AMAZING GRACE WHICH GIVES LIFE AND THUS ENERGIZES THROUGH THE CERTAINTY OF HOPE.
Rejoice for Emmanuel comes; let him be born in the manger of your hearts – reach out onto those who are isolated due to fragility of body and mind: set them free as witness to the blessed Incarnation!
The above statement is complex – we can’t save for there is only one Saviour; yet we can mirror our belief in him via going out of our way in order to help another human person who is suffering. At first, due to many reasons, this person may have feelings of shame or resentment for the very fact of being robbed of their faculties and rights to a quality of life.
Yet, just like any relationship – trust must be gained via the witness of compassion that synchronizes with our words and actions. Last Sunday, the gospel passage of the Good Samaritan was proclaimed which mirrors the whole point of the advent; God visits a wounded world robbed of its rights and dignity which lays stripped, beaten and left to its own demise.
He (God) is the Samaritan – the one who his own people “the supposed clergy and faithful” did and in various ways still do not recognize; his visit back then was not one expected alike an Alexander the Great. Rather, he was unveiled amongst shepherds, learnt the skill of a tradesman, yet kept away from prestige and worked as much as possible behind the scenes: wholehearted humility as the key to the kingdom!
Above all, the heart of God was close to the world’s abandoned and marginalized; out of pure love imminent healings were bestowed – the means of nourishing presence via the strength of he who cares! Just as a parent safeguards the life of a child - the divine parent bestowing existence desired us to wholesomely grow; opening life’s portal via that same love in stretching out his arms on a tree.
He taught us to love one another as he loves and through such – others would recognize that we belong to him and wholeheartedly follow his way; the pathway of peace leading to the kingdom of uncreated blessed light. One such follower was a surgeon by the name of Valentine – he was a widower, and a father who was persecuted by the communists for assisting the very people they starved, tortured and emotionally drained.
This same surgeon St. Luke bishop of Simferopol (1877 -1961AD) was called by he who is the Good Samaritan – binding the wounds of the afflicted and nursing them in his own home; offering the starving a place at his table as the means of nourishment for their weary hearts. Although he went without food numerous of times; the joy of a broken person receiving that which had been deprived them (nourishment) was his food!
A few years ago when I served in the Russian Church as a Deacon, I was asked to write a small reflection upon the beginning of the Advent season – opening its portals in commemoration of that very day the high priest and bishop Joachim and his wife Anna presented their little pride, joy and gift onto the Lord: Mariam.
They were a virtuous and hardworking couple who had hearts of gold, yet despite their rich goodness and place of ecclesial prominence; these were considered cursed due to having no children – the sorrow of shame wearying their hearts. Yet, the divine parent who loves his children reversed the cycle of the natural order (miracles of this nature happen) and gave them a little girl whom in turn would become mother of his own miracle child – his presence and gift to our race!
Hence, we bring to mind the wonders of God worked through three beloved people within our salvation history which have been preserved in the Holy Apostolic Tradition of the Church – bearing in mind that the Bible does not contain everything and is not the ultimate authority. We must remember that it (the Bible) sprung froth from the womb of the Old Testament Church and is nourished by that same womb perfected in the New Testament Church (the Word became Flesh) which is constantly misinterpreted by those outside of the apostolic faith! (Jn 21:25)
May I quote from our Exarchal Metropolitan Encyclical entitled Mariam of Nazareth which renders today ever so important where each first born was offered onto God; Joachim a bishop of the Old Testament Church along with his wife Anna lift us their miracle child Mariam for service in the Temple.
Joachim/Anna/Mariam…..unlike many events in the Bible that are considered biography, the Church has always held one book in particular with favourable regard; the protoevangelium/gospel of James. Although there are 4 canonical (accepted) gospels, this honoured source drew on historical accounts……
In his forty second homily devoted to the Nativity of the Mother of God (Homilies of St Gregory Palamas p 335) the canonical theologian and then abbot of Esphigmenou monastery Gregory Palamas (1229-1359AD) who briefly touches on the above text (Gospel of James) referring to Anna’s lament to God in the garden due to the pain of been unable to conceive exhorts: “Joachim and Anna lived blamelessly before God, but seemed to the Israelites to be at fault according to the law because they remained childless. Since there was not yet any hope of immortality, the continuance of the race was seen as an absolute necessity.
Now that this virgin born today has bestowed eternity upon us by baring a child in virginity, having children to succeed us is no longer necessary, but in those days having many children was regarded as superior to virtue, and childlessness was such a great evil, that these just people were rebuked for their lack of children, rather than praised for their virtue.”
Today, the most pure temple of the Saviour, the precious bridal chamber and Virgin, the sacred treasure of God, enters the House of the Lord, bringing the grace of the Divine Spirit. The angels of God praise her. She is the heavenly tabernacle.
These words of the festal Kontakion hymn do indeed alert us to the fact that ages ago something happened to our existence; something changed the fate of history – the unseen became visible and that which is uncontainable made a home among mortals. It was like the roles, the natural order of things reversed, where our gaze of the sacred in the heavens turned to be fixed on a human birth.
A stone structure, furnished with the finest craftsmanship which housed the sacred became the temple made of bone, flesh, and blood. Thus, that which is paternal was nurtured by maternal love; the completion and glory of history via a promise which became realized by a servant girls’ reply.
Indeed, we are truly well on the way within the Nativity Fast, where we reflect on the Advent, the coming of the Lord Most High. Thus, he chose the lowly maid via the Archangel Gabriel’s cry - she humbly replying; “who am I?” Little did the lass know she was to surpass the celestial bodies by giving birth to the Lord of heaven and earth! Thus, all creation now magnifies her worth.
In order that any seed which is planted may grow and bare good fruit, it must be cultivated in good rich soil and tended too until the season is right. Thus, the most blessed among women was given to God and placed in the temple where she would sing of his mercy and grow in obedience to the divine Word.
Therefore, in the fullness of time, He who is mercy and love would dwell among us - making this woman the Ark in whom souls would implore – honouring the Father through his Mother; rejoicing in she who bore Christ the Saviour of the universe.
Thus, as means of redemption and love, God stooped down from above and took flesh from the virgin to free the world from its errors as we heard in the Apostle Paul’s Epistle to the Hebrew Church as it reads:
“Behind the second curtain stood a tent called the Holy of Holies…..there lay the Ark of the Covenant…….above it were the cherubim of glory overshadowing the mercy seat…….but only into this does the high priest enter; offering the blood for himself and for the errors of the entire people.”
Furthermore, in his book entitled: The Virgin Mary – the celebration of faith, the renowned scholar Fr. Alexander Schmemaan writes:
In the image of the Virgin Mary, we find compassion, tender-heartedness, care, trust, and humility. We call her Our Lady and the queen of heaven and earth, and yet she calls herself “the handmaid of the Lord!” Christ said: “Do not be anxious. Seek first the kingdom of God!” (Mt 6:33) Beholding this woman, Virgin Mother, Intercessor, we begin to sense, to know not with our mind, but with our heart, what it means to seek the kingdom, to find it, and to live by it!
For indeed, she heard the Word of God and nurtured thus in her womb! Hence, with the whole Church scattered throughout the world we cry: “Rejoice full of grace the Lord is with you!” (Lk 1: 26-38)
Our Holy Mother Mariam Theotokos learnt a most sublime praise within her time as a Virgin of the Lord’s temple – the Song of Hanna the Mother of Sampson (1 Sam 2: 1-10) with this same prayer (the Magnificat) Mariam uttered the Lord’s praises when cousin Elizabeth confirmed all that the Archangel foretold. (Lk 1: 39 - 56)
Advent is also a time to reflect on ones’ family tree and there are various readings within the liturgy of the Church that announce the Lord’s coming from the presbyteral line of Aaron (High Priest and brother of Moses) via the Theotokos (the Virgin St. Mary) and the adopted linage from St. Joseph which stems from the royal house of King David. Hence, the Church via its bishops also receive our linage via the laying on of hands (Holy Orders) this information is made available to you all on a prominent section on our webpage regarding Apostolic Succession – our linage in the Apostles which we trace back to St. Andrew.
This careful historical and canonical study which I undertook has been approved by the Holy Synod of bishops – I invite you to carefully read it as it is important and it’s a clear historical fact which cannot be tarnished by any opposing group! The study will also help your growth in your own spiritual walk according to your own pace which the Lord blesses and accompanies you along your journey and commitment!
Regarding aspects of canonicity (Church rules, approvals and criteria): the Apostle St. Paul exhorted onto the early Church (1Cor 11:26) which we have kept in the Divine Rites of her liturgies that: “When you partake of this divine commemoration - the bread that is broken and wine that is poured becomes the mystery of the Lord’s passion which we must hold until he returns in his glory!” Hence, the command of Christ that fulfils his promise; enriched with his presence via partaking and becoming his hands and feet in the world until he returns!
Truly, the call of spiritual growth and humbling of heart is a means of transfiguration; his desire for us to let go fully of all that impedes us and imprisons us from approaching the crib of his birth – embracing the totality of others with that same love which he called us forth into life!
The Lord used another parable concerning that which is to be considered as priority stating: “The land of a wealthy farmer brought forth abundant harvests. Therefore, the time came to consider the storage of crops for they had multiplied and the barns were insufficient in space. Hence, the wealthy farmer reasoned within himself saying: “I need to demolish the present barns and build larger ones in order to cater for the over abundant produce!” (Lk 12:16-18)
There is a great need these days to be practical, precise and to the point! Like the farmer who was rather wise concerning thus, we too need to exercise such within church structure. We may look at the various denominations and see how everything started with the basics; yet hard work, determination and purpose bridged structure and refurbishment. Everything works well for a few years, yet new realities begin to surface and new horizons discovered.
When a strong network of community ensures support in all areas; the sky’s the limit so to speak/write….like the fertile farming land – the number of faithful (families) belonging outgrow the barn (church building); greater structures are needed along with education facilities. Again it works well and the institution perfectly functions and is abundantly nourished!
During my time as Deacon within the Russian Church, their Cathedral was in the suburb of Collingwood which was a former Anglican building - converted for byzantine worship. Parking within suburban Melbourne was a bit of a problem back then due to time restrictions; now this is an absolute nightmare in space, place and especially in fees and council fines!
Therefore an existing purchase of land warranted the building of a new centre of worship and other facilities which was the right direction to take considering the above impediments. The grand new cathedral built and furbished within the breathtaking Slavonic style was truly a mark of presence for Slavonic Orthodoxy and a National reinforcement of cultural heritage.
At the time that all had been achieved and the reaping of crops was steadfast in abundance the now abundantly wealthy farmer tranquilly reasoned within himself saying: “Look at the goods that I have achieved over these years which have yielded a most profitable abundance…..now is the time to be indulge in comfortable living – fine dining and frequent merriness; this is the life!” (Lk 12:19)
We find ourselves in a time that the once fertile soil and grand store houses for goods have not only become centres of grand worship of the past, but are verging on becoming mausoleum’s; the abundant harvest has been crippled and the soil poisoned with uncertainty – nourishment is scarce!
The selling of hallowed ground (churches) ensures the upkeep of commodity rather than offering them to the vineyard tenants of the Lord and his faithful who would look after them and worship him as is right! The need to meddle within social justice rather than cultivate the crops which the Lord desires in order that God’s grace may extend out onto the wider community is regarded as paramount!
The Holy Spirit will always provide through our love and good works to all people, as long as we stop the stupidity of COMPRIMISING Jesus Christ and BEING ASHAMEND OF HIM in order to not offend others! The Lord exhorted that he has other sheep who do not belong to the fold that need due tending (Jn 10:16) in which at the appointed time these will come to know him through our love we have for others.
Furthermore, the charity of Christ urges us to tend onto others regardless, but with the reminder which must not be compromised that Christ is the Shepherd of Nations who came to bind all in his fold – a warranted contemplation as we embark on the observance of Advent. For we should look forward to thus with joyful hearts and in the Apostle Paul’s exhortation (1Cor 11:26) when we gather for the Lord’s Eucharist which is the only accepted worship and fulfilment of revelation; we proclaim the divine mysteries of his passion, death and resurrection until he returns!!!
Therefore, returning to the previous setting (the new cathedral building) the old church in Collingwood was going to be sold – however their stance against the selling of sacred buildings was! At the time, there was a much younger community which was part of the same communion needing a place for worship.
Although it was granted them for a time, rent was becoming ridiculous – the community had put in place a fund to purchase the building which was steady. Yet, the ancient transgression came back in full force; jealousy and greed! Hence, these poor souls were evicted and the building was sold to developers.
Although he failed to listen to what God exhorted in scripture concerning thus, that very same night in which he reasoned these things in his heart; he died. Then the Lord God said onto his soul: “You foolish child, now that your soul has been called from your lavish existence – those things which you worked hard for and then were so sure to enjoy throughout the years; that which you provided will be devoured by others….this is what happens to all who are just as foolish rather than investing in the rich abundant grace which the Lord bestows!” (Lk 12:20-21)
As Bishop and Exarch of the Church present in Australia, we too like many others do not have the necessary funds and structures– we all have secular jobs for employment as is the apostolic custom. Hence, the churches that should belong under our care are hijacked by these very lay committees, trustees, administrators etc.; destroying the true sense of community and purpose of communion – another enterprise under the guise of religiosity: total un-canonicity!!!!
Thus, rather than investing in fertile ground – the nurturing place for souls, these and OTHER SO CALLED CHRISTIAN CHURCHES prefer to cripple the crops (deny continuity of Christian worship) via placing conditions in the name of Christ yet SHUNNING HIM with the allowing of OTHER to use sacred space. May I remind you of a previous blog when I was horrified to witness a beautiful church dedicated to the Apostle Paul given access to eastern remedies: THE YOGA STUDIO! (Yoga is not the problem – the context of it overriding via consent through the fools in charge is!)
Last Monday as we know, the Church entered into the season of ADVENT with the ushering in of the Nativity Fast prefigured in the Sunday proclamation of the Gospel passage mentioned previously: the Parable of the Good Samaritan. Indeed, our times are terrorized with a multitude of wounds which are a constant theme especially in the form of the escalating cost of living – we are conscious and keep in prayer the people of Eastern and Western Europe and the UK in particular.
In actual fact, the story of Advent truly mirrors the parable of the Good Samaritan where we as a world are laying bruised and battered along the roadside and all strength is indeed parched. Hence, alike a body that has collapsed in all capacity – we have been placed on life support yet are not responding to the various treatments given; alike certain antibiotics which no longer have full affect over various disease. Thus, after an extensive period of time, the body in its deteriorated state begins to show signs of life and is strengthened at which life support is no longer necessary; awaking from an induced coma!
This Sunday we recall the entrance of the THEOTOKOS (The Mother of God) into the temple (the temple/convent school for girls back then) to grow in favour of God; nurtured by his grace for the appointed time. Further, we remember that when young Joseph and Mariam journeyed to the region of Nazareth in the city of bread (Bethlehem) for as we do these days now and then: SENSIS NIGHT, each door they knocked on for hospitality was shut in their face!
This is a reminder to those of us who struggle in faith – not that we don’t believe, but we get disheartened by those who are in positions of prestige, authority, and capability who are supposedly of the same faith and communion or similar; these SHUT THE DOOR ON OUR FACE! We have gone back to apostolic times where the house churches are once again the centre of worship for the local neighbourhood family communities.
Yet, this fragile boy babe, who was the thorn in the side for the ruling party and religious of the time; although unwelcomed by the world, he was offered a poor shepherds cave where the goods were stocked and grain was milled.
This is our comfort, this is our hope; the poor, weak and insignificant are raised by the fragility of the infant who comes as shepherd of his fold, giver of life and abundant grace to his Church (all who believe, live and risk for the sake of the wider fold)!!!
“Oh Bethlehem you who are Ephrata (fruitful), although you are considered insignificant amongst the tribes of Judah, yet from the meekness of your status I shall raise you on high above all others; my grace will arise out of your city for the ancient of days will come and shepherd you as king of Israel!” (Mic 5:2)
Let us then furnish the manger of our hearts with good works and compassion onto others. May divine love find a worthy home amongst us through our commitment to strive to love via embracing the brokenness of others; that same love that endured wounds which pierced his hands, feet and side!
Through the prayers of the righteous ancestors of God in the flesh, Joachim and Anna, together with Mariam Theotokos, Joseph her spouse, Elizabeth, Zacharias and John the Baptist, Lord Jesus Christ – come and be born in our hearts and let your grace flow through the body of thy Church and world alike a disease, yet one that places souls at ease and fills the hearts of human kind with contagious unconditional love!
Rejoice Holy Mother, for out of love you gave yourself freely onto God who in turn outpoured the fullness of his Grace in your womb. The love of the Father became personified and taught us to fulfil the New Commandment “love one another as I have loved you!”
May you teach us how to love and shun hate, how to reach out onto others rather than resent; may we live out our baptismal promises in being robed with Christ who is the Father’s love that conquers all worthless desires which ultimately impede us!
Rejoice Holy Virgin Mother Mariam filled with God’s grace for the Lord is born of you!
Last verses of the 7th stanza within the Akathist (greeting) Hymn to the Holy Theotokos.
Commentaires