EXARCHAL DECREE OF CANONIZATION
BENEDICTUS DEUS IN ANGELIS SUIS, ET IN SANCTIS SUIS.
Most Reverend Father bishops, Very Reverend Father presbyters, Venerable Father deacons, Laudable monastics, and brothers and sisters of the Universal Church;
God is the Lord and has revealed himself onto us: Blessed is He who comes with the Name of the Lord! (Ps 117:27)
On this 28th day of the 8th month in commemoration of the Dormition our Holy Mother Mariam Theotokos in this year of our Lord 2019 AD, the Lord’s Grace bestowed on his saints is thus manifested. “All that is kept in secret will be disclosed at the appointed time, and all which is concealed in darkness, the light will expose for all to see!” (Lk 8:17)
Thus, it is pleasing to the All Holy Trinity that our Father’s amongst the Alexandrian hierarchs ABBA MATTHEW (Matta El Meskeen) THE POOR (1919-2016) is adorned with the crown and title: Shepherd, Confessor, and Doctor of the Church! - ABBA BISHOP EPIPHANIOS (1954-2018) is adorned with the crown and title: Shepherd, Confessor, Doctor and Martyr of the Church!
Furthermore, the Wisdom from on High who came to dwell amongst us (Jesus the Lord) awakening our souls to the sound of his Name has challenged us once again in the political upheaval of ecclesial disputes and national meddling within the walls of the instituted church.
Hence, in the tradition of the ascetic Fathers Sts. Anthony of Egypt, Macarius of Alexandria, Benedict of Nursia, Seraphim of Sarov and all holy ascetics, our Fathers amongst the monastics demonstrated holy resistance against the ancient rebellion who appears as the angel of light via deception especially through the great apostasy which reigns over the land of Egypt.
Furthermore, these Apostles to Egypt became the light of consciousness for the Church in the midst of upheavals and persecution in the Alexandrian lands. Hence, with steadfastness of faith, they were as earthly salt which never loses its flavour within the extraordinary Gift of resilience rendered true pastoral care with the gift of wisdom from the Holy Spirit for souls in distress – further enlightening the studious minds with true theology.
It is my paternal joy and privilege as Apostle of Australia to now acclaim the Servants of God ABBA MATTHEW THE POOR – ABBA BISHOP EPIPHANIOS amongst the Saints. The Lord’s name is blessed amongst his holy ones and it is our duty to testify to the glorious Presence of the Father Pantocrator within our Holy Exarchate in this great land traced with the Glorious Cross via the formation of starts in the southern skies.
Hence, the whole Church gathered for the vigil Divine Liturgy written by our Father amongst the Hierarchs: St. John Chrysostom. Thus, via the grace of the all Holy Spirit according to the succession of the Apostles bestowed on us in Christ who is Divine Bishop of his Church, these servant of God who were kept in the dark due to institutional fragility and adverse powers are now canonized!
All clergy are to commemorate our Father’s amongst the Hierarchs Abba Matthew the Poor and Abba Bishop Epiphanios within the Canon of Church Fathers at the Service of the Proskemedia (preparation of gifts). Furthermore, these icons attached to this Exarchal decree are to be installed in each church with the offering of incense and following hymnodies.
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Troparion Hymn (tone 4)
O, holy saints who fought the good fight in the land where Christ was first preached via the Gospel of St. Mark. Intercede to the Lord who draws his Church in full communion with him, that we never be severed from his body and mystical union; rendering the fullness of joy. For in recent times, the Theotokos appeared in the midst of Egypt – calling hearts, minds, and institutions to return to the way of He who is the Good Shepherd who seeks to safeguard his flock.
Kontakion Hymn (tone 6)
O Holy Father Matthew pray to the Lord that we like you may stand in firmness of faith for your example of perseverance, love and true wisdom of the Holy rendered knowledge of the Love of Christ for his Church. Father Bishop Epiphanios, you who received the crown of martyrdom -intercede that we shun irregular branches that have sprouted against the teachings of the Apostles, but assist us in growing within the apostolic vine who is Christ the Lord of the vineyard – his holy Church that constantly gathers for the heavenly liturgy!
With and in the joy of Christ who is Bishop of his Church, his Holy Apostles and their Venerable Successors,
The Apostolic Authority of the Australian Exarchate
+Raffaele
KATHOLIKOS OF OCEANIA.
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