CONSCIENCE IN MAN THE VERY SMALL VOICE WITHIN ALL MEN

CONSCIENCE IN MAN

THE VERY SMALL VOICE 
WITHIN ALL MEN

      There are many people who  deny the  conscience which is in every man, perhaps the main reason is that it would witness that there is a God, and that He is  close to each of us. Nor do they choose or accept the fact that the conscience has a profound effect on a person’s character, and there are many amazing  responses to the small voice within man. This small voice is the voice of Almighty God, who persuades men to avoid evil and seek what is good.  He is the only Lover of man, who  desires that all men be saved and come to knowledge of truth. He does not will that a single soul should perish in their sins. If we fail to listen to Him through our own conscience, He will not be able to lead us to salvation by His Son, Jesus Christ. Nor will He compel us for he will not do anything to violate the wondrous freedom which He graciously bestowed upon mankind. God does not desire to create slavish robots,  but free man, able to obey or disobey Him, or to love or hate Him, but man in the glory of His image. His  plan is that we all freely struggle to become His perfect likeness. What great honor has been given to all of us by our Creator!

    The human brain is a material organ and is not the source of our  conscience, for conscience is not a material but a spiritual entity. We see the evidence of conscience in a man who commits a crime in his youth, and then confesses it when older. Why? A child may lie to its parent then suddenly blurt out the truth.  Why?  A person has a guilty expression on his face when he speaks a lie?  Why ? The only answer possible is that it is that small voice of God in man, which supports or opposes his thoughts and deeds.

    There is no doubt  that there is a conscience in all people, many of whom do everything possible to silence its rebuke. Another example is when a man decides to cheat another of money or goods, and not want any opposition he decides to keep his plans secret.  Suddenly a voice within him strongly opposes his plans, rebuking him for his decision. Listening to this voice of his conscience,  he decides against cheating his fellow man. He heeded the small voice within.

GREAT FORTY DAYS- OUR JOURNEY TO PARADISE

GREAT FORTY DAYS

OUR JOURNEY TO PARADISE

    The Great Forty Days is the original name of the period called Great Lent. It is a very  important period of our lives, having an  amazing effect on serious and sober-minded people. Although it regulates what and how much we eat, it’s really not about food as much as the acquisition of Paradise lost, for we are  seeking not quickly passing carnal pleasures, but the superior and lasting joy of the spirit.  But what is Paradise that makes it so compelling that we should desire to  return to it?

   Paradise is considered by most people to be a only a physical place. It is invariably described as a sweet and lovely garden, having no storms or rain, no wild animals or dangers, an no sickness or death. Beautiful and sweet smelling flowers abounded,  plants and  bushes yielding berries and trees yielding delicious fruits. These were indescribably sweet and enjoyable, and delightfully satisfying to Adam and Eve, the first formed man and woman. Animals were  tame and harmless,  nor were there storms even a rainy day.  Water was supplied by fountains of water, gushing up into the sunny and clear air for drinking and irrigation. Yet none of these things made it Paradise, for Paradise is far more beautiful than all of these plants and trees. In the divine Paradise there is no need of sun, because God is infinitely  brighter than the sun.  There is no food for Christ is our divine food  satisfying our hunger and drink.

    Paradise’s divine and wonderful beauty was experienced each day as God came and spoke with the Adam an Eve. The light of His countenance was seen and experienced in their intellects and hearts, which were more understanding than their senses. God’s fatherly gentleness and kindness, as He embraced them drawing them to himself, filling them with warmth and delight; the scent of His  holiness intoxicated their souls, sending them into an ecstasy of delight. There was no pain, no sorrow, no death, nothing but the sweetness of life and the joy of Paradise,  for the Creator of the universe and of their existence was with them. O beautiful Paradise, O wondrous creation. 

PROTESTANT GREAT ERRORS AND GREATER HERESIES PART FOUR

PROTESTANT GREAT ERRORS AND GREATER HERESIES

PART FOUR

CONCERNING THE EUCHARIST

"Amen, I say unto you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man, and drink His blood, you have no life in you. Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day. For my flesh is truly food, and my blood is truly drink." 

   This is an important reason for publishing the series: Protestant Errors and Greater Heresies. First it is beneficial that we all know what the truth is, and are able to defend those truths, for this is our sacred duty. Due to various relationships with Protestant and Roman Catholics, many Orthodox, who do not understand the Faith, can easily be influenced to accept falsehoods, and they many Protestants are highly skilled in quoting passages from the Holy Bible 

    Concerning one of their biggest errors is what the Eucharist is. Without searching the Scripture for the truth, they just proclaim against the center of Orthodox worship which is the Holy Eucharist or Thanksgiving. The Orthodox Eucharist continues to preserve the truths taught by Jesus Christ and His Apostles, which have been held sacred in the Church Christ founded for almost two thousand years. From the beginning, the Church celebrated the Eucharist, offering bread and wine mingled with water and offered to the Lord in remembrance of Him, according to His commandment. The Divine Liturgy includes the invocation of the Priest asking the Holy Spirit to change the bread into the Body of Christ and the cup into the Blood of Christ. Of course these prayers are answered as they conform the the commandment of Christ.

 In general, Protestants have not and do not accept these Scriptural truths. There are many other Scriptural truths that they do not accept, such as the requirement of a priesthood, and the seal of the New Covenant which was established by the shedding of the blood of Christ – this is the legacy preserved in the Church and will be supported by the proceeding paragraphs.

ON SPIRITUAL FOOD

ON SPIRITUAL FOOD

St.  Nikolai Velimirovic

“I am the bread of life” (John 6:48)

   Thus spoke the Lord Jesus to the hungry human race, and these words are proven through the ages to innumerable followers of Christ who received the Lord as the food of their souls.  One young man in despair, who was near suicide, went to confession. The Priest listened to him carefully, then said to him: “My son, you yourself are at fault in your distress. Your soul is famished to death.  All your life you have done things that only feed the body, but you have never given thought to the soul’s need for food. It needs more, and more frequently than the body does. Your soul is dying of hunger. Eat and drink Christ my son. Only thus can your soul be turned back from death. Eat and drink Christ every day, incessantly.  He is the lifegiving bread of our souls.”  The young man obeyed the elder and was restored to life.

    My brethren, let us feed our souls with Christ, that they may be alive and healthy. Let us constantly feed our minds with thoughts of Christ, that they may be enlightened and clear.  Let us constantly feed our hearts with the love of Christ, that they may be pure and joyful.  Let us constantly feed our wills with the commandments of Christ and the example of Christ, that our wills may at every moment perform good works.  May Christ’s thoughts be our thoughts; and Christ’s love be our love; and Christ’s good will be our good will. Let us constantly feed our souls on Christ the Lord; constantly feed on Him and assuage the thirst of our souls on Him. There is no more nourishing bread than He; there is no sweeter drink than He. In Holy Communion, He gives himself wholly to us, His Body and Blood.

  But to receive Communion is a reminder to us that our souls must feed on Him without pause. We must eat and drink Him as incessantly as we breathe.

  O our gracious and sweet Lord, move our souls to feed constantly on you and to be made alive.  You are the Bread of Life. To you be glory and praise forever. Amen.        (Prologue Vol. 1 p222)

WHO WILL BE SAVED? THE GREAT FAST IS APPROACHING

WHO WILL BE SAVED?

THE GREAT FAST IS APPROACHING

WE NEED TO WALK IN THE NEWNESS OF LIFE!

   The mind of the world and of western Christianity to which we are exposed is not conducive to a beneficial the Forty Day Fast of the  Orthodox Church, so we need to separate ideas of Orthodoxy from the ideas of secular Christianity which have nothing in common.  The secular Protestants twist the Gospel as they follow their own opinions. Many  proclaim that they are saved by faith alone, and that this is what the Bible says,  and they are correct – but so wrong about their conclusions!  Their wrong ideas have crept in among many of our own Orthodox, and influenced by them,  they also can have the wrong ideas about our Faith. 

   For example, while they do not keep the fasts, we see the Great Forty Days Fast coming upon us and this fast is an important distinguishing mark of Orthodox Christians worldwide. Orthodoxy keeps Wednesday and Fridays, and four fasts a year, and a few other days as fasting periods, which constitutes about half the year. It is a major part of the Orthodox Christian way of life, and is most healthy for the soul and the body. The fast teaches us moderation and temperance, which possibly extends lives, and for sure nourishes good health, not only of the body, but it certainly leads us to everlasting reward in the kingdom  of the future! The benefits are enormous, the investment procures riches above all wealth and moderation we learn,  produces contentment and good health of body and soul, which in turn reduces medical expenses. Protestants do not keep the fasts, disregarding the many references in the Bible,  and  many Orthodox,  fail to keep the fasts, depriving themselves of  the important benefits of Orthodox fasting to their bodies and souls.

"UNLIFTED" ANATHEMAS OF THE PAPACY AGAINST ORTHODOXY

"UNLIFTED"  ANATHEMAS OF THE PAPACY AGAINST ORTHODOXY 

FOOLISH ORTHODOX –  HONORING ENEMIES WITH DIALOGUES

Papal authority is not just faith and morals but everything! 

Only total submission to the Pope – nothing less!

      “If anyone say that the Pope has only the office of over-seer or of manager,  but not the full and supreme rulership of sovereignty over the whole Church,  not only in matters of faith and morals,  but also in the matters of discipline and of government of the Church throughout the world . . . let him be anathema.” (Vatican Council 1870). 

These words from the Papacy about the Papacy are proof positive that it is not the Church of Christ, but the source of supreme arrogance.

      In 1964 the unfortunate Latin-minded, Patriarch Athenagoras,  having first abandoned his own Orthodoxy, then  proceeding without authority,  he “lifted the anathemas”  against the papacy.   However it was an empty gesture, because as Patriarch he is not the Church.  No single patriarch represents the Church, for this is exactly what caused the Papacy to abandon the true Church.   Neither can anathemas  be lifted because they always are in force and permanent. They are issued against heresy and wrong belief.   A person under an Orthodox anathema can correct himself and come out from under the anathema, but the anathema remains permanently.  The papacy clearly shows its fraudulent intentions, for they cannot  lift their own anathemas against the  Orthodox, being outside of the authority of the Pope and the cardinals. They are indelibly inscribed in their canons as will be shown in what follows.

  The following anathemas, formulated by the Pope of Rome  and the papacy remain in  effect against all Christians of the world who refuse to commemorate, recognize, and submit to the authority and discipline of the Pope of Rome being Christ’s infallible vicar.

  In the year 1870, (Vatican Council)  the Pope of Rome declared an anathema against everyone outside of the Papacy. That is, it was directed   against anyone  who refused to accept the Pope as  Supreme Pontiff,  infallible Head of the Church, the only successor of Peter and the Vicar of Christ.  

SOME FACTS ABOUT GOD AND MAN AND THE GREAT FORTY DAYS

SOME  FACTS ABOUT  GOD  AND  MAN

AND

THE GREAT FORTY DAYS

    The great season of the Fast is rapidly approaching,  and it is a good time to take stock of who we are, where we are, where we are going,  and what our task ought to be during a special period like this. We need to act, for the Great Fast goes by quickly and Pascha awaits us at the end. The Resurrection of Christ, in which we all rejoice and celebrate we need to make our own. Christ showed by His example, that the way of the Cross leads to the resurrection.

   Man was created in the image of God, with the potential of acquiring  the likeness of God as well. This in fact,  is the true destiny of man, to become like Christ, the image and likeness of God. For this reason Christ came into the world, not just to save man but to restore the fallen image who had rebelled, wash him to make him whiter than snow, and raise him up to heaven forever.  Christ commands: “Be holy for I am holy.” And, “Be perfect as your father in heaven is perfect.” This is the reason why we are given a certain number of years on earth, to enter the struggle and cooperate with God and each other to become what we are meant to be. There is nothing more wonderful, more glorious, or delightful in this world,  than to enter the mildly ascetic type of life that is called Orthodox Christian. It is accessible to all but needs to be preached in the churches over and over. 

WHAT IS AN IDEA? Witnessing our Holy Orthodox Truths

WHAT IS AN IDEA?

Witnessing our Holy Orthodox Truths

“An idea is any conception that exists in the mind as a result of mental understanding, awareness, or activity.” * Phrases commonly in use: “Give me a general idea of what happened.”  “What was the idea of that?”   “I have no idea.”  

  * Random House Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary 1997)

Christ is the Perfect Logos and Idea of the Father

     An idea of a being (anybody or anything that exists) necessarily presupposes the existence of the being in question; accordingly it may be said that if there were no other beings neither would there be any ideas in our spirits. Hence it is logically evident that every idea depends upon the actual existence of a being of which it is an idea. Having the idea of a being makes it possible to describe its nature, and we perform this process in our minds every day. 

     The declaration saying, “I have no idea of who he is,” demonstrates ignorance or non-existence of somebody or something. Having an idea of something demonstrates the reality which our idea represents. It is not possible for anyone to have an idea of some thing, some place or some activity that has no being or existence. To have an idea of anything  proves that it exists. In the books of the Acts of the Apostles, Paul met some disciples and asked: “Have you received Holy Spirit since you believed?  And they said to him, We have not so much as heard whether there be a Holy Spirit” Acts:19:2) The answer shows that, because of ignorance, they had no idea whether or not there was a Holy Spirit, but after they were baptized they did  receive Holy Spirit, however the idea of the Holy Spirit entered their minds and spirits with the question raised by St. Paul.

JESUS CHRIST 

THE 

LOGOS AND 

PERFECT IDEA 

OF  

THE FATHER

   There is an ongoing war, inspired by the Devil. to kill God, for the Evil one does  not doubt that God exists, for he is terrified of Him, knowing that God is the  invincible Creator of all, and that his own torment is certain to come. So it is not God that he seeks to kill, but the idea of God in the minds of all mankind, especially in the minds of children, whom the Evil One seeks to corrupt and suffer with him in torment.  

TRUE AND PERMANENT HAPPINESS

 TRUE AND PERMANENT HAPPINESS

Death is swallowed up in victory!

Death where is your sting Hades where is your victory!”

 Man’s life cannot be filled with absolute happiness, unless he first solves the problem of death, which threatens everyone of us, hanging over our heads like a giant sword.  We can acquire  a  wonderful job; we can start a profitable business, or begin a good career; we can marry a desirable mate and have healthy children. We can be enabled to purchase means of transportation and a house in which to live, and start a family,  and finally hope to be happy.  But death, directly or indirectly awaits and threatens our happiness. Death does not discriminate between rich or poor or single or married, young or old, for it threatens all and remains unpredictable.  If we could solve the problem of death, and rid ourselves even of the thought, then true happiness would overflow our soul, and the sword will vanish as a threat.`

 The great Moses freed the Jews from the tyrannical grip of Pharaoh, led them through the wilderness, established for them a covenant with God at Mt. Sinai, where the law was given, including the ten commandments. Moses was described as the meekest among men, and he loved and served God, and with constant love for  his people, when they proved to be ingrates,  he interceded with God  to spare them. Moses also firmly told the Jews that the Lord God would send them  the Messiah /Christ, and sternly warned that anyone who rejected him, would be cast out from among the people.

Christ came, just as Moses had prophesied, born of the Virgin just as Isaiah had prophesied,  and although being God, He accepted to humble himself and  became man.  He entered the world of men, whom He created,  and preached the good news that He is the Redeemer and Savior of the world. Whoever believes and accepts Him as Christ the Son of God, will gain eternal life. Those who will not receive Him and die in their sins will be separated from God forever, and be “cast into the outer darkness, where there is weeping and gnashing of teeth.” His main objective was to set himself as an example for all men, showing them how to live their lives in peace and love -- how to become the image and likeness of God. What He is what we must become, holy and perfect. “Learn from me for I am meek and humble in my heart.”  He told His disciples many times that He would be put to death, assuring them that He would then rise from the dead on the third day. And it is in this wonderful work of Christ that we are assured of permanent happiness for ever!

FROM THE RUDDER --THE APOSTOLIC CANONS

FROM THE RUDDER

THE APOSTOLIC CANONS

  Shame on those who degrade the importance of the Rudder for it is destructive to Orthodoxy. Without the Rudder, the Orthodox will evolve into  Protestants, each choosing what he wishes to believe.  Only Holy Scripture is before the Rudder, and both are a part of our written Tradition. We selected some Canon handed down to us from the Holy Apostles, who firmly warn us not to ignore these Canons. These are taken from the Rudder, and it easily seen that they deal with everyday matters, forbidding some things, and allowing some things.The Canons are a most vital part of Orthodox Written Tradition.

 SOME OF THE 85 APOSTOLIC CANONS 

CANON 1  BISHOPS

Two or three other Bishops are needed to ordain a Bishop.

CANON 2    PRIESTS

A Priest must be ordained by a single Bishop, and so must a Deacon and other Clergymen.

CANON 6 WORLDLY CARES

A Bishop, or Priest, or Deacon must not undertake worldly cares. If he does, let him be deposed.

CANON 7    PASCHA AFTER PASSOVER

If any Bishop, or Priest, or Deacon celebrate the holy day of Pascha before the vernal equinox with the Jews, let him be deposed.

CANON 9    HOLY COMMUNION

All those faithful who enter and listen to the Scriptures, but do not stay for prayer and Holy Communion must be excommunicated, on the ground that they are causing the Church a breach of order.

CANON 10    PRAYING WITH

One who prays with the excommunicant, shall himself be excommunicated.

CANON  11   PRAYING WITH

A clergyman who prays in company with a deposed clergyman shall\ also be deposed.

THE RUDDER OF THE ORTHODOX CATHOLIC CHURCH

THE RUDDER 

OF THE ORTHODOX CATHOLIC CHURCH 

     This ship symbolizes the Catholic Church of Christ. Its keel represents the Orthodox Faith in the Holy Trinity. Its beams and planks represent the dogmas and traditions of the Faith. Its mast represents the Cross; its sail and rigging represent Hope and Love. The Master of the vessel is our Lord Jesus Christ, whose hand is on the helm. The mates and sailors are the Apostles, and the successors of the Apostles, and all clergymen, secretaries and notaries, and occasional teachers. The passengers comprise all Orthodox Christians. The sea symbolizes present life. A gentle and zephyr-like breeze signifies whiffs and graces of the Holy Spirit wafting the vessel on its course. Winds, on the other hand, are temptations baffling it. Its Rudder, whereby it is steered straightforwardly to the heavenly harbor is the present Book of the Holy Canons.

    Note that divine Chrysostom also likens the Church to a ship (see Volume VI, page 426, line 10, and Volume VII, page 502, line 20 of the Etonian edition).

   The Rudder of the Orthodox Catholic Church is the second most important written source of Holy Tradition, that preserves the essence of our Faith. It is a treasure to all of us, but is sadly a hidden treasure, which is next to the Holy Scripture in importance, and in rank.  Both the Scripture and the Rudder are inspired by God.  The difference being that the Holy Scripture writings of individuals, are directly inspired and therefore infallible. The Seven Ecumenical Synods, which approved all of the Canons in the Rudder, were collectively inspired by God, not the opinion of each father present.  Note: the Rudder contents are available for your use on this blog.

   These sacred Canons are ignored by many, even though they are vital for the preservation of our Faith.  Without its Rudder, the Church drifts into turbulent waters with no one in charge, leaving the faithful in danger.

St.Nicodemos, Compliler of 

The Rudder

   St. Nicodemos the Hagiorite together with Agapios a monk, spent countless years in compiling the Rudder, and making it available. We produced the English translation that is on this blog. It is not their composition for the contents have been handed down to us from the ages, which they collected and compiled.St. Nicodemos did do something very important in presenting his interpretations, which  you will find are useful and helpful. The first 85 Canons of the Rudder are from the Holy Apostles which dates back to right after the next period after Christ. 

   Some scorners of the Sacred Canons, quote, then contradict a few of them, and in doing so, heap scorn upon them all. Going to Church on Sunday is not enough, for there is much more to Christian life, which the Rudder will help you to understand. Select what you require and what interests you. The Rudder is for the  functioning of the entire Church, covering most everything, as you can see by the partial list below.Without knowledge of the sacred Canons, it is not easy to understand the what and why and how of everyday Christian life, especially for members of the laity, which always do not educate themselves into the glory and truth of Orthodoxy, which is not just a religion, but the revelation from heaven, the Holy Church, the Body of Christ.

The following words are contained the Rudder and speak of it very sternly.

“That the divine Canons must be kept strictly by all. For those who fail to keep them are made liable to horrible penalties.”

     “These instructions regarding Canons have been enjoined upon you by us, O Bishops. If you adhere to them you shall be saved, and shall have peace; but, if you disobey them, you shall be punished, and shall have perpetual war with one another, thus paying the penalty deserved for heedlessness.” 

(The Apostles in their epilogue to the Canons)

   That the sacred Canons should be studied and understood according to our ability, can readily be seen by the subject matter, which concerns everyday life. If you just peruse through this wonderful guide of the Church and its members, it is the Church's Rudder, you will see how precious and valuable it is. True happiness will never be found in this world, unless we have God as our Father and the Church as our Mother. 

A small fraction of the contents

What marriages are allowed/forbidden

Who can become a Bishop

Who can be ordained Priest

Fasts; how to be kept

Killing during war

Who can sponsor a child at Baptism

God’s action in His Church

Who can be sponsor at a wedding

Holy Communion the benefits/dangers

Homosexuality

Fornication

Vows that are permissible/forbidden

When fasting is forbidden

What is a schism

What heresy is

Mysteries outside the Church

Orthodox baptism not repeatable

Regarding Holy Communion

How we “die” in Baptism

The blessing of holy icons

Weddings forbidden during fasts

Duties of husbands and wives toward each other

Seizing a woman by force

Clergyman’s mysteries valid unless deposed

Oaths are forbidden

Who can be ordained

Not “original sin” but “propotorical sin”

No Church outside Orthodoxy 

Parents – if child dies

Perjury– very serious sin

On this blog, Click on the Rudder to view its contents.

JESUS CHRIST RETURNS AND APPEARS TO THE WORTHY AND UNWORTHY

JESUS CHRIST RETURNS AND 

APPEARS TO THE WORTHY AND UNWORTHY

“Behold, I am with you to the close of the age.”

St. Gregentius, Bishop of Zafar in Southern Arabia (Yemen) 

Dec.19

  The wonderful and magnificent Saint Gregentius came from the city of Milan, and flourished after  the year 518. Form his earliest age he fully devoted himself to Christ, whom he loved  deeply, and always strived to keep all His commandments and to remain faithful in everything.  After being ordained to the diaconate, he devoted himself even more to an ascetic life of prayer and fasting with the acquisition all the virtues, especially faith, hope and love.

    Gregentius went to visit a certain spiritual elder, who told his disciple that he was coming and what would become of him. He told him that Gregentius who was now a deacon but would become a holy Bishop and bring thousands of Jews to Christ. 

    Another holy elder, whom Gregentius saw on a fiery pillar in midair, told him what was his future would be.  He told him that he would go to Rome and worship at the church of Boniface and Aglais, and then take ship to Alexandria to stay for some time, and then will be called to Southern Arabia to the land of the Homerites, and  will become bishop of that city. In the meantime he catechized and baptized multitudes of people.  When he arrived among the Homerites, there  were thousands of Jews in the area who held firmly to their error and doing everything they were able, to rid the area of Christians.

     Gregentius, his whole heart filled with love for God, desired to bring all the Jews out of darkness and  error into the light of Christ their Messiah. His sphere of influence spread far and wide, not only in one city but in surrounding areas because of his beautiful soul, peaceful attitude and love of preaching and baptizing people in Christ. Peter, Paul and Mark the Apostle at one time appeared to him, and strengthened him, and demonstrated that Gregentius would be ordained bishop

    Gregentius lived and breathed the truths and essence of Orthodoxy. His  zeal like fiery flames ignited  in other souls from the overflow of his exultation and the joy in his soul. He conducted his ministry with ardent faith, as he energetically instructed, supported and continually prayed for his flock. He  never stopped attempting, with all his power, to bring the hardhearted Jews to faith in Christ and to correct thinking, and in these endeavors he was somewhat successful. From among the faithful, he ordained those who were worthy to enter the clergy as he industriously built up the Church. He also composed laws for them to live and act as Christian citizens.

ORTHODOX TIDBITS 2 WHO IS HEAD OF THE CHURCH|?

ORTHODOX TIDBITS 2

   WHO IS HEAD OF THE CHURCH|? 

     “He set Him on His own right hand in the heavenly places, far above all authority, power, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come, and has put all things under His feet; and gave him to be the Head of the Church which is His body” (Eph. 1:20-23).

      Headless humanity is given a Head in the Lord Jesus, risen from the dead.  The body severed from the head, begins to knit together with that Head, bit by bit and part by part. Not all men are the body, but only those who respond are received under the Head. Those who respond compose the Body that is called the Church, of which the Lord is the Head.  But as the risen and glorified man Jesus is exalted within the Holy Trinity above each and all on earth and in heaven, so also will His Church, His Body, be raised up to its Head, above each and all. The whole Church will stand at the right hand of the Holy Trinity, for, where the head is, there is also the body.  

     To such an exaltation, greatness and glory will the gathered repentant sinners attain, who had sometimes been enemies of God, wandering astray like the Prodigal Son and headless as a dead body. But now adopted through Christ and for Christ, and clad in the beauty of divine life and light.  It is a great thing my brethren for the Son of God to be incarnate on earth, and for Him to suffer on the Cross and die for our sake.  His sojourn on earth brought a vast change in the destiny of man and in the meaning of all created things.  He changed all things, and made them new. Therefore, my brethren, let us not live and conduct ourselves as the old man, but as the new; let us not live in sin but in justice; let us not conduct ourselves according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. Let us merit the exaltation, greatness and glory to which we are called by our Head.  (Prologue of Ochrid, Vol 4 pp 165-166)

                                                                                                        

ORTHODOX TIDBITS 1

ORTHODOX   TIDBITS 1

INSANITY CAUSED BY A STOLEN OXEN

     St. Ammon of Nitria was living in the Nitrian desert, and had acquired the  gift of discernment and insight and became a wonder-worker. A man and his wife came to him with their insane son, seeking his help to cure their son by his prayers, but he would not do this. He told them that “the illness of your son is in your own hands. Return to the widow the ox that was stolen from her and your son will be healed.” They promised him that they would do as he said. 

WHOEVER SHALL HUMBLE HIMSELF AS THIS CHILD

   Our Lord took a small child and placing him among His disciples, said: “Whoever shall humble himself like this child, he is greatest in the kingdom of heaven” (Matt 18:4). This same child grew up and became the Hieromartyr Ignatius the God-bearer of Antioch, who was called Godbearer because he always carried the name of the Lord in his heart and on his lips. A supernatural wonder  took place at Ignatius’ martyrdom where he was devoured by wild beasts. Only his bones werer left and his heart. A Roman soldier cut it open and they found inscribed in gold, JESUS CHRIST.

PHYSICAL PHENOMENA CONTROLLED BY GOD

   During the Isaurian  dynasty (717 - 802), in the reign of Byzantine Emperor Leo the Isaurian, a  continuous and terrifying earthquake was rattling the great city of Constantinople. Many people began to pray to the Theotokos and St. Demetrios. Then, realizing that the earthquake was a chastisement for their sins with sincere  repentance and tears  they entreated God, who showed His  mercy and the earthquake ended because of their prayers.

THE TRISAGION HYMN

Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, Have mercy upon us.

Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, Have mercy upon us.

Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, Have mercy upon us.

During another severe earthquake in Constantinople and the surrounding area, many of its building fell, among them were the most beautiful, and lives were in constant danger, causing the populace to  be filled with fear. The Emperor and Patriarch, many bishops, priests, led the people, and were making  numerous processions, entreating the Lord for relief, for this quake was long and severe. People were afraid to go into buildings, and many had gathered at the shore, away from structures.

   As they were offering heartfelt and tearful prayers, a small boy was wondrously taken up from them into the air and disappeared into the heavens,  becoming invisible to the eyes of the people.  Later he returned and landed gently on the ground. When they asked him where he had been, he said with the angels, and this is what they sang: Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal, Have mercy upon us. When the procession resumed they all sang this hymn glorifying the Holy Trinity and the earthquake immediately stopped! St. John Chrysostom’s disciple Proclus, after  becoming Archbishop of Constantinople, placed the Trisagion hymn in the Divine Liturgy.

DANIEL IN LION”S DEN WAS HUNGRY 

PROPHET HABAKKUK PREPARES DINNER

   We hear from Church hymns of  the three servants, who were thrown into the roaring furnace by King Nebuchadnezzar, after refusing to bow down to his idol. They were singing hymns in the midst of the flames, and  were delivered unharmed, without smelling of smoke or fire.  Daniel who was in captivity with them in Babylon, was left to die in a lion’s den with seven lions. The Prophet Habakkuk was far away from Babylon, for  he did not get taken in the captivity.   Having prepared a meal with bread, the prophet was walking toward the fields to bring it as dinner for his laborers who were reaping.  At that time an angel of the Lord said to Habakkuk:  “Take this dinner that you have fixed to Daniel in Babylon, who is in the lion’s den.”  The prophet protested that he never had seen Babylon and did not know the location of the lion’s den. The angel took up Habakkuk and carrying him by his hair and brought him to the den where Daniel was.  Then Habakkuk cried out: “Daniel, take this dinner which the Lord has sent you.” Daniel said to the Lord: “You have remembered me O God, for you do not forsake those who seek you and love you." Daniel did eat and the angel brought Habakkuk back home. In his written prophecies,  Habakkuk,  foretells the coming of Christ and His incarnation, the Holy Apostles, the Cross and the Ascension, and that “the just shall live by faith in me.” Of Christ, “You went forth for the salvation of your people, to save your anointed ones (Hab.2:13)

THERE IS ONLY ONE SOURCE OF TRUTH

THERE IS ONLY ONE SOURCE OF TRUTH

“I am the way and TRUTH and the LIFE

ALSO THE TRUTHS OF GOD IN OUR CREED 

True God of True God, begotten not made!

“Let God be true and every man a liar!”

     The world is a stranger to truth, for if truth ruled the world, nation would not rise against nation and peace would reign supreme. Truth brings peace and love, also truth brings eternal salvation, for without truth, man walks about as a blind man.  The Truth who came from heaven is the moral guide of the human race who seek Him.   Truth is definable as  “the exact representation of a being”, a being meaning anything that exists. Jesus Christ is the Truth because He exactly depicts God the Father, hence he said to Philip: “If you have seen me you have seen the Father.”  An accurate depiction of anything in creation is considered true.

   All divine truths originate from the living Truth, which is constantly under attack by opposing lies. These lies derive from the father of the lie, the Devil or Satan.  It was the Satan while in the form of a serpent,   who introduced the lie to the first woman and she to her husband, the purpose being to  poison her mind by mixing his lie with the truth of  God who warned them concerning the tree: “You shall not eat of it, neither shall you touch it that you may not die”.  Satan, hating God and the new creatures made in His image, responded to the woman:  “You will not surely die. For God knows that in whatever day you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you would be as gods, knowing good from evil.” This lie mixed with  truth is now swirling around in her mind.  The woman had been gazing at the forbidden fruit on the tree,  contemplating  it.  Filled with desire and confusion she ate, gave to her husband who also ate.  The devil, first learned of God’s truth from the woman and then poisoned her soul with the false  promise that they would become like God. Clearly falsehood or partial truth mixed with falsehood are the devil’s strategy by which he poisons the race of man. This is a continual account of sin in humanity, God speaks in the right ear and the devil speaks in contradiction through the left ear. Our duty is to find who is our friend and who is our enemy,  who seeks our salvation and who seeks our destruction. 

  In our days many Orthodox leaders, by their words and actions, present a false picture of the One true Church, ignoring its total exclusivity.  When someone rises to declare this truth, they attack that person, calling them different names. They do not use Orthodox truths against the many heretics surrounding Orthodox Christians, which cause many to go astray.  Such corrupt teaching mixed with others now appear in the Church harming the faithful. 

     These leaders do not follow Christ’s  commandment to guide and shepherd their flocks, which are already rapidly diminishing in many churches. Instead of educating their flock against the heretics that surround us, they enthusiastically engage in illicit conversations concerning union with others and a common cup between Orthodoxy and heresies. They do not reprove the  many heresies, and struggle to bring each of them into Orthodoxy.  Those engaging in these talks, should be challenging the many Catholic and Protestant heresies, and then persuade them by the truths of Orthodoxy to baptized by the only true baptism.

NEW HERESIES

NEW HERESIES

By Metroplitan Augoustinos (Kantiotes) of Florina

“We will not deny you, beloved Orthodoxy.”

(Joseph Vryennios Spiritual Father of Mark of Ephesus)

     Of late, certain theologians, under the influence of contemporary world-wide currents, have begun to savor the words “ecumenism”, “ecumenical spirit,” and “ecumenical movement”, as if  they were hard candy.  Ecumenicism, what a beautiful word!  And yet, behind those words, lay hidden a most fearful danger for Orthodoxy.  What is this danger?  We will show you by means of an example.

    Imagine a beautiful woman faithful to her husband,  a woman who will allow no third party to  enter into their relationship, ever mindful of the promises that she made before God and before men.

She is a woman of exceptional beauty drawing the eyes of many a man. On account of her uprightness, however anyone who dares to touch, or proposition  her, immediately meets with her anger.  Should such a one persist, this honorable one will deliver a strong slap to his face in order to bring him to his senses.

  Those men who learned this vile business, however, will try another method.  They will try to uncover what the woman likes; does she perhaps love poetry, or philosophy, or art? By means of these things, the secret admirer will trap her. With deftness he will begin having innocent conversations on those subjects that are beloved to her.  “What a wonderful poem!”  A beautiful painting!”  What a wonderful play!” “How sweet a piece of music!” And thus begins the dialogue. Gradually the unsuspecting woman is lured into longer conversations with the deceiver who, while his tongue speaks of philosophy and art, his heart leaps at the thought of taking the woman for himself.  Finally, after an air of great familiarity and mutual understanding has been achieved  through these conversations, the door is open to the foul deed, the shameful union.

MEET YOUR SISTER!

To Readers of this Blog,

I published  a series of these MEET YOUR SISTER articles 15 years ago and am republishing them on this blog, and see what was going on then, and what is going on today in the Orthodox World. If Orthodox Christians do not awaken, while sleeping heir faith will vanish, as they fall under the slipper of the Popes of Rome.  For our Faith is a living Faith and requires spiritually alive people to preserve everything that  was handed to  us, without additions or subtractions.

MEET YOUR SISTER!

Ralph J. Masterjohn                                                           Volume 1 Number 1

RMOrthodox@AOL.com                                                           October 1999

Following the Balamond Agreement the unionists have adopted new language. Patriarch Bartholomew has done the same. The papacy is no longer an enemy, but is now rewarded for her heresies, torture racks, inquisitions, bloody  crusades, sack of Constantinople, usurping the position of Jesus Christ. How is she rewarded?

Patriarch Bartholomew addresses the Roman Church our Sister Church

For Orthodox  who accept  this it would be  well  to  get  to meet and  know  your  sister.

Roman Church Today

   In Sacramento, CA, the RC Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament held an interfaith prayer service.  The ceremony included prayers to Buddha, Aztec Indian rituals, non-denominational Christian songs, candle and incense rituals, and the calling of names. It concluded with a procession to the nearby regency led by an Aztec princess bearing incense, accompanied by drums and feathered Aztec cultists, to view 700 panels of the AIDS Quilt.

   In Sacramento, CA,  RC Parish St. Francis hosted special homosexual Mardi Gras before Lent. 

THE GLORY OF CHRIST

THE GLORY OF CHRIST

Christ is All-knowing

Christ is All-powerful

Christ is the Alpha and Omega

Christ is the Amazement of Angels

Christ is the Apostle of the apostles

Christ Ascended in Glory

Christ is the Author of our Lives

Christ is the Beauty of All Creation

Christ is what we must become

Christ is Before the Ages

Christ is the Beginning and the End’

Christ is Born of the Virgin

Christ is the Bread from Heaven

Christ is our Breath

Christ is the Bridegroom

Christ is the Bridegroom of the Church

Christ is the Bright Morning Star

Christ is the First Cause

Christ is the Coeternal Logos

Christ is the Chief Cornerstone

Christ is the Conqueror

Christ is our Creator

Christ endured the Cross for us

Christ is the Crucified

Christ is the Deliverer

Christ Delivered us from Passions

Christ is the Deposer of the Devil

Christ destroyed the dominion of Death

Christ nullified the Devil’s Authority

Christ is the Divine Logos

Christ is the Downfall of Demons

Christ is our Drink

Christ is Emmanuel

Christ is the Enlightener of those in Darkness

Christ is Eternal

Christ is Eternally born of the Father

Christ is the Eucharist

Christ is the Everlasting Father

Christ is our Existence

Christ is our Exultation

Christ is in the Father

Christ has the Father in Him

Christ is the First and the Last

Christ is the Firstborn of Creation

Christ is our Food

Christ grants Forgiveness to all the World

Christ is the Foundation of the Church

Christ is the Fountain of Immortality

Christ Freed us From our Sins

Christ is our Future

Christ is God

Christ is the Good Samaritan

Christ is the Good Shepherd

Christ is the Source of Great Mercy

Christ is our Happiness

Christ is Head of the Church

Christ is the Healer of Souls

Christ is our High Priest

Christ is our Holiness

Christ is the Holy One

Christ is the Holy on of Israel

Christ is our Hope

Christ is the I exist ( I am)

Christ is the Illuminator of Souls
Christ is the Image of the Father

Christ is the Image and Likeness of God

Christ is Invincible

Christ is infinite

Christ brought Joy into the World

Christ is our Judge

Christ is the King of Glory

Christ is the King of Israel

Christ is our King

Christ is the King of Angels

Christ is King of the Jews

Christ is King of kings

Christ is the Lamb of God

Christ is the Last Adam

Christ is the Law

Christ is the Lawgiver

Christ is the Legislator

Christ bestowed Life to Those in the Tombs

Christ is our Life

Christ is the Lifegiver

Christ is the Light of the World

Christ lives forever

Christ is the Lion of Judah

Christ is the Living Truth

Christ is the Lover of Man

Christ is the Lord of All

Christ is Lord of lords

Christ is Man

Christ is the Messiah

Christ is the Mighty God

Christ is a Nazarene

Christ is the New Adam

Christ is the Offering

Christ is the Offspring of David

Christ is the Holy of the Holy

Christ is One with the Father

Christ is the Only Godman

Christ is the Only-begotten

Christ and the Father are One

Christ is One of the Trinity

Christ is the Opener of Paradise

Christ is our Peace

Christ is the Peace of the World

Christ is the Pearl beyond Price

Christ is Our Perpetual Sacrifice

Christ is the Physician of Souls and Bodies

Christ is the Prince of Peace

Christ is our Propitiation

Christ is Rabboni

Christ is our Ransom

Christ is the Redeemer

Christ is the Resurrection

Christ is risen from the dead

Christ is the Rock of Life

Christ is the Sacrificial Lamb

Christ is our Savior

Christ is the Second Adam

Christ is Son of David

Christ is the Son of God

Christ is the Son of Man

Christ is the Son of Mary

Christ is the Son of the Virgin

Christ is the Source of Knowledge

Christ is the Sun of Justice

Christ is the Sunrise from on High

Christ is our Sweetness

Christ is our Teacher

Christ is True God

Christ is the True Light

Christ is the Unwaning Light

Christ is the True Vine

Christ is Vanquisher of Hades

Christ is the Victor

Christ is the Way the Truth and the Life

Christ is Wealth

Christ is our Wedding Garment

Christ is Wisdom

Christ is the Wisdom of God

Christ is the Wonder of the World

Christ is the Wonderful Counselor

Christ is the Word

Christ is the Word of God

Christ is the Word of Life

This is a partial List. If anyone will add to it by notifying me I will expand and 

republish it again RJM.

THE BRIDEGROOM AND HIS BEAUTIFUL BRIDE

THE BRIDEGROOM AND 
HIS BEAUTIFUL BRIDE

     There exists many beautiful stories, both true and novel, which have been written and many historical accounts exist, concerning noble  and gentle bridegrooms and their betrothal and marriage to  gracious brides.  Those who remember such happy marriages, appreciate reading about the bride and groom’s mutual love and fidelity and happily observe  its continuity through the years.  

Such most fond memories are even more appreciated among those who  themselves  experience the same sweetness in their own betrothal and marriage, and who through faith and hope in Christ, have remained faithful and true to each other, with harmonious years in happiness  and eventually growing old together.    For them their sharing and mutual love is a foretaste of Paradise which was lost and the eternal Paradise.  However, no matter how wonderful and worthy it may be, even this marriage is inferior and is a type of another more beautiful marriage. 

     The most beautiful betrothal and marriage story of all,  is even now being written, and does not concern a  marriage of man and woman, which even when enhanced by offspring,  always ends in death – not exactly a happy ending, but inevitable, with only nice memories remaining.  Even the secular  saying “till death do us part” has a hollow ring, and sounds more like a threat than a promise.