Monday  12th

A blessed Apostles fast to you all. We are allowed fish wine and oil. God is so gracious!

An Icon shop near the church of St Lazarus had some komboskini and holy bracelets in the window. In the morning I  bought some to give to our children. I ordered a small icon print on wood of St. Amphilochius of Patmos. Maria the Iconographer and shopkeeper said she would have it ready for tomorrow afternoon. Some things happen very quickly in Cyprus!

I took the bracelets and komboskini and placed them on the Holy relics of St Lazarus for blessing to give to our children at church. 

Wherever we go in accordance with  Saint Amphilochius’ instructions we should buy a tree in memory of a loved one, as a gift to others, as an act of contrition for our sins and to bear the fruit of goodness.

The prophet Nehemiah has a recurring theme in his book in the Old Testament :

“Remember me O my God for good.” It is the prayer of a pilgrim in this life who whilst knowing his sins, asks God to remember the good deeds he has done through following His commandments:

“Blessed art Thou, O Lord,

teach me Thy statutes.
 The choir of the saints has found the fountain of life

and the door of Paradise. 

May I also find the way through repentance,

the sheep that was lost am I,

call me up to You, O Savior, and save me.”