PRESENCE

Another year over: losses and gains!

This last Sunday of the Nativity Fast (Holy Advent) presents us with the genealogy – family tree of the Lord in preparation to receive him in the manger of our hearts. (Mat 1: 1-25)

We may be familiar with my ancestry.com and even more with the next step of that process – tracing ones roots in antiquity. Tis a rather tempting offer to unearth ones origins and discover the connection with the famous and non, the good, the bad, and the ugly as it were.

I once was asked by a very dear friend: “Which category of paradise will you be in? I presume you will be high up with the reverent people as a senior bishop of the Church?” At this what immediately came to mind were the words of the Lord in the Gospel of the Apostle, Evangelist and doctor St. Luke of Syria: “Where your treasure is then most certainly your heart shall also reside!” (Lk 12:34)

With that I told my friend: “I don’t want to be with those fine people with all due respect. I want to be with my people – the people I was shepherd too in life and helped and they in turn were family to me!” I tend to tell this little story at each burial or entombment I serve so that those gathered may have a sense of comfort and anticipated joy; a reminder that love doesn’t die, is eternal, and came into the world - born in Bethlehem.

We may all be familiar with the rose glass portrayal of the beautiful virgin and her young husband, the shepherds who make music with their pipes, the angels with their celestial songs, and the wise with their expensive gifts. This is remote from the reality of the situation at hand.

The world back then and as it is now was not a nice place, people were taxed through their eyeballs as an expression of speech, social security was null and void, harsh sickness ruled those who were not well off, and democracy was but a dream.

In addition, religious laws were to be observed and failure resulted in harsh penalties and loss of life. Thus, you were either executed or blacklisted where the only escape was the wilderness!

Yet at this point in time, a time where the authority of the Caesars put in place one of the most torturous system of execution flagellation (whip via nine tail razors) and crucifixion (slow death via drowning in your pectoral fluids) God reached out and broke through the walls of division and strife!

When you love someone, you will do anything for that person and even risk your own life; these days - offer a bodily organ in order to safeguard their very life regardless the cost! We tend to go with our gut feeling when we are confused about any given situation and take what people say with a grain of salt as it were.

This is exactly what happened with young St. Joseph who loved his wife Mariam and she in turn loved him, yet when something out of this world happens – it’s hard that people would believe you; opting to think ill or paling away into the worst possible situation.

It is here that young Joseph places aside all opposing slander and thinks logically about how true Mariam’s love for him is. In actual fact He is sure that someone had raped her as stated in (devotional scripture) the proto evangelium (Gospel) of St. James. May I share with you a portion from our encyclical entitled Joseph of Nazareth.

As opposed to the misguided and ill-founded understanding regarding Joseph’s age mentioned above: Joseph was a young man! He was as the scriptures exhort: just and well versed in the craft of carpentry and building – a trade Jesus and his brothers (cousins) learnt well. Hence, Joseph was not only just in fairness but a religious young man who put God first in all things.

The Shema Yisrael which is the heart of the law (Deut 6:4-6) was truly written in his heart!

Thus he (Joseph) could not out of profound love for Mariam allow his fiancé to be hurt by the Levitical law which demanded stoning! Such condemnatory sentiments were brewing in the community when she was thought to have been found unfaithful to the engagement via the pregnancy.

Yet God to whom all hearts and desires are known knew his (Joseph’s) love for her (Mariam) when he (Joseph) decided to divorce her discreetly to avoid harm; God surprised him for that which she carried in her womb is the fulfilment of the Shema Yisrael – thus (Joseph) sacrificed intimate love for the love of Emmanuel come amongst them. After all, true love that is not conceited endures all things for the sake of its stronghold as proved many times over (periods of war) and not only in health, but in sickness and in days that are indeed bleak!

It is true that Joseph could not comprehend what had happened and indeed was in much pain earlier on in the piece regarding the thought (knowing Mariam well) that she may have been violently defiled. An extract of thus appears in the apocrypha (protoevangelium of James 2AD) reading: “With what face shall I look upon the Lord my God? What prayer shall I offer for the maiden? I received her a virgin from the temple of the Lord, and I have not watched over her. Who is it that has hunted me down? Who has brought this evil upon my house in defiling the

virgin?” (PJ 13)

Although such is of apocryphal writing, yet the ties of profound love harboured from Joseph for Mariam: “Love others as you would yourself!” (Lev 19: 18) could not allow harm to come to her as opposed to the same Levitical law which demanded capital punishment in such circumstances (the penalty of stoning for adultery: Deut 22: 22-14)

Hence, he (Joseph) tried to do right firstly by the Law of Moses (divorce: Deut 24:1) and also with that according to the grounds of compassionate love for Mariam regardless: “lf one in marriage falls – help the other up and pity them especially if they are vulnerable!” (Eccl: 4:9 -12) and it is here that in faithfulness God via his angel intervenes and reassures!

Soon after Joseph had made considerations regarding the matter - it is here that he is granted a vision from the angel of the Lord who reassured him saying: “Joseph, you who are of the linage of David, do not fear for Mariam, rather embrace her as your wife and heir of your household for He that dwells in her womb is the Grace of the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to he who is the Son and you are to address him with the name that is salvation: Jesus – the one who redeems his people from sin!” (Mt 1:20-21)

Joseph’s faithfulness to God via his mission is clearly stated in Holy Scripture as we have indicated within this encyclical – a mission many especially in our times would not even consider to see through! Let us re-cap the account from the moment of courtship as would have been, to that of the moment they return to Nazareth from Egypt.

Like our father in faith Abraham – Joseph trusted the Most High: this was and is non-negotiable for those of us who truly and wholeheartedly believe - thus proved in overwhelming, life threatening, and tragic circumstances! How many times have we seen in history and in our age – people especially clergy running away in fear to safeguard their prestigious life instead of facing reality (coming to terms with their very selves) and struggling to fight the good fight with and for the people appointed them???

Thus, we are given a window into the courtship of Joseph and Mariam which was the same as any other couple for if it was not – how could Emmanuel truly incarnate and redeem without taking on the totality of a fragile humanity in its fullness? Hence, the couple loved one another and knew the limits and what was required of them via the Law of Moses.

Mariam not only lives up to what the Lord desires of her: “God’s favour is upon you!” (Lk 1:30) but, she is set apart: “Blessed are you amongst all women!” (Lk 1:42) and is directly chosen: “The Holy Spirit will overshadow you!” (Lk 1:35) to be the Mother of God: “He is Greatness and is the beloved Son and awaited promise!” (Lk 1: 32)

Joseph too is bestowed the mission of safeguarding the Lord’s infancy for he (Joseph) was favoured by God: “For Joseph was faithful to the Law!” (Mt 1:19) and obedient to what was commanded him: “When he awoke from the vision – he fulfilled the Lord’s commandments!” (Mt 1: 24) he was entrusted with safeguarding the infant Lord with full trust and confidence: “Take the Child and his Mother and flee to Egypt!” (Mt 2: 13)

Therefore Joseph was indeed given the authority to become the Lord’s guardian and earthly father: “Return to the land of Israel with the child and his Mother…settling in Nazareth!” (Mt 2: 20 & 23) nurturing the life of the young Lord as a good and God-fearing father who adored the Lord in the written word and personified state become Son of Man. Truly, hearts that are in line with that of God indeed long for him: “Although my heart may weaken, yet God is the source of my strength and will grant fulfilment that I may delight in him forever!” (Ps 73:26)

Hence, hinging onto the previous, what could we possibly do when we are dealt a bad round of cards and are at times called to help such a confronting and unpleasant situation? Some of you would be familiar with the expression taken from the gospel pages written by St. Matthew the former Tax Administrator (Mat 5:38) “turn the other cheek!” We may have heard that the greatest gift we can give to another human being is the gift of presence, the gift of our time.

Oftentimes, it happens that due to the other person’s inner hurt and fragile self, we cop the punches via words of abuse which is really a cry for help; informing us about how much pain they are in. At this we are present and weather the storm with patience, compassion and understanding until the other person picks themselves up from the dark hole they have fallen into. Thus, we turn the other cheek and stand strong via offering our presence in solidarity, even if we have lost value within that timeframe and have become insignificant through that person’s hurt whose cognitive abilities are at an all-time low.

Let us remember that there was no room for the couple within Joseph’s own city Bethlehem and every door they knocked on was politely slammed in their face. It brings to mind society nowadays choosing who to raise and who to drop regardless of status and how easy all of us can fall into that whirlpool. Yet, the couple was offered a cave where shepherds stored goods along with their prized stock.

Hence, the lifeline of providence and mercy invites us to render onto those who cross our path – the heart of God who calls us to be perfect (encompassing with graciousness) as he is. (Mat 5: 48) May I conclude with a phrase from the Nativity Homily of St. Ambrose bishop of Milan (374 – 397AD): “Just as the manger fed the animals, He who is the bread of Heaven came to nourish us via his very life – transforming our hearts into the manger of re-birth which renders goodness and grace!”

As the world completes a year and begins another, let our week’s prayer be the following taken from the Glorious Hours (Office of Daily Prayers) of Nativity which once again invites us through humility and wholeheartedness; transforming our true selves into God’s gift, his hands and feet in the world, a safe haven and abundant well for those who are lost. Truly, a reminder that even the most despised and insignificant is part of his greater plan – an amazing grace which touches the sore spots and relieves the pain and loss via restoring one’s dignity which in his eyes and heart is truly a great gain! (Lk 15: 11-32)

The prophecy heralded by Holy Micha approaches the fulfilment when it proclaimed the coming of he who is the embodiment of mysticism. Thus it is written: “Oh Bethlehem you who are Ephrata (fruitful), you may be considered insignificant amongst the tribes of Judah. Therefore, prepare that cave within your slopes. Yet, from the meekness of your status I shall raise you on high above all others. Behold he comes in the flesh and is born from the young virgin. My grace will arise out of your city for the ancient of days who will feed his flock with the finest of wheat comes to shepherd you as the Holy One who is true king of Israel!”

Minor Canon of the 8th Tone from the Glorious Hours of Holy Nativity: Church of the Holy Apostles

In the third paragraph of this homily, one finds a question I once was asked by a very dear friend: “Which category of paradise will you be in? I presume you will be high up with the reverent people as a senior bishop of the Church?” This dear friend who is one of our brethren abroad, grew rapidly in the Apostolic Faith, a soul which is acquainted with suffering and uncertainty to what could be. He thus demonstrated how strong is his faith that he wrote me a Christmas card in the form of a homily. I would like to share it with you.

Dear Father Bishop Raffaele, and Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Merry Christmas! Today we celebrate the most wonderful and joyful feast of the Nativity of our Lord Jesus Christ. Today we rejoice in the mystery of God's love for us, a love that is so great that he became one of us, a human being, born of the Virgin Mary in a humble stable (grotto) in Bethlehem. Today we marvel at the glory of God's Son, who is the Word of God, the Creator of all things, the Light of the world, the Saviour of all people, the King of kings and the Lord of lords. Today we worship him with the angels, the shepherds, the magi, and all the saints, saying: "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!"

What does this feast mean for us? What does it mean that God became man? It means that God has come to share our life, our joys and sorrows, our hopes and fears, our struggles and victories. It means that God has come to heal our wounds, to forgive our sins, to restore our dignity, to renew our relationship with him and with one another. It means that God has come to show us the way, the truth, and the life, to teach us his commandments, to reveal his will, to guide us by his Spirit. It means that God has come to give us his grace, his mercy, his strength, his peace, his joy, his love. It means that God has come to make us his children, his friends, his brothers and sisters, his co-heirs of his eternal kingdom.

How do we respond to this great gift of God's love? How do we welcome him into our hearts and lives? We respond by faith, by believing in him who is the Word made flesh, who is the Son of God and the Son of Mary, who is our Lord and our God. We respond by hope, by trusting in him who is the Saviour of the world, who is the Prince of Peace and the Wonderful Counsellor, who is our Shepherd and our King. We respond by love, by loving him who is the Light of the world, who is the Bread of Life and the Living Water, who is our Brother and our Friend. We respond by obedience, by following him who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life, who is the Lawgiver and the Judge, who is our Master and our Teacher. We respond by worship, by adoring him who is the Alpha and the Omega, who is the Lord of lords and the King of kings, who is our God and our All.

Let us, then, celebrate this feast with joy and gratitude, with awe and wonder, with faith and hope, with love and obedience, with worship and praise. Let us, like our Holy Mother Mary, treasure up all these things and ponder them in our hearts. Let us, like the shepherds, make known the good news of great joy that has come to us. Let us, like the magi, offer him our gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh, which signify our lives, our prayers, and our sacrifices. Let us, like the angels, sing: "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!"

To help us understand and appreciate the meaning of this feast, let us reflect on some passages from the Orthodox Christian Bible, which draws from the ancient Jewish translation into Greek called the Septuagint. The first passage is from the holy prophet Isaiah, who foretold the birth of the Messiah, the child who is born to us, the Son who is given to us, the one who has the government upon his shoulder, the one who has the wonderful names that reveal his divine nature and mission. This passage is read at the Matins service of Christmas Eve, as we prepare to celebrate the coming of the Christ child.

Isaiah 9:6-7: "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this."

This passage reminds us of the amazing gift that God has given us in his Son, who is not only a human child, but also the divine ruler, the wise guide, the powerful protector, the loving parent, and the peaceful leader. He is the fulfilment of all our hopes and dreams, the answer to all our prayers, the solution to all our problems, and the joy of all our hearts. He is everything we need and more. He is the reason for the season.

The second passage is from the Gospel of St. Luke, who narrates the historical events of the birth of Jesus, the fulfilment of the prophecy of holy Isaiah and the other blessed prophets. St. Luke tells us how Blessed St. Joseph and the Theotokos our Holy Mother Mary went to Bethlehem, the city of David, to be registered according to the decree of Caesar Augustus. He tells us how Blessed Mother St. Mary gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. He tells us how the angels announced the good news to the shepherds, who were keeping watch over their flock by night.

He tells us how the shepherds went to see the All blessed and thrice Holy baby, and made known what they had heard and seen. He tells us how All Holy Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. He tells us how the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God. This passage is read at the Divine Liturgy of Christmas Day, as we celebrate the birth of the Saviour, who is Christ the Lord.

Luke 2:1-20: "In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. And all went to be registered, each to his own town. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. And the angel said to them, 'Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.' And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, 'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!'

When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, 'Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.' And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them."

This passage shows us the contrast between the worldly power and the heavenly power, the human glory and the divine glory, the earthly king and the heavenly king. On the one hand, we have Caesar Augustus, the emperor of Rome, who issued a decree that all the world should be registered, to show his authority and to collect taxes. On the other hand, we have Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who was born in a small town, in a poor family, in a humble stable (grotto) to show his humility and to save us from sin and its hold over creation.

Caesar Augustus had a palace, a throne, a crown, and an army. Jesus Christ had a manger, a cross, a crown of thorns, and a flock of sheep – those who came to wholeheartedly believe. Caesar Augustus wanted to rule the world by force and fear. Jesus Christ wanted to save the world by love and grace. Caesar Augustus was a man who thought he was a god. Jesus Christ is God who became man.

But who was the real king? Who was the real saviour? Who was the real lord? The angels knew the answer. They announced it to the shepherds, who were the first to hear the good news of great joy. They said: "For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord." They did not say: ‘For unto you is born this day in the city of Rome an emperor, who is Caesar Augustus.’ They did not say: ‘For unto you is born this day in the city of Jerusalem a king, who is Herod the Great.’

They did not say: ‘For unto you is born this day in the city of Athens a philosopher, who is Plato the Wise.’ They said: “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord!’’ They said it to the shepherds, who were the lowest and the least in the society, who were the outcasts and the sinners, who were the humble and the meek. They said it to them, because they were the ones who needed it the most, who wanted it the most, who received it the most, and who shared it the most.”

Thus, what was the sign that the angels gave to the shepherds? How could they recognize the Saviour, the Christ, who is Lord? Was it by his royal robes, his golden sceptre, his majestic throne, his splendid crown? No, it was by his swaddling clothes, his wooden manger, his simple holy parents, and his humble birth. The sign was not a sign of power, but a sign of weakness. The sign was not a sign of wealth, but a sign of poverty. The sign was not a sign of honour, but a sign of shame (as to shame the arrogant and reinforce wholehearted humility) the sign was not a sign of glory, but a sign of grace. The sign was a sign of God’s love for us, a love that stooped down to our level, a love that entered into our condition, a love that shared in our suffering, a love that died for our salvation – He, the pearl of great price as the ransom!

Hence, how did the shepherds respond to the sign? Did they ignore it, doubt it, reject it, or mock it? No, they believed it, accepted it, embraced it, and proclaimed it. They went with haste to Bethlehem, to see the thing that had happened, which the Lord had made known to them. They found Blessed Mary and Joseph, and the holy baby lying in a manger. They made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. They glorified and praised God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them. They became in many ways as first evangelists, first witnesses, first disciples, and first apostles of the Lord. They became models of faith, hope, love, and obedience for all of us.

This passage also teaches us a lesson about the role of women in the church. We see how the Blessed Theotokos - Mary, the mother of Jesus, played a vital part in the story of salvation. She was the one who said YES to God’s will, who conceived Jesus by the power of the Holy Spirit, who gave birth to him in a stable (grotto), who wrapped him in swaddling clothes, who laid him in a manger, who nursed him, who cared for him, who protected him, who raised him, who followed him, who suffered with him, who rejoiced with him, who prayed with him, who loved him!

She was the one who treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. She was the one who kept the early memories and other such reflections of Jesus alive as seen in the Protoevangelion of St. James (that same James who Joseph and Mary raised as their own along with others) who shared it with the apostles, who taught it to the church, who passed it on to the generations. She was the one who became the mother of God, the mother of the church, the mother of us all. She was the one who became the example of holiness, humility, obedience, and devotion for all of us.

But Blessed Mary was not the only woman who had a role in the story of Christmas. There were many other women who were part of God’s plan, who were part of Jesus’ family, who were part of the history of salvation. There were women who were from the linage of old like Sarah, Rebekah, Rachel, Miriam, Rahab, Ruth, Hannah, Esther, Judith, and others as we read in the New Testament and early disciples like Elizabeth, Anna, Martha, Mary Magdalene, Phoebe, Priscilla, Lydia, Tabitha, Junia, Thecla, Perpetua, Macrina, Olympias, Theodora, Catherine, Mary of Egypt, Nina, Melania, Euphrosyne, Theophania, Olga, Anastasia, Maria, Irene, Anthea, and many more.

These women were mothers, wives, sisters, daughters, friends, leaders, teachers, prophets, apostles, martyrs, saints, and heroes of the faith. These women were faithful, courageous, wise, generous, compassionate, humble, and holy. These women were chosen, blessed, honoured, and loved by God. These women are our ancestors, our sisters, our role models, and our intercessors.

These passages tell us who Jesus is and why he came. They tell us that he is God and man, that he is the Saviour and the Lord, that he is the Light and the Life, that he is the Word and the Flesh, that he is the Grace and the Truth. They tell us that he came to save us from our sins, to give us eternal life, to make us children of God, to show us his love, to reveal his glory.

But did you know that there are some things that these passages do not tell us? There are some things that many do not know for sure about the birth of Jesus, because the Bible does not say them. For example, we do not know the exact date of his birth. Many celebrate it on December 25, but that is not the actual date. The Bible does not tell us when he was born. Some people think that he was born in the spring, because that is when the shepherds were out in the fields. Holy Orthodoxy celebrates thus on the 7th of January as the Church always held thus especially in England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales before the late 15 century calendar change.

Yet, some people think that he was born in the fall, because that is when the census was taken. Some people think that he was born in the winter, because that is when the star was shining. But although many say that they do not know for sure because it is not written, yet St. John clearly tells us that many things were not recorded due to various factors and we hold thus in Holy Apostolic Tradition (Jn 21:25) Western Christians celebrate it on December 25, because that is when the Romans celebrated the birthday of the sun god, and the Christians wanted to replace it with the birthday of the Son of God.

Another aspect that to consider is the number of the magi, or the wise men, who came to visit Jesus. The Bible does not tell us how many they were. Traditionally, we usually think that they were three, because they brought three gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. But they could have been more or less. Some traditions say that they were twelve, because they represented the twelve tribes of Israel. Other traditions say that they were four, because they represented the four corners of the earth. Whilst other traditions say that they were two, because they represented the two natures of Christ: human and divine. Although the various traditions, yet, we call them three, due to the well accepted tradition and that of gifts they brought.

It is interesting to note that the names of the sages, the magi, or the wise men, who came to visit Jesus also differ according to traditions. The Bible does not tell us their names. Although we have come to know them as Caspar, Melchior, and Balthazar, because that is what some ancient writings say. But they could have had different names. Some traditions say that they were Hormizdah, Yazdegerd, and Peroz, because they were Persian kings. Some traditions say that they were Larvandad, Gushnasaph, and Hormisdas, because they were Zoroastrian priests. Some traditions say that they were Gaspar, Bithisarea, and Melchior, because they were Parthian nobles.

May I also introduce the aspect regarding the origin of the star, or the light, that guided the magi, the wise men to Jesus. The Bible does not tell us what it was. We commonly accept that it was a star, because that is what the Bible says. But it could have been something else. There are various theories as well as astrological maps pin pointing it’s (the star) appearance which was first recorded by the Chinese. Interestingly to note that St. John Chrysostom conveys in his writings of the possibility of thus being the presence of angelic spirits as the glory of God which shines through them - as seen with the apparition to the shepherds.

Again, how did the shepherds respond (via angelic invitation) to the sign? Did they ignore it, doubt it, reject it, or mock it? No, they believed it, accepted it, embraced it, and proclaimed it. They went with haste to Bethlehem, to see the thing that had happened, which the Lord had made known to them.

There were various holy women who prefigured the birth of the Christ child born of the Virgin St. Mary, and part of God’s plan, who were part of Jesus’ family (linage) written in the history of salvation. There were women like Sarah, who gave birth to Isaac, the son of promise, in her old age. There were women like Rebekah, who gave birth to Jacob, the father of the twelve tribes of Israel. There were women like Rachel, who gave birth to Joseph of Egypt, a saviour of his brothers.

There were women like Miriam the sister of Moses and Aaron, who sang the song of deliverance after the crossing of the Red Sea. There were women like Rahab, who hid the spies in Jericho – trusting in the promise of the Lord who delivers and will raise the Messiah to save his people. There were women like Ruth, who left her homeland and followed her mother-in-law to Bethlehem and became the great-grandmother of King David.

There were women like Hannah, who dedicated her son Samuel to the service of God. There were women like Esther, who saved her people from the plot of Haman. There were women like Judith, who cut off the head of Holofernes and delivered Israel from the Assyrians. There were women like Elizabeth, who gave birth to John the Baptist, the forerunner of Jesus. There were women like Anna, who prophesied about the time of Salvation – the presentation of Jesus in the temple. There were women like Martha, who welcomed Jesus into her home. There were women like Mary Magdalene, who apart from the Theotokos (The Blessed Virgin) was the first to see the risen Lord. There were women like Phoebe, who was a deaconess of the Church in Cenchreae.

There were women like Priscilla, who was a co-worker of Paul and a teacher of Apollos. There were women like Lydia, who was a seller of purple and a convert of Paul. There were women like Tabitha, who was full of good works and acts of charity. There were women like Junia, who was an apostle of Christ. There were women like Thecla, who was a disciple of Paul and a martyr for Christ. There were women like Perpetua, who was a young mother and a witness of the faith. There were women like Macrina, who was a sister of St. Basil the Great and Gregory of Nyssa – righteous leaders of monasticism. There were women like Olympias, who was a friend of St. John Chrysostom and a patron of the church. There were women like Theodora, who was an empress of Byzantium and a defender of Holy Orthodoxy.

There were women like Catherine, who was a scholar of Alexandria and a martyr for Christ. There were women like Mary of Egypt, who was a repentant sinner and a desert saint. There were women like Nina, who was an evangelist of Georgia and a wonderworker of Christ. There were women like Melania, who was a wealthy noblewoman and a renouncer of the world. There were women like Euphrosyne, who was a disguised monk and a spiritual guide. There were women like Theophania, who was the wife of Leo VI and a restorer of icons after the heresy of Iconoclasm. There were women like Olga, who was a princess of Kiev and a baptizer/equal to the Apostles of Russia. There were women like Anastasia, who was a healer of the poor and a sufferer for Christ.

There were women like Maria, who was a hymnographer of Constantinople and a composer of an Akathist (Greeting Prayer) Hymn. There were women like Irene, who was a ruler of Athens and a builder of churches. There were women like Photini (Illuminata/Claire) who was the Samaritan woman and a preacher of the gospel. There were women like Mary Magdalene, who was one of the myrrh-bearers and a witness of the resurrection. There is the great Deaconess, the Theotokos Mary, the Mother of God and the Queen of Heaven who ever prays before the throne of her son for a much troubled and wounded world. (Ps 44)

These women, and many more, were part of the story of Christmas, the story of salvation, the story of God’s love for us. They were part of the family of Jesus, the Church of Jesus, the kingdom of Jesus, and the members of his Mystical Body which we affirm as the Communion of Saints! They were part of the history of the world, the history of the faith, the history of the grace. They were part of the plan of God, the will of God, the glory of God.

So let us remember them, honour them, imitate them, and pray to them. Let us ask them to intercede for us, to help us, to inspire us, to bless us. Let us thank them for their example, their service, their witness, their sacrifice and celebrate them also. For those of us who observe the Blessed Elder Orthodox Tradition, we are coming to the close of Holy Advent, a time of preparation as we dawn towards January the 7th for Holy Nativity.

Truly, a time to put back Christ in Christmas, where the birthday boy is the Reason for the Season! The Birthday of He who is the Holy of holies: Jesus Christ the Son of God, the Saviour of the world, the King of kings and the Lord of lords!

Glory to God! Merry Christmas to all.