My prayers for you
Papa Pustinnyk
Jesus Prays for His Disciples
Sunday of the Fathers Homily
JOHN 17:9-13
“I am praying for them; I am not praying for the world but for those whom you have given me, for they are mine; all mine are yours, and yours are mine, and I am glorified in them. And now I am no more in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, keep them in your name, which you have given me, that they may be one, even as we are one. While I was with them, I kept them in your name, which you have given me; I have guarded them, and none of them is lost but the son of perdition, that the scripture might be fulfilled. But now I am coming to you; and these things I speak in the world, that they may have my joy fulfilled in themselves.
If ever there was a prayer that lasted 2020 years it is this prayer. In the Gospel today we hear how in this Great Priestly Prayer to His Father our Lord reveals the goals that He set out in His life on earth and the completion of these goals. On this Sunday after the Ascension our Lord reminds us that He is bringing before the Father all those who believe in Him, from the Holy Apostles and through them, all those who will believe in their testimonies to the end of the world. Having achieved His mission then, Christ returns to the Father. How important for us also to have goals in life which is a remedy against confusion, sloth, depression and adversity. In these days of the pandemic we need to be energised and discerning about the things of the world, what our Christian goal is, knowing the direction of our life and how to get there.
Ephesians 5
See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil.
Throughout the Gospel passage, our Lord is concerned for His disciples. The major theme of the discourse is about relationship with the Father and His Son our Lord Jesus Christ. The key ingredients to this relationship are love, obedience and unity. Our Lord provides us with the wherewithal to withstand the ravages of the world since we are grafted into His Life. Love for one another will bind us together and will be the sign to others that we are Christ’s disciples. John 13: 35.This love is grounded in faith and in obedience:
“If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” John 14:15
The result of loving obedience will be the experience of being in a relationship with God and enjoying His peace. Discipleship is all about following and when the Holy Spirit comes at Pentecost, He will guide us into all Truth.
We are in a waiting period with lock down and we must not lose heart. Times of waiting are never easy so we must persevere in faith with hope.
Romans 5:3
“And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance.
We have been chosen out of the corrupting power of the world ; the word Ekklesia, usually translated as Church, means those “called out.” We have been taught by Christ and are sanctified by His life giving death upon the Cross. We (disciples) are to remain in the world in order, like the Apostles, to witness and to have the opportunity to become part of that unbreakable unity with the Father and the Son John 17:11. Christ’s return to glory with the Father which He enjoyed before His incarnation heralds our return to Paradise.
In the meantime we must set our goals and know the direction we are going.
A young woman told her father that she wanted to marry a certain seminarian who was to be a priest in the Church. The father, a wealthy man objected:
“He may be a good man but you will be poor and he is a stranger to us, we do not know even where he comes from!”
“True father, the daughter said, but I know him and I know where he is going and I would like to go with him.”
The journey begins now with knowledge, the relationship starts today with obedience, eternal life is already present in that love which never ends.
And this is eternal life, that they know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.
We have to use that knowledge in the journey that is before us like a divine road map. Putting our hand into the Hand of God, our journey will be filled with love and joy which is the antidote to fatigue and boredom. Obedience to the commands of Christ, His salvific life, his teachings, example and instructions as found in right doctrine and scripture provide us with the means of travel for this most exalted mission. We have then an aim and a mission, a purpose and a goal to be an instrument of love and a witness in His world. St Dimitri of Rostov said;” the goal of a man’s life is to strive always and in every way to be united with God…. For it is God from Whom the soul has received it’s life and it’s nature, and for Whom it must eternally live.”
On this Sunday of the Fathers of the First Ecumenical council we see expressed that affirmation of unity in true doctrine amongst the God bearing Fathers of the First Ecumenical Council through the Nicene Creed which is the Symbol of faith.
We who believe in Christ are kept by His prayer for us unto the ages of ages. Amen.
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A Photo Diary of Little Things — 6
OUTSIDE: A stroll at Perivolaki, a traditional village of 1160 inhabitants, a mere 20 miles away from the city, Thessaloniki. Here, at the church of the Assumption of the Theotokos, our choir is chanting in all major feasts.
INSIDE: Decoration/ preparation of the church of the Assumption for this week’s feasts of the Apodosis and the Ascension
The Annunciation Miraculous icon of the Theotokos, Evaggelistria-Tinos island
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Christ has Ascended!
Dear Friends in Christ,
The Icon was painted on glass by Georgiana Necula, the flowers were given today by one of the sisters of the Parish and the icon stand drape was a curtain embroidered by my grandmother in the 1930s.
“Leaving the things of earth upon the earth, and surrendering to the earth things of ashes, come, let us come to our senses and raise our eyes and thoughts on high; let us, O mortals, turn our gaze together with the senses up unto the heavenly gates. Let us consider ourselves present at the Mount of Olives, and gaze intently at the Redeemer Who is riding upon a cloud; for the Lord hath hastened up from there into the heavens. And there the bountiful Giver of gifts distributed gifts unto His Apostles, calling to them as a Father, and strengthening them; He guided them like sons and said unto them: I am not separated from you; I am with you, and no one shall be against you.” (OIKOS FOR THE ASCENSION)
Christ is in our midst
A Joyous Pustinnyk
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The Coronavirus Diary of a Joyous Pustinik — 38
AGIA SOFIA’S CAVE, CRETE
Christ is Risen!
The man who lived in a cave
Some years ago, one hot summer day whilst on holiday in Crete, I visited with friends a small Church, high up on the top of a mountain. Near to the Church was a man who lived in a cave. On visiting him he showed us around his “house.” His bed was a smoothed rock shelf and another flat rock for a table. Above the “table” was an oil lamp and Holy Icons of the Saviour and the Mother of God.
Outside, he had two or three goats, a few chickens, a small plot of land with a clear stream of water running through it. I recall that the bees at the time were drinking from the stream.
“Don’t you miss out on things? one of our company enquired of the man.
“No, I have everything I need, I have milk and honey, I have eggs and freshwater to wash and drink and I can always exchange a few eggs for bread in the village.”
“What about the scorpions, aren’t you afraid of the scorpions?” one of our party asked.
“ There are scorpions,” he said as he shrugged his shoulders, “but I don’t bother them and they don’t bother me!”
Example 2
A shabbily dressed man walked into a publisher’s office in Moscow. He took from his greatcoat a rather tattered manuscript and enquired whether it could be published? The publisher glanced dismissively at the manuscript and seeing the man’s dishevelled appearance said that he had no time to read it.
“Really? “said the man “I must have been misinformed, I am told that people like to read what I write.”
“ Indeed” said the publisher, his curiosity being aroused by this response “….and so who are you? What is your name?”
“My name?” as he collected his papers and stuffed them back into his overcoat, “my name is Leo Tolstoy.”
The publisher felt rather foolish and started begging for the privilege to publish. The eccentric genius quietly withdrew making his exit from the publishing office.
The wisdom of God
1 Corinthians 1:23
“But we preach Christ crucified, to the Jews a stumbling block and to the Greeks foolishness,”
1 Corinthians 4:10-11
10 We are fools for Christ’s sake, but you are wise in Christ! We are weak, but you are strong! You are distinguished, but we are dishonoured! 11 To the present hour we both hunger and thirst, and we are poorly clothed, and beaten, and homeless.
Who can contain the wisdom of the Wise?
Count loss as gain in faith-filled eyes.
Where is the key to unlock uncreated Light?
In constant prayer of day and night!
What target Heaven’s arrows and guided darts?
The simple minds, the humble hearts!
Who brought life to the Virgin womb?
He who emptied a stone-cold tomb!
Wisdom dwells in fools for Christ.
Power of God the Great High Priest
Who came in flesh to save the least.
Brightness of the Father, Pre-existent Word
The natal earth her ears first heard.
Who conceived creation? Wisdom from above!
Holy fools reflect His image… Love.
Who can contain the wisdom of the Wise?
In repentant sighs the one who dies… to self.
When Abba Macarius was into Egypt, he found a man who had brought a beast to his cell and he was stealing his possessions. He went up to the thief as though he were a traveller who did not live there and helped him to load the beast and led him on his way in peace, saying to himself, “We brought nothing into this world; but the Lord gave; as he willed, so is it done; blessed be the Lord in all things.”
My love and prayers
Eν Χριστώ
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The Coronavirus Diary of a Joyous Pustinik — 37
Touching Heaven!
Christ is Risen!
I’m back!
I have all my data and files retrieved and installed on my new laptop. So once more I am able to inflict my poems on you. My “tech savvy” trusted helper patiently guided me through the installation, asking nothing in return. Such love and kindness inculcates a bond of respect.
However, I am going to miss my old keyboard, my new laptop is so sensitive to the touch! Things are different and yet the same- the same files but a new approach, a new style, a new image.
Quite recently, I met a former pupil in the city centre whom I had taught at school. He said:
“Hello sir!” I haven’t been referred to as sir for some time! I searched my memory for a name, I hardly recognised him, not simply because of his physical maturity but because he had grown in confidence from the rather shy student I began to remember. He had changed and yet he was the same- his voice deeper but with the same inflection, accent and tone. When he began to speak, I knew who he was. What a joy it was to see him and to hear his news.
In the appearances of our Lord after his resurrection, his disciples do not always recognise him. The nature of His glorious resurrected body was so different and yet the same. His resurrected body contain the wounds of the crucifixion and yet it was transformed. His voice, His words, His actions reveal his identity.
2 Corinthians 3:18
But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.
Touching Heaven
John 21:4 “Jesus stood on the shore; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus.”
The young monk stood upright head bowed in prayer.
Barefoot, he perched on rocks breathing the fresh spring air
The blue, tranquil lake lapped at his feet.
His eyes closed in mystery towards the setting sun,
Hands held aloft in reverence for the Holy One
Harmony of God and nature’s seat.
His leather holy belt hung at his waist
A sign of his ascetic labour and a taste
Of blessed Communion, Oh so sweet.
The stillness mirrored in his soul
Deep thoughts of Christ to make him whole
His heart in tandem with creation’s beat.
Here where sea and sky converge
This figure and Christ’s image merge
Earth touches heaven and for an instant meet!
To the Glory of God
“That is what the torment of hell is in my opinion: remorse. But love inebriates the souls of the sons and daughters of heaven by its delectability.”
St. Isaac the Syrian
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From Poland With Love
This morning in the kitchen whilst watching Matins on Skype and baking cookies with children, I had unexpected guests. At the time I was listening to beautiful “Blessed are Thou O God teach me Thy statutes” by Dmitry and Father, when I realised a stag and a doe (?) appeared in front of our window! Roughly twenty meters from our house. After gasping, I thought they have come for Typica! The Stag stayed for the Gospel whilst the female went for a walk. Enjoy the photos!
Christ is in our midst!
Marta
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Quick, While There’s Still Time!
I too meant to share with you but I am having problems with my laptop 😦 I tried to yesterday but was not able to … It is such a beautiful documentary! Even if someone is not so interested in the life of Elder Joseph the Hesychast, the scenery is breathtaking, the monastery “sightseeing tours”amazing, and Jonathan Jackson’s acting is so good!
Update Saturday, 23 May: Actucally, there is time. You can watch the whole documentary on the great 20th-century Athonite spiritual father “Saint Joseph the Hesychast: ELDER JOSEPH THE HESYCHAST FILM (Άγιος Ιωσήφ ο Ησυχαστής)” , starring the Emmy-award winning Jonathan Jackson.
here:
or, here:
Christ is risen!
For a few more hours you can watch the full documentary of the life of Elder (Saint) Joseph the Hesychast for free!
I meant to include this link in my earlier post as a “treat” to share with you on my name’s day and completely forgot. Forgive me!
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A Photo Diary of Little Things — 5
View from Agrilia Monastery
More blessings from Kephallonia!
1.
The old bell tower with St Kosmas church
St Kosmas Aitolos church
St Kosmas Aitolos church at the monastery, where St Kosmas preached
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The Coronavirus Diary of a Joyous Pustinik — 36
Snowdon Sunrise
The Ascent of Snowdon!
Dear Friends in Christ,
Christ is Risen!
I hope you are all well and keeping safe.
Here is my poem-less thought for the day !
Love and prayers
Eν Χριστώ
Remember the little things- Climbing Jacob’s Ladder.
I have just completed climbing Mt. Snowdon- the highest mountain in Wales and the second highest in Great Britain (well virtually!) What would normally take five hours has taken me two weeks to complete. I can’t say that the scenery was that good except for my companion St George, who I acknowledged on the way up and on the way down. In these days of lock-down, my staircase has been the mountain. The climb has also involved mental stimulation in mathematical calculation and a certain spiritual exercise (ascesis)- saying “Lord Jesus Christ Son of God have mercy on me,” each syllable spoken of the prayer on each step of the staircase.
The Ascent of my Snowdon!
When I was young, I went on a camping holiday to Switzerland with some friends where we climbed the Jungfraujoch near Thunersee. It demanded patience, courage, fortitude and perseverance. In the days before formal health and safety, we were simply told by the experienced guide to follow carefully in his footsteps and to look out for one another! The reward for our struggle was amazing. We took rest overnight in a goatherd’s cottage on the way down. In the morning, the view was stunning, we were above the clouds and we saw everything from a new perspective.
In Genesis 28 the patriarch Jacob has a dream in which he sees a ladder going from earth to heaven and on this he sees angels ascending and descending.
The theme of the ladder is found in the teachings of the Church Fathers. I suppose St John Climacus is the most famous with his “Ladder of Divine Ascent.” St Irenaeus in the second century describes the Church as the ladder of ascent to God and St Gregory Nazianzus also sees the of ascent as an ascetic path and each step striving towards excellence.
St John Chrysostom writes:
“And so mounting as it were by steps, let us get to heaven by a Jacob’s ladder. For the ladder seems to me to signify in a riddle by that vision the gradual ascent by means of virtue, by which it is possible for us to ascend from earth to heaven, not using material steps, but improvement and correction of manners.”
Indeed, it is important in the Christian life to cultivate the virtues of patience, fortitude, courage and perseverance; to follow in the steps of the Master who is the Way and to keep our eye open for others who may be struggling. May our holy guardian angels assist us in this ascent.
John 1:50-51
Jesus answered and said to him,“Because I said to you, ‘I saw you under the fig tree,’ do you believe? You will see greater things than these.”And He said to him,“Most assuredly, I say to you, hereafter you shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man.”
ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN FAITH AND LIFE 