
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Rejoice, thou who art gladdened by the joys of paradise!</div>
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Rejoice, for thy love for God conquered nature;</div>
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Rejoice, for it hath also taught us zeal for God!</div>
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Rejoice, thou who first received tidings of the resurrection from the lips of Christ;</div>
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Rejoice, thou who first announced the words of joy to the apostles!</div>
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Rejoice, thou who hast found everlasting joy in the heavens;</div>
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Rejoice, for thou dost also call us to that joy!</div>
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Rejoice, for thou dost ever mediate before God, that we may receive this; </div>
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Rejoice, for thou dost fervently offer prayers to Him in our behalf! </div>
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Rejoice, O holy Mary Magdalene, equal of the apostles, who loved the sweetest Lord Jesus more than all good things! </div>
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<span style="color: red;">Kontakion Xl </span></div>
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There are no words which suffice fittingly to hymn the divine joy of Thy resurrection, O Christ, which, with the other women, the glorious Mary announced to the apostles on this appointed and holy day, the feast of feasts and solemnity of solemnities. Wherefore, bowing down before the magnitude of the ineffable compassions which Thou hast bestowed upon us, O Christ our King, with humility and love we cry out to Thee: <span style="color: red;">Alleluia! </span></div>
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<span style="color: red;">Ikos XI </span></div>
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Thou wast shown to be a radiant star shedding thy light upon our sinful world, O Mary Magdalene, when, after the glorious ascension of the Savior, thou didst go about the cities and villages, proclaiming the word of the Gospel everywhere and laying the easy yoke of Christ upon many. And when thou didst reach ancient Rome, thou didst stand manfully before Caesar Tiberius and didst explain to him, by means of a red-dyed egg and thy wise words, the life-bearing power of Christ. And thou didst also denounce the wicked Pilate and the ungodly high priest, that they might receive a recompense worthy of their iniquitous deeds. And marveling at this great feat of thine apostolate, with joy we cry out to thee thus: </div>
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Rejoice, glorious herald of the teaching of Christ; </div>
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Rejoice, radiant dispeller of the darkness of paganism! </div>
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Rejoice, thou who didst release many men from the bonds of sin;</div>
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Rejoice, thou who hast taught the wisdom of Christ unto all! </div>
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Rejoice, thou who hast brought many people out of the darkness of ignorance into the wondrous light of Christ; </div>
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Rejoice, thou who hast provided us with a model for standing steadfastly for the righteousness of Christ!</div>
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Rejoice, thou who loved the salvation of sinners' souls more than thine own life;</div>
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Rejoice, thou who understood well the commandments of Christ!</div>
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Rejoice, thou who followed them faithfully; rejoice, thou who boldly denounced the darkness of the heathen! </div>
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Rejoice, thou who didst not fear the wrath of Caesar; </div>
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Rejoice, thou who showed him the malice and designs of the enemies of Christ! </div>
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Rejoice, O holy Mary Magdalene, equal of the apostles, who loved the sweetest Lord Jesus more than all good things! </div>
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<span style="color: red;">Kontakion XlI </span></div>
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Filled abundantly with grace from God, thou didst lead a multitude of souls to Christ, O glorious Mary; and thereafter thou didst go to Ephesus, where, serving the salvation of men with apostolic love together with the Apostle of love, in a blessed repose thou didst pass on to the Lord, to Whom thou now chantest continually with the multitudes of heavenly singers: <span style="color: red;">Alleluia! </span></div>
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<span style="color: red;">Ikos XlI</span> </div>
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Hymning thy right laudable life on earth and thy glory which is in heaven, we glorify thee joyfully, and hymn and magnify the King of heaven Who is wondrous in His saints; for it is not only thee thyself, O holy Mary who, by His grace, now dancest in the mansions of the righteous, but thou also makest us glad on earth, leaving us the priceless myrrh of thy relics, which the Emperor Leo the Wise commanded to be transferred from Ephesus to Constantinople. And venerating them noetically with faith and love, as a wellspring pouring forth inexhaustible grace upon all who have recourse to them with love, we chant to thee with compunction such things as these: </div>
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Rejoice, thou who on earth didst bum with love for Christ;</div>
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Rejoice, thou who hast made thine abode in heaven, in the mansions of paradise! </div>
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Rejoice, steadfast help of the faithful; </div>
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Rejoice, fragrant myrrh, perfuming the Church!</div>
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Rejoice, golden censer ever offering up the incense of prayers to God in our behalf;</div>
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Rejoice, inexhaustible wellspring of healings!</div>
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Rejoice, untold treasure of the grace of God; </div>
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Rejoice, faithful participant in the choirs of the apostles! </div>
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Rejoice, glorious inhabitant of the chambers of heaven;</div>
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Rejoice, for great is thy reward in the heavens! </div>
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Rejoice, for thy joy is crowned in the mansions of the saints; </div>
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Rejoice, for in thy mediation thou dost ever ask that we receive joy, grace and glory! </div>
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Rejoice, O holy Mary Magdalene, equal of the apostles, who loved the Lord Jesus more than all good things! </div>
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<span style="color: red;">Kontakion XlII</span></div>
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O all-wondrous and most marvelous adornment of women, boast and joy of all Christians, glorious myrrh-bearer Mary Magdalene, who wast shown to be the peer of the apostles! Accepting this our present entreaty, deliver us from all tribulation and sorrow of soul and body, and from the enemies, visible and invisible, who assail us; and by thy mediation guide to the kingdom of heaven all of us who with compunction and love chant with thee to God: <span style="color: red;">Alleluia! </span></div>
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<em><strong>St. Mary Magdalene</strong> (</em><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEgYkHU5NHh-QlYCVtSi-YVtXNbEmVN2-3moVnr_2tkfCl1Z6UuutBM6ZxehMnPMQKBVt8El2ut4hC2Ks11Dv4xhJnTOQEykjI7YzbMhFQySMSMOzh4hcQBGKf51c-VnlSfao9Osfo5onIATLXmj0zMZFT3_C65IPW8ITNvO96dfSeZ-0uR6uNn0srduOZg=" target="_blank"><em>source</em></a><em>)</em></div>
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<span style="color: red;">This Kontakion is said thrice; then Ikos I and Kontakion I are repeated. </span></div>
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<span style="color: red;">PRAYERS TO THE HOLY MARY MAGDALENE, EQUAL OF THE APOSTLES </span></div>
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<span style="color: red;">Prayer I</span></div>
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O holy myrrh-bearer and most laudable disciple of Christ, Mary Magdalen, equal of the apostles! To thee, as to our faithful and mighty mediatress before God, do we, the sinful and unworthy, now earnestly have recourse and entreat in the contrition of our heart. In thy life thou didst have experience of the dread wiles of the demons, yet by the grace of Christ thou wast manifestly released from them; therefore, deliver us from the snares of the devil by thy supplications, that, all throughout our life, we may in act, word, thought and the secret workings of our hearts faithfully serve God, the one Holy Master, as we have promised Him. Thou didst love the sweetest Lord Jesus more than all the good things of earth, and didst follow him well all the days of thy life, nurturing not only thine own soul on His divine teachings and grace, but also leading a multitude of people out of the darkness of paganism to the wondrous light of Christ; and knowing this, we entreat thee: Beg of Christ God illuminating and sanctifying grace for us, that, enlightened thereby, we may excel in faith and piety, in feats of love and self-denial, that we may endeavor to serve our neighbors diligently in their spiritual and bodily needs, mindful of the example of thy love for thy fellow man. O holy Mary, vigilantly didst thou pass through this life on earth by the grace of God, and thou didst peacefully depart to the mansions of heaven. Beseech Christ the Savior, that by thy supplications He grant that we may complete our wandering in this vale of tears without hindrance and reach the end of our life in peace and repentance; that, having lived thus in holiness on earth, we may be counted worthy of the blessed life in heaven, and there, with thee and all the saints, may continually praise the indivisible Trinity, hymning the one Godhead: the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, unto the ages of ages. Amen.</div>
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<span style="color: red;"> Prayer II </span></div>
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O holy myrrh-bearer Mary Magdalene, equal of the apostles! With thy fervent love for Christ God thou didst trample upon the evil designs of the enemy, didst find Christ, the priceless Pearl, and didst attain unto the kingdom of heaven. Wherefore, I fall down before thee and, with compunctionate soul and contrite heart, cry out to thee, unworthy though I am: Look down from the heights of heaven upon me, who am beset by sinful temptations. See how the enemy layeth traps for me every day with many sins and tribulations, seeking the destruction of my soul. O glorious and most lauded Mary, disciple of Christ, entreat Christ God, Who is beloved of thee and loveth thee, that He grant me remission of my many transgressions, that by His grace He give me the strength to tread the path of His holy commandments with care and vigilance, and that He make me a fragrant temple of the Holy Spirit; that thus I may reach the end of my difficult life on earth in peace and may find my abode in the radiant and blessed mansions of celestial paradise, where thou and all the saints continually and joyously glorify the consubstantial Trinity: the Father, and the Son, and the Allholy Spirit. Amen. </div>
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(<a href="https://orthodoxgladness.blogspot.com/2020/08/akathist-hymn-saint-mary-magdalene.html?spref=fb" target="_blank">source</a>)</div>
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<em><strong>St. Mary Magdalene</strong> (</em><a href="https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/93/Maria_Magdalene_icon.jpg" target="_blank"><em>source</em></a><em>)</em></div>
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<strong><em>Through the prayers of our Holy Fathers, Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy on us and save us! Amen!</em></strong></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4990141932888502187.post-64069763184104199672020-12-14T03:09:00.001-08:002020-12-14T03:09:13.781-08:00Akathist to St. Spyridon of Tremithous the Wonderworker<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgZnoM8qDmQns2OyUM0K9TCrWiOg54kZ67wvOQ35hXDvBfTR0riUuEqDMVvR9IC6oHuCL30Jv8IMjy_W_bxxaR60eNvzdlL3bNnZlFiEGLr0yNYRHsaY8-7poqijO13E1mlP4zG9eb4Q/s1930/sfantul-spiridon.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1287" data-original-width="1930" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgZnoM8qDmQns2OyUM0K9TCrWiOg54kZ67wvOQ35hXDvBfTR0riUuEqDMVvR9IC6oHuCL30Jv8IMjy_W_bxxaR60eNvzdlL3bNnZlFiEGLr0yNYRHsaY8-7poqijO13E1mlP4zG9eb4Q/w400-h266/sfantul-spiridon.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><b>St. Spyridon the Wonderworker</b> (<a href="https://doxologia.ro/sites/default/files/articol/2017/11/sfantul-spiridon.jpg">source</a>)</i></div><p><b>Akathist to St. Spyridon of Tremithous, the Wonderworker</b></p><p data-adtags-visited="true"><strong>Kontakion 1</strong></p><p data-adtags-visited="true">O holy hierarch and wonderworker Spyridon, who hast been glorified by the Lord! Celebrating now thy most honoured memory, with tenderness we cry out to thee, as one who art able greatly to assist us with Christ Who hath glorified thee: From all misfortunes and evil deliver us, that we may cry out to thee in thanksgiving: <i>Rejoice, O Spyridon, most miraculous wonderworker!</i></p><p data-adtags-visited="true"><strong>Ikos 1</strong></p><p data-adtags-visited="true">Adorned from thy youth with all the virtues, and emulating the angels of Christ in thy life, O holy hierarch Spyridon, thou didst truly show thyself to be His friend. And beholding thee, the heavenly man and earthly angel, we cry out to thee with tenderness:</p><ul><li>Rejoice, mind contemplating the mysteries of the All-holy Trinity;</li><li>Rejoice, thou who hast been enriched by the all-radiant splendour of the Spirit!</li><li>Rejoice, beacon of great brilliance;</li><li>Rejoice, thou who didst enlighten thy mind with dispassion!</li><li>Rejoice, thou who didst love true simplicity and serenity from childhood;</li><li>Rejoice, adornment of chastity!</li><li>Rejoice, inexhaustible torrent of love;</li><li>Rejoice, for thou didst emulate the hospitality of Abraham!</li><li>Rejoice, for in an abundance of love thou didst open the doors of thy house to all;</li><li>Rejoice, intercessor for the poor!</li><li>Rejoice, thou before whom men offer reverence;</li><li>Rejoice, for thou art the abode of the All-holy Spirit!</li><li><i>Rejoice, O Spyridon, most miraculous wonderworker!</i></li></ul><p data-adtags-visited="true"><strong>Kontakion 2</strong></p><p data-adtags-visited="true">Beholding thine incorrupt relics, from which abundant healings flow, the island of Cyprus and all Christian lands rejoice, O holy hierarch; and, honouring thee as a fountain overflowing with grace sent down upon us from on high, we cry out to the ultimate Bestower of the good things of heaven and earth: <i>Alleluia!</i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHIivQzeGOp-5hm1mVPvl5q05XbOSUK4Y2adBgRSPM828iDiQM1XDWkBDYgnK3_VrRSZ51SOR-DYOiYwc0oDXLCulpn3oRd6GNT4MmZORUCxL0d_uxrma_H451WQ3QeRg4xvydq-hljA/s1600/IMG_0010.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1295" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHIivQzeGOp-5hm1mVPvl5q05XbOSUK4Y2adBgRSPM828iDiQM1XDWkBDYgnK3_VrRSZ51SOR-DYOiYwc0oDXLCulpn3oRd6GNT4MmZORUCxL0d_uxrma_H451WQ3QeRg4xvydq-hljA/w324-h400/IMG_0010.jpg" width="324" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><b>St. Spyridon the Wonderworker</b> (<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTrE64OHipkdenP_uqVQWhnT_ZuPtOfKiQu6ru52hHMdDMFGFFz_U2Nhi7StovflFOhCm-w2KjCJ4RktJH3LNFg43Szbfy-51FssQhqMkoy0ejDNjW2WdHfBnksVGIFjWS0Wv69sCpdtE/s1600/IMG_0010.jpg">source</a>)</i></div><p data-adtags-visited="true"><strong>Ikos 2</strong></p><p data-adtags-visited="true">Possessing divine understanding, while yet a shepherd of dumb sheep thou wast chosen to be the shepherd of the reason-endowed sheep by the providence of Christ the Chief Shepherd. And, understanding thee to be a good shepherd who showest untiring care for thy flock, the faithful cried out:</p><ul><li>Rejoice, O high priest of God Most High, who received divine grace in abundance at thy consecration;</li><li>Rejoice, most luminous lamp, burning and shedding light!</li><li>Rejoice, faithful husbandman in the garden of Christ;</li><li>Rejoice, shepherd who nurtured thy flock on the meadow of faith and piety!</li><li>Rejoice, thou who hast illumined the world with the rays of thy virtues;</li><li>Rejoice, thou who offered the divine sacrifice at the throne of Christ!</li><li>Rejoice, hierarch adorned with the understanding of Orthodoxy;</li><li>Rejoice, thou who art full of the teaching of the apostles, giving drink to the faithful with the streams of the doctrine of salvation!</li><li>Rejoice, for thou didst shed light upon the wise;</li><li>Rejoice, for thou didst make new the hearts of the simple!</li><li>Rejoice, glory of the Orthodox and unshakeable foundation of the Church;</li><li>Rejoice, adornment of the Faith, glory and boast of reverent priests!</li><li><i>Rejoice, O Spyridon, most miraculous wonderworker!</i></li></ul><p></p><p data-adtags-visited="true"><strong>Kontaktion 3</strong></p><p data-adtags-visited="true">Thou wast shown to be divinely wise by the power of the Most High which overshadowed thee, O holy hierarch Spyridon; and, grasping a tile in thy hand, thou didst manifestly demonstrate to all the Trinity of Persons in the Godhead. Wherefore, the philosophers of false knowledge assembled at the Council were stricken with awe, but the faithful glorified our unfathomable God Who made thee wise unto salvation, crying out to Him: <i>Alleluia!</i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVNO5x4IBido5zMpOZc4yY88XMEuSn7BstcG1R2rEpsJ1XakNqIpte1We1O2QmnptrvJeNJYt9P_GIe4_jhFY-0KTSa8CIYz_X_QxGih0i4ngPhTsdqB8fwiotyeSG-Ql1gVT0uuLmHQ/s1000/St-Spyridon-Bishop-of-Tremithus-Hand-Painted-Icon-Byzantine-Orthodox-03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="991" data-original-width="1000" height="396" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVNO5x4IBido5zMpOZc4yY88XMEuSn7BstcG1R2rEpsJ1XakNqIpte1We1O2QmnptrvJeNJYt9P_GIe4_jhFY-0KTSa8CIYz_X_QxGih0i4ngPhTsdqB8fwiotyeSG-Ql1gVT0uuLmHQ/w400-h396/St-Spyridon-Bishop-of-Tremithus-Hand-Painted-Icon-Byzantine-Orthodox-03.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><b>St. Spyridon the Wonderworker</b> (<a href="https://www.blessedmart.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/St-Spyridon-Bishop-of-Tremithus-Hand-Painted-Icon-Byzantine-Orthodox-03.jpg">source</a>)</i></div><p data-adtags-visited="true"><strong>Ikos 3</strong></p><p data-adtags-visited="true">All the Fathers of the Council, considering thee to be a simple man, unskilled in book learning, begged thee, O father Spyridon, not to enter in debate with the rhetor whom they thought to be wise. Yet, aflame with zeal for God, O holy hierarch, and believing that the preaching of Christ lieth not in the persuasive words of human wisdom, but in the manifestation of the Spirit and of power, thou didst most wisely reprove and admonish him, and didst guide him to the way of truth. And seeing this wonder, all cried out:</p><ul><li>Rejoice, light of Orthodox wisdom;</li><li>Rejoice, for thou didst put to shame the disputers who were said to be wise!</li><li>Rejoice, abundant wellspring of grace;</li><li>Rejoice, unshakable tower holding fast those who are in the Faith!</li><li>Rejoice, thou who dost cast most pernicious heresy into darkness;</li><li>Rejoice, thou by whom foolishness was trampled underfoot!</li><li>Rejoice, for in thy hands the dust of the earth proclaimed the Holy Trinity;</li><li>Rejoice, for from the tile thou didst bring forth fire and water to confirm the dogma of the Holy Trinity!</li><li>Rejoice, for thou didst enlighten the people to glorify the Word Who is truly of one Essence with the all-unoriginate Father;</li><li>Rejoice, for thou didst crush the serpent’s head of the pernicious heresy of Arius!</li><li>Rejoice, for by thee was enmity slain;</li><li>Rejoice, thou who didst convert to the true Faith the unbelieving wise man who disputed with thee!</li><li><i>Rejoice, O Spyridon, most miraculous wonderworker!</i></li></ul><p data-adtags-visited="true"><strong>Kontaktion 4</strong></p><p data-adtags-visited="true">Leading thy life in poverty and want, thou wast a nurturer and helper of the poor and unfortunate; thou didst transform a serpent into gold in thy love, and didst give it to one who asked thine aid. And marvelling at this miracle, we cry out to God in thanksgiving: <i>Alleluia!</i></p><p data-adtags-visited="true"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQx6xcZfW2j38x52h6lz74a74cnK-Hi7lcwKCrlF8PqC1JUMQFH6kbTkffWOc5L4DXXeEvWulx89Sa9VYL_Of2TAov6ajBxOrMJyxbICwqm7SXt3NOoRZesiVZGOq6e4u0Y3PRf0r33A/s1500/Sf-Ierarh-Spiridon-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="882" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQx6xcZfW2j38x52h6lz74a74cnK-Hi7lcwKCrlF8PqC1JUMQFH6kbTkffWOc5L4DXXeEvWulx89Sa9VYL_Of2TAov6ajBxOrMJyxbICwqm7SXt3NOoRZesiVZGOq6e4u0Y3PRf0r33A/w235-h400/Sf-Ierarh-Spiridon-2.jpg" width="235" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><b>St. Spyridon the Wonderworker </b>(<a href="https://theodorosart.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/Sf-Ierarh-Spiridon-2.jpg">source</a>)</i></div><p></p><p data-adtags-visited="true"><strong>Ikos 4</strong></p><p data-adtags-visited="true">It hath been heard by all and in every place, that the holy hierarch Spyridon is a habitation of the Holy Trinity; for God the Father, God the Word, and God the Holy Spirit dwelt within him. Wherefore, by word and deed thou hast preached the true incarnate God to all Christians, who cry out:</p><ul><li>Rejoice, initiate of the mysteries of the words of God;</li><li>Rejoice, thou who hast made clear God’s blueprint for the salvation of the world!</li><li>Rejoice, for thou didst teach us not to test that which transcendeth the knowledge and wisdom of man;</li><li>Rejoice, thou who didst show forth the unfathomable power of God which worketh within thee!</li><li>Rejoice, for through thy mouth God Himself spake;</li><li>Rejoice, for all heeded thee, to their delight!</li><li>Rejoice, thou who didst drive away the gloom of idolatry;</li><li>Rejoice, for thou didst lead many to the true Faith!</li><li>Rejoice, for thou didst crush the heads of invisible serpents;</li><li>Rejoice, for through thee is the Christian Faith glorified!</li><li>Rejoice, for thou dost splendidly illumine all who call thee blessed;</li><li>Rejoice, champion of the Christian Faith and Orthodoxy!</li><li><i>Rejoice, O Spyridon, most miraculous wonderworker!</i></li></ul><p data-adtags-visited="true"><strong>Kontaktion 5</strong></p><p data-adtags-visited="true">Thou wast full of the divine Spirit, O holy hierarch Spyridon, because of thy virtuous life; for thou wast meek, merciful, pure of heart, patient, not mindful of the evils done thee, and hospitable. Wherefore, the Creator hath shown thee to be most glorious in miracles; and, glorifying God Who hath glorified thee, we cry out to Him: <i>Alleluia!</i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7Qi6LiZHqL5gg819E6vEqzkKEJlSfAkuZxWJx8og6je1fWLd1XfH5lX3KYFD5lfeQP3KfDLY1SS-IsQNAM4fJwd1DaGcOBQVfY2eTMj736hEeZR5FWab-inVIh0ZQgeO5R4EwWHlj9g/s1200/bolnita_bistrita_-_foto_silviu_cluci_wm_7550.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="800" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7Qi6LiZHqL5gg819E6vEqzkKEJlSfAkuZxWJx8og6je1fWLd1XfH5lX3KYFD5lfeQP3KfDLY1SS-IsQNAM4fJwd1DaGcOBQVfY2eTMj736hEeZR5FWab-inVIh0ZQgeO5R4EwWHlj9g/w266-h400/bolnita_bistrita_-_foto_silviu_cluci_wm_7550.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><b>St. Spyridon the Wonderworker</b> (<a href="https://doxologia.ro/sites/default/files/styles/media-articol-colorbox/public/articol/2019/11/bolnita_bistrita_-_foto_silviu_cluci_wm_7550.jpg?itok=evGYoAag">source</a>)</i></div><p data-adtags-visited="true"><strong>Ikos 5</strong></p><p data-adtags-visited="true">We see Spyridon, the great wonderworker, as an equal of the angels. For once the land was stricken with drought and suffered greatly from the lack of water; and there was famine and contagion, and a multitude of men perished. But by the supplications of the holy hierarch rain fell from heaven upon the earth, and the people, delivered from this misfortune, cried out in gratitude:</p><ul><li>Rejoice, thou who didst emulate the great Prophet Elijah;</li><li>Rejoice, for in due season thou didst bring down rain, dispelling famine and affliction!</li><li>Rejoice, for again by thy supplications thou didst close the sky up again;</li><li>Rejoice, for thou didst punish the pitiless merchant with the deprivation of his possessions!</li><li>Rejoice, for thou didst give food in abundance unto those who asked;</li><li>Rejoice, for thou didst move God to loving compassion for the people!</li><li>Rejoice, thou who takest away the weakness of the infirm;</li><li>Rejoice, helper of men, full of the grace of God!</li><li>Rejoice, thou who grantest health to the sick;</li><li>Rejoice, thou before whom the demons tremble!</li><li>Rejoice, wellspring of countless miracles;</li><li>Rejoice, fountain gushing forth the grace of God!</li><li><i>Rejoice, O Spyridon, most miraculous wonderworker!</i></li></ul><p data-adtags-visited="true"><strong>Kontaktion 6</strong></p><p data-adtags-visited="true">The veil of the Old Testament tabernacle covered the ark, the manna and the tablets of the law in the Holy of Holies. And thy temple, O holy hierarch Spyridon, hath thy shrine as its ark, thy holy relics as manna, and thy heart as tablets of divine grace, whereon we see graven the hymn: <i>Alleluia!</i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioRwJveIZz3A0D6-HPDyoCgxJQM6VXiK2VQknb_pkrHHqA4L8XUcqV-NISWQbwBBd8EphDCZO0YdEoVoNRckQIXaIsUPRnLuYeQEAelKLoZIHLkXY7j_A2N2WksFiXFG9xkmPOBDUlTw/s1200/sf_spiridon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="838" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioRwJveIZz3A0D6-HPDyoCgxJQM6VXiK2VQknb_pkrHHqA4L8XUcqV-NISWQbwBBd8EphDCZO0YdEoVoNRckQIXaIsUPRnLuYeQEAelKLoZIHLkXY7j_A2N2WksFiXFG9xkmPOBDUlTw/w279-h400/sf_spiridon.jpg" width="279" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><b>St. Spyridon the Wonderworker</b> (<a href="https://doxologia.ro/sites/default/files/styles/media-articol-colorbox/public/articol/2019/12/sf_spiridon.jpg?itok=_giwUJe5">source</a>)</i></div><p data-adtags-visited="true"><strong>Ikos 6</strong></p><p data-adtags-visited="true">Once, because iniquity had increased, the Lord punished the people of Cyprus. causing their land to become barren. When a farmer known to the holy Spyridon came, begging help, the saint gave him gold. But when the misfortune had passed, and that farmer returned the gold to the saint, – O, the wonder! – the gold turned into a serpent! Glorifying God, Who is wondrous in His saints, let us cry out:</p><ul><li>Rejoice, for thou didst emulate Moses, who miraculously transformed his staff into a snake;</li><li>Rejoice, loving pastor, who deliverest the reason-endowed sheep of thy flock from misfortunes!</li><li>Rejoice, thou who dost abundantly enrich all with every good thing;</li><li>Rejoice, thou who, like Elijah, didst feed the poor!</li><li>Rejoice, thou who movest the pitiless to mercy;</li><li>Rejoice, example of love for men living in the world to emulate!</li><li>Rejoice, consolation of both believers and the unbelieving amid tribulations;</li><li>Rejoice, tree of goodly foliage, overshadowing our city and land!</li><li>Rejoice, glory and boast of Kerkyra;</li><li>Rejoice, thou who, by the grace of God, hast dominion over wet and dry weather, heat and cold!</li><li>Rejoice, thou who didst alter the laws of earth by thy prayer;</li><li>Rejoice, thou who didst foresee things to come as though they were in the present!</li><li><i>Rejoice, O Spyridon, most miraculous wonderworker!</i></li></ul><p class="inline-ad-slot" data-adtags-visited="true" data-adtags-width="739" id="inline-ad-2" style="float: left; height: 0px; margin: 0px auto; overflow: hidden; width: 739px;"></p><p data-adtags-visited="true"><strong>Kontaktion 7</strong></p><p data-adtags-visited="true">Thou wast shown to be a mediator for all before the Lord, O holy hierarch Spyridon. Wherefore, we flee beneath thy shelter, seeking salvation; for we all have thee as our helper amid all necessity, during famine, deadly plague and all manner of misfortunes and trials. For this cause we cry out to God with thanksgiving: <i>Alleluia!</i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhxaNiK-vr7N-GADqzwWc8nBICqp2AVccOs2C95KuZMqlIMQFy8yS8k-G6QtAs1Wkm3hmF7-F2WEd8L1_2d8dFs7YdR_QPw2rFIv-Hob3Yuu1KUVi6G3ETA0WqfZYQ_ZyKoorI0lu-KQ/s1200/vernisaj_expozitie_de_icoane_-_foto_silviu_cluci_wm_8208.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="872" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhxaNiK-vr7N-GADqzwWc8nBICqp2AVccOs2C95KuZMqlIMQFy8yS8k-G6QtAs1Wkm3hmF7-F2WEd8L1_2d8dFs7YdR_QPw2rFIv-Hob3Yuu1KUVi6G3ETA0WqfZYQ_ZyKoorI0lu-KQ/w291-h400/vernisaj_expozitie_de_icoane_-_foto_silviu_cluci_wm_8208.jpg" width="291" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><b>St. Spyridon the Wonderworker</b> (<a href="https://mmb.ro/sites/default/files/styles/articol-colorbox/public/rss/2018/05/vernisaj_expozitie_de_icoane_-_foto_silviu_cluci_wm_8208.jpg?itok=va2xRhjX">source</a>)</i></div><p data-adtags-visited="true"><strong>Ikos 7</strong></p><p data-adtags-visited="true">A new and magnificent wonder did we see, O father, when, going forth to deliver the man condemned to death though innocent, thou didst find a rushing torrent barring thy path; but thou didst command it to halt in the name of God Almighty, and didst cross the river with thy companions as though it were dry land. The fame of this miracle spread far and wide, and all glorified God, crying out to thee:</p><ul><li>Rejoice, thou who didst cross the river, as once Joshua, son of Nun, crossed Jordan</li><li>Rejoice, thou who didst tame the rushing of the river by thy voice alone</li><li>Rejoice, for, moved by compassion, thou didst undertake a difficult journey</li><li>Rejoice, for thou didst expose the slander and deliver the innocent man from the bonds of imprisonment and a violent death</li><li>Rejoice, good fellow labourer in the Godly life</li><li>Rejoice, defender of those unjustly oppressed</li><li>Rejoice, thou who didst alter the laws of the nature of water</li><li>Rejoice, for thou didst admonish the judge and save the innocent from execution</li><li>Rejoice, true correction of souls</li><li>Rejoice, wondrous power which restrained the torrent</li><li>Rejoice, thou who dost make sweet the hearts of those who have recourse unto thee</li><li>Rejoice, emulator of Abraham’s love for man</li><li><i>Rejoice, O Spyridon, most miraculous wonderworker!</i></li></ul><p data-adtags-visited="true"><strong>Kontaktion 8</strong></p><p data-adtags-visited="true">A stranger and sojourner wast thou on earth, as are all men. Yet from thy mother’s womb the Omniscient One showed thee forth to be a great favourite and wonderworker, O holy hierarch Spyridon; for thou expellest demons, healest every illness and wound, and perceivest the thoughts of men. Wherefore, thou art shown to be wondrous among the saints. And sending up supplication to God, the Benefactor of all, we cry out to Him: <i>Alleluia!</i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCoFwJrQjYBTPbiqffsO6avfk1vcLJw0kMBl-aHCiXLRSJ4dWHGk56NPKPOzKUdjEFOTT1qxTnBdm52Eg_QbhKSKzQ-bu16Q_enD9S44KOBSlyRBbArTvNKnz0efu03QlYOBAqDvF_Jw/s2048/41c0a27c379ea103b9e9fc9558cb14c9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1550" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCoFwJrQjYBTPbiqffsO6avfk1vcLJw0kMBl-aHCiXLRSJ4dWHGk56NPKPOzKUdjEFOTT1qxTnBdm52Eg_QbhKSKzQ-bu16Q_enD9S44KOBSlyRBbArTvNKnz0efu03QlYOBAqDvF_Jw/w303-h400/41c0a27c379ea103b9e9fc9558cb14c9.jpg" width="303" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><b>St. Spyridon the Wonderworker</b> (<a href="https://i.pinimg.com/originals/41/c0/a2/41c0a27c379ea103b9e9fc9558cb14c9.jpg">source</a>)</i></div><p data-adtags-visited="true"><strong>Ikos 8</strong></p><p data-adtags-visited="true">The whole world was seized with great awe when it heard that death giveth up the dead from the tombs at the sound of thy voice; and it cried out:</p><ul><li>Rejoice, thou who recalled to life thine own dead daughter, to allow her to reveal the location of the treasure that the widow has entrusted to her</li><li>Rejoice, thou who didst console the grieving widow who had given gold into thine daughter’s care</li><li>Rejoice, thou who didst restore the dead boy to life</li><li>Rejoice, thou who didst revive his mother, who had died suddenly in her joy</li><li>Rejoice, for thou didst emulate Elijah, who by his supplications returned to life the son of the woman of Zarepath</li><li>Rejoice, for thou didst also emulate Elisha, who roused a boy from death</li><li>Rejoice, pastor who truly loved men</li><li>Rejoice, thou who, in the name of God, didst absolve the sins of the harlot who washed thy feet with her tears</li><li>Rejoice, thou who didst acquire the holy zeal of the pre-eminent apostle</li><li>Rejoice, for, at thy word, the unrepentant sinful woman died in her grievous sins</li><li>Rejoice, thou who in thine entreaties didst ask that the land yield abundant fruit</li><li>Rejoice, firm assurance of the resurrection of men</li><li><i>Rejoice, O Spyridon, most miraculous wonderworker!</i></li></ul><p class="inline-ad-slot" data-adtags-visited="true" data-adtags-width="739" id="inline-ad-3" style="float: left; height: 0px; margin: 0px auto; overflow: hidden; width: 739px;"></p><p data-adtags-visited="true"><strong>Kontaktion 9</strong></p><p data-adtags-visited="true">Thou wast illumined with the radiance of the divine Spirit, O Spyridon, for thou didst possess the spirit of wisdom, since, by thy wise words, thou didst show the mindless ones to be foolish in the midst of the Fathers didst confirm the Faith. Thou didst also possess the spirit of understanding, in that thou didst enlighten the minds of the benighted, and didst likewise have the spirit of the fear of God, for thou didst continually purify thy soul with God-pleasing works. Wherefore, standing before the throne of the Most High, with the assembly of the angels thou dost chant unto Him: <i>Alleluia!</i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZuEDSsVLuxQWFuhQ9Hr-J7ruJj4AKnL9RIMI0gcg_-oeMk7XBK9EP9murzmXrtwEmCoAhigygT3ZoySNKY1GTwT7DCNZou8KpcEHmE59FdeJythkXZjnCXOGJlAstYQKWAlZRU-ScDw/s1080/123.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="824" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZuEDSsVLuxQWFuhQ9Hr-J7ruJj4AKnL9RIMI0gcg_-oeMk7XBK9EP9murzmXrtwEmCoAhigygT3ZoySNKY1GTwT7DCNZou8KpcEHmE59FdeJythkXZjnCXOGJlAstYQKWAlZRU-ScDw/w305-h400/123.jpg" width="305" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><b>St. Spyridon the Wonderworker</b> (<a href="https://ortodox.md/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/123.jpg">source</a>)</i></div><p data-adtags-visited="true"><strong>Ikos 9</strong></p><p data-adtags-visited="true">Receiving from the Lord Jesus, the Chief Shepherd, the staff of a shepherd of reason-endowed sheep, O holy Spyridon thou did not alter thy manner of life. Unacquisitive, meek, bearing all things for the sake of love, thou were not ashamed to care also for thine flock of dumb sheep. All of these things move us to glorify God and cry out to thee:</p><ul><li>Rejoice, thou who disdained the glory of this world as vain;</li><li>Rejoice, thou who hast acquired great reward in the heavens!</li><li>Rejoice, thou who didst consider the beautiful things of this word to be as dung;</li><li>Rejoice, vessel of the good things of heaven!</li><li>Rejoice, most holy pasture of the inhabitants of Cyprus;</li><li>Rejoice, for, for thy sake, God bound with invisible bonds those who attempted to steal thy sheep!</li><li>Rejoice, thou who didst give fatherly admonition to the thieves;</li><li>Rejoice, thou who, in thy lovingkindness, didst make a present of a ewe-lamb to them after they had spent a night without sleep!</li><li>Rejoice, thou who didst, by the disobedience of the goat, reprove the merchant who consciously concealed the full payment for thereof</li><li>Rejoice, thou who didst bring to repentance the man who hid thy silver coins!</li><li>Rejoice, for thou didst cure him of the passion of love of gain by thine exhortation!</li><li><i>Rejoice, O Spyridon, most miraculous wonderworker!</i></li></ul><p data-adtags-visited="true"><strong>Kontaktion 10</strong></p><p data-adtags-visited="true">O holy hierarch Spyridon, who savest the souls of the flock entrusted to thee by God, by the providence of God thou wast called to show forth thine own glory, and all the moreso the glory of the true God, even in other lands, that the name of God may be glorified everywhere by those who cry: <i>Alleluia!</i></p><p data-adtags-visited="true"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb8fBtTkNnmXvNkhLfcN7Tele9F3QWaUbgxBm5K1IUVeFkViT_L_21vSwuJSVsr2Q_MjGyGHglL58azRROk_kdYIkYE9NZvXJxK0GTynsOatAhCnQsTIWTe-IQyv8_QfKB4leqb3RjJQ/s1000/279440_490348_1000_1000_watermarked.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="811" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb8fBtTkNnmXvNkhLfcN7Tele9F3QWaUbgxBm5K1IUVeFkViT_L_21vSwuJSVsr2Q_MjGyGHglL58azRROk_kdYIkYE9NZvXJxK0GTynsOatAhCnQsTIWTe-IQyv8_QfKB4leqb3RjJQ/w325-h400/279440_490348_1000_1000_watermarked.jpg" width="325" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><b>St. Spyridon the Wonderworker</b> (<a href="https://www.benaki.org/images/collectionitem/279440/sizes/279440_490348_1000_1000_watermarked.jpg">source</a>)</i></div><p></p><p data-adtags-visited="true"><strong>Ikos 10</strong></p><p data-adtags-visited="true">The holy Spyridon, the speedy helper and aid amid every necessity and sorrow, travelled to the city of Antioch with the other pastors, where the Emperor Constantius was held fast by sickness. The holy hierarch touched his head and restored his health; and we, marvelling at this miracle, cry out to thee:</p><ul><li>Rejoice, thou whom an angel revealed in a dream to the emperor as a healer</li><li>Rejoice, thou who, in thine old age, didst undertake a difficult journey for the sake of the love of God</li><li>Rejoice, thou who, following the Saviour’s commandment, didst turn thine other cheek to the servant of the emperor who struck thee</li><li>Rejoice, pillar of humility</li><li>Rejoice, thou who by thy supplications healed the emperor who besought thee with tears</li><li>Rejoice, for by thine own meekness thou didst admonish the servant and change his unmerciful character</li><li>Rejoice, for thou didst teach the emperor piety and loving kindness</li><li>Rejoice, for, despising the treasures of earth, thou didst not accept the emperor’s gold</li><li>Rejoice, for thou didst turn thine own disciple, Tryphillius, away from passion for earthly goods and didst make of him a vessel of the grace of God</li><li>Rejoice, for at thine arrival in Alexandria the idols toppled</li><li>Rejoice, thou to whom even the demons submit</li><li>Rejoice, for thou didst convert many from idolatry</li><li><i>Rejoice, O Spyridon, most miraculous wonderworker!</i></li></ul><p class="inline-ad-slot" data-adtags-visited="true" data-adtags-width="739" id="inline-ad-4" style="float: left; height: 0px; margin: 0px auto; overflow: hidden; width: 739px;"></p><p data-adtags-visited="true"><strong>Kontaktion 11</strong></p><p data-adtags-visited="true">Angelic chanting was audible when thou didst offer up thine evening prayers in church, O holy hierarch Spyridon, yet there was none serving with thee. And the inhabitants of the city, hearing this marvellous chanting, entered the church and, seeing no one, chanted with the heavenly hosts: <i>Alleluia!</i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG83rzt_CI3QxW4hmK33uFLB_3qAG3pOWK6fVXhOvKxQ1aSQJCG89F9mjoMdBk1G7U9ayyz3eNuvTs-0tD7YzeBns_OpU0aDSfKY1TmVOVOnXNiB_Pnu7Xy5VVKsKCo5v-4tWmpL8xKQ/s1024/%25CE%2591%25CE%2593%25CE%2599%25CE%259F%25CE%25A3-%25CE%25A3%25CE%25A0%25CE%25A5%25CE%25A1%25CE%2599%25CE%2594%25CE%25A9%25CE%259D%25CE%2591%25CE%25A3-%25CE%259C%25CE%2595-%25CE%25A3%25CE%259A%25CE%2597%25CE%259D%25CE%2595%25CE%25A3-%25CE%25A4%25CE%259F%25CE%25A5-%25CE%2592%25CE%2599%25CE%259F%25CE%25A5-14%25CE%25A721-%25CE%259C%25CE%25A0%25CE%259B%25CE%2595-%25CE%25A6%25CE%259F%25CE%259D%25CE%25A4%25CE%259F-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="842" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG83rzt_CI3QxW4hmK33uFLB_3qAG3pOWK6fVXhOvKxQ1aSQJCG89F9mjoMdBk1G7U9ayyz3eNuvTs-0tD7YzeBns_OpU0aDSfKY1TmVOVOnXNiB_Pnu7Xy5VVKsKCo5v-4tWmpL8xKQ/w329-h400/%25CE%2591%25CE%2593%25CE%2599%25CE%259F%25CE%25A3-%25CE%25A3%25CE%25A0%25CE%25A5%25CE%25A1%25CE%2599%25CE%2594%25CE%25A9%25CE%259D%25CE%2591%25CE%25A3-%25CE%259C%25CE%2595-%25CE%25A3%25CE%259A%25CE%2597%25CE%259D%25CE%2595%25CE%25A3-%25CE%25A4%25CE%259F%25CE%25A5-%25CE%2592%25CE%2599%25CE%259F%25CE%25A5-14%25CE%25A721-%25CE%259C%25CE%25A0%25CE%259B%25CE%2595-%25CE%25A6%25CE%259F%25CE%259D%25CE%25A4%25CE%259F-1.jpg" width="329" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><b>St. Spyridon the Wonderworker </b>(<a href="https://www.artisgr.shop/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/ΑΓΙΟΣ-ΣΠΥΡΙΔΩΝΑΣ-ΜΕ-ΣΚΗΝΕΣ-ΤΟΥ-ΒΙΟΥ-14Χ21-ΜΠΛΕ-ΦΟΝΤΟ-1.jpg">source</a>)</i></div><p data-adtags-visited="true"><strong>Ikos 11</strong></p><p data-adtags-visited="true">Thou wast a radiant sun for the world and a conversor with angels on earth, O holy hierarch Spyridon. Surrendering thy soul into the hands of God, thou didst depart for the mansions of heaven, where thou prayest for the world before the throne of the Master. And we who live on earth cry out to thee:</p><ul><li>Rejoice, for, while yet alive, thou didst serve with the angels</li><li>Rejoice, thou who didst listen to the hymnody of the archangels</li><li>Rejoice, visible image of our transfiguration</li><li>Rejoice, for, when there was not enough oil in church, God filled the lamps with an abundance thereof for thy sake</li><li>Rejoice, lamp of divine radiance</li><li>Rejoice, vessel of the grace of God, which, like oil, filleth thy soul to overflowing</li><li>Rejoice, wellspring which can never dry up, who ever pourest forth torrents of grace upon all</li><li>Rejoice, thou at whom even the angels are amazed</li><li>Rejoice, thou who chastised the disobedience of the deacon in church</li><li>Rejoice, thou who deprived of voice and speech one who was enamored of his own voice</li><li>Rejoice, for, during the burning heat, a dew which suddenly descended from on high cooled thy sacred head</li><li>Rejoice, thou who didst foresee the approach of thy repose in this sign</li><li><i>Rejoice, O Spyridon, most miraculous wonderworker!</i></li></ul><p data-adtags-visited="true"><strong>Kontaktion 12</strong></p><p data-adtags-visited="true">The protection and refuge of all the faithful during thy lifetime, O holy hierarch, thou hast not left us orphans since thy repose; for God, abrogating the laws of nature, hath preserved thy holy relics incorrupt for the strengthening of the Orthodox Faith and piety, and as a token of immortality. And glorifying Him, we cry out: <i>Alleluia!</i></p><p data-adtags-visited="true"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1OBpWGGfkzdvWpiUMaHSgwy1To-ktC19EdBsZc170gUvy_5gnS6gv5AJfdm_TzcEMHvZ6Us0P10lX2Evn7PMBGYGb0Fzx7ZzcqxHHKysEy4GYXi0dDntoz0Es8MBFx9_jH-FYnKKIZA/s1053/12_36.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1053" data-original-width="800" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1OBpWGGfkzdvWpiUMaHSgwy1To-ktC19EdBsZc170gUvy_5gnS6gv5AJfdm_TzcEMHvZ6Us0P10lX2Evn7PMBGYGb0Fzx7ZzcqxHHKysEy4GYXi0dDntoz0Es8MBFx9_jH-FYnKKIZA/w304-h400/12_36.jpg" width="304" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><b>St. Spyridon the Wonderworker</b> (<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh5TA6zmt6Q268v7OwP-3o732eMM2LrGGLT_aUDu8Uz-qVI9VpAG3SLd_6SNFzdoRwHm6jgG6xjtjDtmW9pkrj4G9fVvqhB3EI8YxQmGMHTGZFadJYgHOypKSTwem5aNPGvXwm44Xmw7I/s1600/12_36.jpg">source</a>)</i></div><p></p><p data-adtags-visited="true"><strong>Ikos 12</strong></p><p data-adtags-visited="true">We hymn thee, O holy hierarch of God, for thou has astonished the world with the miracles which flow from thy holy relics. For all who approach them and kiss them with faith receive the goodly things for which they ask. And glorifying God Who hath given thee strength, hath crowned thee with the wreath of incorruption, and worketh through thee, we cry out to thee:</p><ul><li>Rejoice, thou who in time of famine didst appear to the ship-captains and didst command them to supply the people with food</li><li>Rejoice, thou who gavest sight to the blind who approached thy holy relics with faith</li><li>Rejoice, thou who healed the youth of his incurable ailment</li><li>Rejoice, thou who didst drive the demon from a woman, making her well</li><li>Rejoice, chosen general of Kerkyra</li><li>Rejoice, for thou expelled the horde of muslim infidels and didst sink their ships in the deep</li><li>Rejoice, thou whom they beheld surrounded by a crowd of angels, holding a sword in thy right hand, and who caused the enemy to tremble</li><li>Rejoice, thou who didst prevent the governor from building a church for himself in which to have mass celebrated with unleavened bread</li><li>Rejoice, thou who didst bring upon the Venetian governor a cruel death</li><li>Rejoice, thou who by lightning didst cause his portrait to burn in his palace in Venice</li><li>Rejoice, thou who hast put to shame the apostasy and false teaching of the West</li><li>Rejoice, thou who hast confirmed for men that only the Orthodox Faith is true and leads to salvation</li><li><i>Rejoice, O Spyridon, most miraculous wonderworker!</i></li></ul><p class="inline-ad-slot" data-adtags-visited="true" data-adtags-width="739" id="inline-ad-5" style="float: left; height: 0px; margin: 0px auto; overflow: hidden; width: 739px;"></p><p data-adtags-visited="true"><strong>Kontaktion 13</strong></p><p data-adtags-visited="true">Accepting this our entreaty, O all-wondrous holy hierarch of Christ, father Spyridon, deliver us from all tribulations and assaults, strengthen the hierarchy of our Church against all heresies and schisms, grant us remission of our transgressions, and rescue from everlasting death all who for thy sake cry out to God: <i>Alleluia!</i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVxqIDfoTTagaP3x3s-rhbnA1xAUpCLs9ww46G-R5VnnmZD_7_2Uhh3EcKugKFbvzQNq8cN9E06bsEoLjP0xzri1wELMEMnK0KiVoG3IhrRB7fbiLxJEQIS0nD8N2_lPRfxkNgYTH1OA/s1592/PANSELHNOS+PRVTATO-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1592" data-original-width="1073" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVxqIDfoTTagaP3x3s-rhbnA1xAUpCLs9ww46G-R5VnnmZD_7_2Uhh3EcKugKFbvzQNq8cN9E06bsEoLjP0xzri1wELMEMnK0KiVoG3IhrRB7fbiLxJEQIS0nD8N2_lPRfxkNgYTH1OA/w270-h400/PANSELHNOS+PRVTATO-1.jpg" width="270" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><b>St. Spyridon the Wonderworker</b> (<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZnDBXJW599qP3j72efI_o1BWVJ4iyJMHV5NFtFB9aUwLoCyTuuHH4gJZGCLic215LQoUBi5RH6mZwXfY9cYEWbUm9GuIeqZok7eg1aBLZZYFbJ2RvUr4CSUtuwyTAP_-QRC3aTXM7UzE/s1600/PANSELHNOS+PRVTATO-1.jpg">source</a>)</i></div><p data-adtags-visited="true"><em>The above Kontaktion is said three times, then continue with the below:</em></p><p data-adtags-visited="true"><strong>Ikos 1</strong></p><p data-adtags-visited="true">Adorned from thy youth with all the virtues, and emulating the angels of Christ in thy life, O holy hierarch Spyridon, thou didst truly show thyself to be His friend. And beholding thee, the heavenly man and earthly angel, we cry out to thee with tenderness:</p><ul><li>Rejoice, mind contemplating the mysteries of the All-holy Trinity;</li><li>Rejoice, thou who hast been enriched by the all-radiant splendour of the Spirit!</li><li>Rejoice, beacon of great brilliance;</li><li>Rejoice, thou who didst enlighten thy mind with dispassion!</li><li>Rejoice, thou who didst love true simplicity and serenity from childhood;</li><li>Rejoice, adornment of chastity!</li><li>Rejoice, inexhaustible torrent of love;</li><li>Rejoice, for thou didst emulate the hospitality of Abraham!</li><li>Rejoice, for in an abundance of love thou didst open the doors of thy house to all;</li><li>Rejoice, intercessor for the poor!</li><li>Rejoice, thou before whom men offer reverence;</li><li>Rejoice, for thou art the abode of the All-holy Spirit!</li><li><i>Rejoice, O Spyridon, most miraculous wonderworker!</i></li></ul><p data-adtags-visited="true"><strong>Kontakion 1</strong></p><p data-adtags-visited="true">O holy hierarch and wonderworker Spyridon, who hast been glorified by the Lord! Celebrating now thy most honoured memory, with tenderness we cry out to thee, as one who art able greatly to assist us with Christ Who hath glorified thee: From all misfortunes and evil deliver us, that we may cry out to thee in thanksgiving:<i> Rejoice, O Spyridon, most miraculous wonderworker!</i></p><p data-adtags-visited="true"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLIHGGs7YrRwZM-Hiov0Sg6X2JhlxqKAYjy35mJgO1t_66utiDX48q8T3jL9mNVPnoSuMuSAzs5Z8maslPvwKOIoDwCCNLJzotseuOtJmmxu9rJe8Mxqcs572A2yI-jGCARVqHT0F7pw/s1036/6_St+Spiridon+Vita820x-75.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1036" data-original-width="820" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLIHGGs7YrRwZM-Hiov0Sg6X2JhlxqKAYjy35mJgO1t_66utiDX48q8T3jL9mNVPnoSuMuSAzs5Z8maslPvwKOIoDwCCNLJzotseuOtJmmxu9rJe8Mxqcs572A2yI-jGCARVqHT0F7pw/w316-h400/6_St+Spiridon+Vita820x-75.jpg" width="316" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><b>St. Spyridon the Wonderworker </b>(<a href="https://www.morsink.com/media/_thumbs/images/icons/C/C-6/6_St%20Spiridon%20Vita820x-75.jpg">source</a>)</i></div><p></p><p data-adtags-visited="true"><strong>Prayer</strong></p><p data-adtags-visited="true">O all-blessed and holy hierarch Spyridon, thou great favourite of Christ and most glorious wonderworker! Standing in heaven with the choirs of angels before the throne of God, look down with merciful gaze upon the people who stand here before thee and beseech thy mighty aid. Entreat the compassion of God Who loveth mankind, that He judge us not according to our iniquities, but that He deal with us according to His mercy. Ask for us of Christ our God a peaceful and undisturbed life, health of soul and body, bounty from the earth and abundance and prosperity in all things; and that we turn not the good things given us by our compassionate God to evil, but rather to His glory and the glorification of thine aid. Deliver all who approach God with unwavering faith from all retribution and from the assaults of the demons. Be thou a comforter for the grieving, a physician for the afflicted, a helper amid temptations, a shelter for the naked, an aid to the widowed, a defender of the orphaned, a nourisher of infants, a strengthener of the aged, a guide to travellers; and beg thou for all who are in need of thy mighty help all things which conduce to salvation, that, guided and protected by thy prayers, we may attain unto everlasting rest and with thee may glorify God Who is worshiped in the Holy Trinity: the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen</p><p data-adtags-visited="true">(<a href="https://akathisttostspyridon.wordpress.com/">source</a>)</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPt-vWJ1bGnYf-7CybUCfNJYcJioyly6A32OAcz1CNYAcB_OB9cPInoSvPE7x_0z7z6rvHPJNCrJX30kK-NvqtnXIDPfh1b_j4bBCBRfUtfEKb2SghDB4uwQcNfyckoC-ARu8-1pJCIQ/s1800/spiridonszhitem.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="1260" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPt-vWJ1bGnYf-7CybUCfNJYcJioyly6A32OAcz1CNYAcB_OB9cPInoSvPE7x_0z7z6rvHPJNCrJX30kK-NvqtnXIDPfh1b_j4bBCBRfUtfEKb2SghDB4uwQcNfyckoC-ARu8-1pJCIQ/w280-h400/spiridonszhitem.jpg" width="280" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><b>St. Spyridon the Wonderworker</b> (<a href="https://russianicons.files.wordpress.com/2018/04/spiridonszhitem.jpg">source</a>)</i></div><p data-adtags-visited="true" style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Through the prayers of our Holy Fathers, Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy on us and save us! Amen!</i></b></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4990141932888502187.post-26197514875436474542020-12-10T09:25:00.004-08:002020-12-10T09:25:55.237-08:00Paraklesis to St. Spyridon the Wonderworker (chanted in Greek)<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/93COTlSXMd0" width="320" youtube-src-id="93COTlSXMd0"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>Paraklesis to St. Spyridon the Wonderworker (chanted in Greek) (<a href="https://youtu.be/93COTlSXMd0">source</a>)</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i> </i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i>Through the prayers of our Holy Fathers, Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy on us and save us! Amen!</i></b></div><p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4990141932888502187.post-25865735685785518872020-12-09T08:02:00.000-08:002020-12-09T08:02:40.896-08:00St. Porphyrios on the Condemnation of Bishops<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEgL7LVhUG-r3LmafO5prVK5aMYIG5-BRLssUt6fG6Hg7Rzv28QD-68pAm45KyE9JMrGMTMD00z62Ahn0TcyBF24ObHALMjTDH-HAkVFR81nOpfUzBr6gK8lhivrWxZOn_uvpX_plb4mh2UunLq-3Q=s512" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="512" data-original-width="378" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEgL7LVhUG-r3LmafO5prVK5aMYIG5-BRLssUt6fG6Hg7Rzv28QD-68pAm45KyE9JMrGMTMD00z62Ahn0TcyBF24ObHALMjTDH-HAkVFR81nOpfUzBr6gK8lhivrWxZOn_uvpX_plb4mh2UunLq-3Q=w296-h400" width="296" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><b>The Holy Fathers</b> (<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEgL7LVhUG-r3LmafO5prVK5aMYIG5-BRLssUt6fG6Hg7Rzv28QD-68pAm45KyE9JMrGMTMD00z62Ahn0TcyBF24ObHALMjTDH-HAkVFR81nOpfUzBr6gK8lhivrWxZOn_uvpX_plb4mh2UunLq-3Q=">source</a>)</i></div><p><span style="font-size: large;">"We should never attack a Bishop with our mouth. He has the episcopacy upon him. Regardless of the mistakes he has done, we must cover him with our prayers. Thus is created around the Bishop a spiritual defense, a spiritual surrounding wall, without him knowing it, which encircles him, and eventually will allow him, as a rule, for God to revive him."***</span></p><p><b><span style="font-size: large;">-St. Porphyrios of Kavsokalyvia</span></b></p><p>(<a href="http://apantaortodoxias.blogspot.com/2020/12/blog-post_227.html">source</a>)</p><p><i><b>***Note: </b>St. Porphyrios is not referring to reaching out, in the proper manner and the proper channels, to discuss moral or canonical transgressions by bishops through a Synod or Archbishops above him. He is also not referring to hierarchs canonically deposed by a Synod or church council. He is properly trying to limit the endless gossip, slander, condemnation and judging that gets hurled against hierarchs throughout the world, but even worse now in the age of the internet. May we humbly pray for our bishops before rushing to condemn them, and thus help both of their and our repentance and our souls. </i></p><p><b style="text-align: center;"><i>Through the prayers of our Holy Fathers, Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy on us and save us! Amen!</i></b></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4990141932888502187.post-61570204856185909692020-12-08T10:19:00.008-08:002020-12-08T10:19:53.978-08:00Paraklesis to St. Patapios of Thebes the Wonderworker<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ZiscNjKMkWI" width="320" youtube-src-id="ZiscNjKMkWI"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><b>Here is an audio recording of the Paraklesis (Supplication service) to St. Patapios of Thebes, chanted in Greek by the nuns of his monastery outside of Loutraki, where his holy and wonderworking Relic is treasured to this day </b>(<a href="https://youtu.be/ZiscNjKMkWI">source</a>)</i></div><i><div style="text-align: center;"><i> </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1136/4188/products/Patapios__36522.1412460520.1000.1200_1800x1800.jpeg?v=1455410112" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="400" height="400" src="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1136/4188/products/Patapios__36522.1412460520.1000.1200_1800x1800.jpeg?v=1455410112" width="284" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>St. Patapios of Thebes the Wonderworker </b>(<a href="https://orthodoxmonasteryicons.com/products/patapius-the-righteous-of-thebes-icon?_pos=1&_sid=98bbcce7b&_ss=r">source</a>)</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i> </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Through the prayers of our Holy Fathers, Lord Jesus Christ our God have mercy on us and save us! Amen!</i></b></div></i><p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4990141932888502187.post-56714813861314745832020-12-03T07:21:00.004-08:002020-12-03T07:21:36.054-08:00"You reached the height of knowledge unflinchingly, and plumbed the depths of wisdom unspeakably..."<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.dintrozi.ro/images/icoane/icoana1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="639" height="400" src="https://www.dintrozi.ro/images/icoane/icoana1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><b>St. Nicholas the Wonderworker</b> (<a href="https://www.dintrozi.ro/images/icoane/icoana1.jpg">source</a>)</i></div><p><span style="font-size: large;">You reached the height of knowledge unflinchingly, and plumbed the depths of wisdom unspeakably, and through your teachings, you have enriched the whole world, O Father. Ever entreat Christ on behalf of us, O Hierarch Nicholas.</span></p><p><b><span style="font-size: large;">-Idiomelon of the Litia in the First Tone for the Feast of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker</span></b></p><p>(<a href="http://glt.xyz/texts/Dec/06.uni.htm">source</a>)</p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Through the prayers of our Holy Fathers, Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy on us and save us! Amen!</i></b></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4990141932888502187.post-34512760974877810362020-12-03T06:19:00.004-08:002020-12-03T06:19:41.357-08:00"You received the love for the good things surpassing mind..."<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://sfsava.mmb.ro/sites/default/files/styles/media-articol-colorbox/public/sfsava/articol/2018/05/agios_sabbas.jpg?itok=1mfPG5vb" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="618" height="400" src="https://sfsava.mmb.ro/sites/default/files/styles/media-articol-colorbox/public/sfsava/articol/2018/05/agios_sabbas.jpg?itok=1mfPG5vb" width="309" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><b>St. Sabbas the Sanctified</b> (<a href="https://sfsava.mmb.ro/sites/default/files/styles/media-articol-colorbox/public/sfsava/articol/2018/05/agios_sabbas.jpg?itok=1mfPG5vb">source</a>)</i></div><p><span style="font-size: large;">You received the love for the good things surpassing mind, and you disdained all things of this world, O inspired by God. Therefore, you did not pity the flesh as Adam did, for you cast out the serpent through your self-control, and proceeded through your life as an angel. And now, you join pasture with them in the Heavens, partaking of the tree of life. Entreat God on behalf of us who celebrate your memory in faith, O Sabbas the Sanctified.</span></p><p><b><span style="font-size: large;">-Doxastikon of the Litia, by Theophanes</span></b></p><p>(<a href="http://glt.xyz/texts/Dec/05.uni.htm">source</a>)</p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Through the prayers of our Holy Fathers, Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy on us and save us! Amen!</i></b></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4990141932888502187.post-960194274994751092020-12-03T06:11:00.003-08:002020-12-03T06:11:33.638-08:00"You traveled the road of struggle..."<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://doxologia.ro/sites/default/files/styles/media-articol-colorbox/public/imagine/2014/11/sfanta_mare_mucenita_varvara5.jpg?itok=b25BDwsg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="545" height="400" src="https://doxologia.ro/sites/default/files/styles/media-articol-colorbox/public/imagine/2014/11/sfanta_mare_mucenita_varvara5.jpg?itok=b25BDwsg" width="273" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><b>St. Barbara the Great Martyr</b> (<a href="https://doxologia.ro/sites/default/files/styles/media-articol-colorbox/public/imagine/2014/11/sfanta_mare_mucenita_varvara5.jpg?itok=b25BDwsg">source</a>)</i></div><p><span style="font-size: large;">You traveled the road of struggle, fleeing the will of your father, O all-honored Barbara, and as a wise Virgin, you entered into the courts of your Lord bearing a lamp, and with manliness as a Martyr, you received grace to heal the brutal maiming of the flesh. And, for those who hymn you, grant deliverance from pains of soul through your intercessions to God.</span></p><p><b><span style="font-size: large;">-Doxastikon of the Praises in Plagal of the Second Tone, by John the Monk.</span></b></p><p>(<a href="http://glt.xyz/texts/Dec/04.uni.htm">source</a>)</p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Through the prayers of our Holy Fathers, Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy on us and save us! Amen!</i></b></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0