| Synaxis of the Archangel Michael and the Other Bodiless Powers Commemorated on November 8 The Synaxis of the Chief of the Heavenly Hosts, Archangel Michael and the Other Heavenly Bodiless Powers: Archangels Gabriel, Raphael, Uriel, Selaphiel, Jehudiel, Barachiel, and Jeremiel was established at the beginning of the fourth century at the Council of Laodicea, which met several years before the First Ecumenical Council. The 35th Canon of the Council of Laodicea condemned and denounced as heretical the worship of angels as gods and rulers of the world, but affirmed their proper veneration. A Feastday was established in November, the ninth month after March (with which the year began in ancient times) since there are Nine Ranks of Angels. The eighth day of the month was chosen for the Synaxis of all the Bodiless Powers of Heaven since the Day of the Dread Last Judgment is called the Eighth Day by the holy Fathers. After the end of this age (characterized by its seven days of Creation) will come the Eighth Day, and then “the Son of Man shall come in His Glory and all the holy Angels with Him” (Mt. 25:31). The Angelic Ranks are divided into three Hierarchies: highest, middle, and lowest. The Highest Hierarchy includes: the Seraphim, Cherubim and Thrones. The six-winged SERAPHIM (Flaming, Fiery) (Is 6:12) stand closest of all to the Most Holy Trinity. They blaze with love for God and kindle such love in others. The many-eyed CHERUBIM (outpouring of wisdom, enlightenment) (Gen 3:24) stand before the Lord after the Seraphim. They are radiant with the light of knowledge of God, and knowledge of the mysteries of God. Through them wisdom is poured forth, and people’s minds are enlightened so they may know God and behold His glory. The THRONES (Col 1:16) stand after the Cherubim, mysteriously and incomprehensibly bearing God through the grace given them for their service. They are ministers of God’s justice, giving to tribunals, kings, etc. the capacity for righteous judgment. The Middle Angelic Hierarchy consists of three Ranks: Dominions, Powers, and Authorities: |
| Photo: eadiocese.org Over the course of nine days – November 21-30 – the Kursk Root Icon of the Mother of God, one of the most ancient holy icons of the Russian Orthodox Church (1295 A.D.) visited St. John the Baptist Cathedral in Washington, DC. Parishioners diligently prepared for the arrival of the wonderworking image. News of the icon’s impending arrival quickly spread, in order to alert as many of the faithful as possible of their opportunity to pray before this sacred 13th century icon. Several years ago, the Primate of the Russian Church Abroad, His Eminence, Metropolitan Hilarion, appointed the holiday of Thanksgiving and the week following to be the period in which the Kursk Root Icon would pay its annual visit to Washington. His Grace Nicholas, Bishop of Manhattan, since 2010 the guardian of the wonderworking icon, arrived on Wednesday evening, November 21, on the feast of the Holy Archangel Michael and the other Bodiless Powers of Heaven. The moment of the icon’s arrival coincided with the conclusion of the baptism of the infant Michael, who was blessed with the icon, much to his parents’ untold joy. The following day, on the American civil holiday of Thanksgiving, the people of God began to gather at 11 o’clock for the triumphal greeting and first moleben and akathist before the Kursk Root Icon. After the service, worshippers gathered in the parish hall for the traditional festal luncheon. Friday, November 23, was dedicated to visitation by the Kursk Root Icon of sick and elderly parishioners who were not able to personally attend the church services and venerate the holy image. That same evening, Bishop Nicholas took the Kursk Icon to the parish of the Holy Apostles in Beltsville, MD, where a moleben and akathist were served to the Most Holy Theotokos. The following day, November 24, the feast of the myrrh-streaming Montreal-Iveron Icon of the Mother of God, the Kursk Icon was brought to St. John the Baptist Cathedral for Divine Liturgy, and placed in the center of the church, next to an exact copy of the Montreal Icon, which had been painted on Mount Athos to mark the first anniversary of the murder of its faithful guardian, Jose Muñoz-Cortes. It was endearing to see both images placed together, these primary holy of the icons of the Russian Church Abroad. That same day, cathedral rector Archpriest Victor Potapov was celebrating his namesday (Holy Martyr Victor of Damascus). Praying at Liturgy were His Eminence, Metropolitan Jonah former primate of the Orthodox Church in America; retired) and His Grace Nicholas, Bishop of Manhattan. Upon conclusion of Liturgy, Fr. Victor delivered a sermon dedicated to the significant of these two highly venerated icons for Russia and the Russian Diaspora. |
| At their regular session here on May 29, 2015, the members of the Holy Assembly of Hierarchs of the Serbian Orthodox Church announced the glorification of two clerics who served in North America in the late 19th and early 20th centuries—Bishop Mardarije [Uskokovic] and Archimandrite Sebastian [Dabovich]. Both saints are being recognized as “preachers of the Gospel, God-pleasing servants of the holy life, and inspirers of many missionaries” for their pastoral labors in America and their homeland. The glorification came in response to a recommendation by the Episcopal Council of the Serbian Orthodox Church in North and South America. The annual commemorations of Saint Mardarije of Libertyville, Bishop of America-Canada, and Saint Sebastian of Jackson will be observed on November 29/December 12 and November 17/30 respectively. Saint Sebastian was born Jovan Dabovich in San Francisco, CA in 1863—in the midst of the US Civil war. His parents were Serbian immigrants from Sassovae. From his early youth he was devoted to the Church and spent much of his time at the city’s Holy Trinity Cathedral, where he later served as a reader and teacher. In 1884, he was assigned to assist at Archangel Michael Cathedral, Sitka, AK. Shortly thereafter, he was sent to Russia for training and formation as a missionary priest. After completing three years of studies at the Saint Petersburg and Kyiv Theological Academies, he was tonsured to monastic rank and ordained to the diaconate in 1887. Returning to San Francisco, he served as a deacon at the cathedral and taught in the newly established pastoral school. On August 16, 1892, he was ordained to the priesthood and assigned to pursue missionary work in California and Washington. The following year, he succeeded Father [now Saint] Alexis Toth as rector of Saint Mary Church, Minneapolis, MN and taught at the Missionary School. In 1894, Father Sebastian returned to California, where he established the first Serbian Orthodox parish in the US in Jackson, CA. Two years later, he was reassigned to San Francisco’s Holy Trinity Cathedral while continuing his missionary efforts in Jackson. In recognition of his abilities, Archbishop Tikhon assigned him as part of the North American Mission’s Administration. During this time he wrote a book titled The Ritual, Services and Sacraments of the Holy Orthodox Church . In 1902, he was transferred to Alaska, where he served as Dean of the Sitka Deanery. |
| Egypt (MNN) — Last Friday, a Muslim mob looted and torched 80 Christian families’ homes in Egypt’s Al-Beida village. Christians were forced to flee the area. The mob was angry because of a rumor that a building under construction in the village was going to become a church. The Christians in the Al-Beida village currently have to travel four miles away to worship at the Holy Virgin and the Archangel Michael Coptic Orthodox Church. When the nearby church’s priest, Father Karas Naser, heard of the violence he rushed to the scene. The mob set upon Father Naser’s car when he arrived. However, he was rescued by other moderate Muslims who protected him from the mob and got him out of the car. Open Doors USA’s Emily Fuentes says this type of violence, while not definitive of the whole country, tends to flare in rural areas where extremists incite some of the villagers against minority Christians. “It really does vary throughout Egypt. You might see a little bit more tolerance in cities, but in more rural areas or villages like this, you’re going to see a bit more tension, some misunderstanding; especially from neighbors [towards] Christians and what a threat they are as a minority group.” Christian Organizations Help Rebuild Open Doors works through partner ministries in Egypt. Fuentes says a few years ago, their partner ministries responded to a similar violent extremist mob attack. In that situation, 200 Christian homes were destroyed, and several churches and Christian buildings were looted and burned down. This mob was also incited with an inflammatory rumor against Christians started by the Muslim Brotherhood. “It was a horrific situation for these Christians. Not only did they lose their house and churches, but some lost their lives and then some lost their very livelihood. Many were farmers so they lost their livestock and had nothing to help them survive,” says Fuentes. “Through our partner organizations we were able to help rebuild many of these houses, farms, churches so the Christian community could restart again and continue to be a light even after a horrific attack like this.” Egyptian Christians Maintain Gospel Witness |
| His Eminence, Archbishop Benjamin of San Francisco and the West will represent His Beatitude, Metropolitan Tikhon at the canonization of two clerics who served in North America in the late 19th and early 20th centuries—Bishop Mardarije [Uskokovic] and Archimandrite Sebastian [Dabovich]—at Saint Steven Serbian Orthodox Cathedral here September 5, 2015. Icons of Bishop Mardarije and Archimandrite Sebastian at Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Serbian Orthodox Church, Fair Oaks, Calif. written by iconographer Miloje Milinkovic His Holiness, Patriarch Irinej of Serbia, will preside at the liturgical celebration, at which many visiting hierarchs, civil dignitaries, and others will be present. “This is a wonderful blessing for all of us Orthodox Christians in America, and for the whole Orthodox Church throughout the world,” said His Grace, Bishop Maxim of the Western Diocese of the Serbian Orthodox Church. “When one thinks of the tremendous sacrifices that these two holy apostles made, and the many sorrows that they endured, one is especially gratified that they are now universally recognized as being among the Church’s luminaries.” A detailed program for the liturgical celebration and related festivities may be found here . At their regular session in Belgrade May 29, 2015, the members of the Holy Assembly of Hierarchs of the Serbian Orthodox Church announced their intention to glorify Bishop Mardarije and Archimandrite Sebastian as “preachers of the Gospel, God-pleasing servants of the holy life, and inspirers of many missionaries” for their pastoral labors in America and their homeland. The glorification came in response to a recommendation by the Episcopal Council of the Serbian Orthodox Church in North and South America. The annual commemorations of Saint Mardarije of Libertyville, Bishop of America-Canada, and Saint Sebastian of San Francisco and Jackson will be observed on November 29/December 12 and November 17/30 respectively. Ss. Mardarije and Sebastian Saint Sebastian was born Jovan Dabovich in San Francisco, CA in 1863—in the midst of the US Civil war. His parents were Serbian immigrants from Sassovae. From his early youth he was devoted to the Church and spent much of his time at the city’s Holy Trinity Cathedral, where he later served as a reader and teacher. In 1884, he was assigned to assist at Archangel Michael Cathedral, Sitka, AK. Shortly thereafter, he was sent to Russia for training and formation as a missionary priest. After completing three years of studies at the Saint Petersburg and Kyiv Theological Academies, he was tonsured to monastic rank and ordained to the diaconate in 1887. |
| St. Gennadius the Archbishop of Novgorod Commemorated on December 4 Saint Gennadius, Archbishop of Novgorod, was descended from the Gonzov family and was, in the testimony of contemporaries, “dignified, intelligent, virtuous and learned in the Holy Scripture.” His was made a monk at the Valaam monastery, under the spiritual guidance of Saint Sabbatius of Solovki (September 27). From the year 1472, he was Archimandrite of the Chudov (Miracle of the Archangel Michael) monastery in Moscow. Zealous for celebrating divine services according to the Typikon, he and Bassian, Archbishop of Rostov, and later his successor Joasaph, fearlessly rose up in defense of the ancient Rule during a dispute about moving “like the sun” (from east to west) at the consecration of the Dormition cathedral in Moscow during the years 1479-1481. In 1483 Saint Gennadius began construction of a stone church at the Chudov monastery in honor of Saint Alexis, Metropolitan of Moscow (February 12), the founder of the monastery. On December 12, 1484 Saint Gennadius was consecrated as Archbishop of Novgorod. Already in Novgorod, but still honoring the memory of Saint Alexis, Gennadius did not cease to concern himself with the construction of the church, even contributing silver for the completion of this temple. The time of holy Archbishop Gennadius as hierarch at Novgorod coincided with a terrible period in the history of the Russian Church. In 1470, Judaizing preachers, who traveled to Novgorod in the guise of merchants, had already begun to plant the weeds of heresy and apostasy among the Orthodox. The first reports about the heresy reached Saint Gennadius in the year 1487. Four members of a secret society, in a state of intoxication, opened up and told the Orthodox of the existence of the impious heresy. As soon as it became known to him, the zealous archpastor immediately began an inquiry and with deep sorrow became convinced that the danger was a threat not only to local Novgorod piety, but also in Moscow, the very capital of Orthodoxy, where the leaders of the Judaizers had journeyed in 1480. |
| Introduction " A Stone of stumbling and a Rock of offense " Faith in the divinity of Jesus Christ is the foundation of our religious convictions. This faith gives us spiritual strength, in-spires us to do good, and gives direction to our efforts and to our expectations. Without it Christianity loses its inspirational power and is reduced to a collection of ancient myths and unfulfilled promises. Though of great importance, Christ’s divinity is not self-evident. There are even some passages in the Gospels which seem to contradict it. Therefore, those who dispute the divinity of Christ have no difficulty in finding biblical texts which supposedly support their opinion that Jesus Christ was either a man or some incarnate spiritual creature and therefore cannot be called God in the true sense of the word. At the same time opponents of the faith of the divinity of Christ point to the absence of biblical texts in which Jesus called Himself God, and from this they draw the incorrect conclusion that this title was given to Him later. Contradictory opinions concerning the nature of Christ began to spring up from the very first days of Christianity. Quite serious disputes and disturbances were caused in the fourth century A.D. by the Arian heresy, which taught that Jesus Christ was only a creature, although the most perfect and powerful one ever created. This heresy was thoroughly discussed by the First Ecumenical Council which was held in the city of Nicaea in 325. The Fathers of this Council rejected arianism and composed a Symbol of Faith, or Creed, in which, using very precise statements, they expressed the true teaching concerning Jesus Christ. This Creed has been used by the Eastern Orthodox Church to this very day. In our time the sect of Jehovah’s Witnesses has resurrected the defeated Arian heresy from the dust of history. Their variation of it teaches that Jesus Christ is the incarnation of a spirit-son or an angel-like creature (perhaps of the Archangel Michael). The danger posed by the sect of Jehovah’s Witnesses comes from the fact that they possess seemingly unlimited financial reserves and thus flood the world with their literature and their preachers. A particularly aggressive missionary work is being carried on in Russia, where they have caught thousands of trusting people in the nets of their cult. |
| Предыдущий Следующий Смотри также Church at Russian Monastery of Myrrhbearing Women burns Church at Russian Monastery of Myrrhbearing Women burns The fire caused considerable damage, but, thanks be to God, all are alive and no one was hurt. Thassos Monastery Fire Fund Thassos Monastery Fire Fund On September 9, 2016, the Monastery of the Archangel Michael on the Island of Thassos in Greece, one of the monasteries under the guidance of well-known Orthodox spiritual father, Geronda Ephraim of Arizona, was ravaged by fire. Fire destroys church at Ascension Monastery Church, Clinton, MI Fire destroys church at Ascension Monastery Church, Clinton, MI His Eminence, Archbishop Nathaniel of Detroit and the Romanian Episcopate and Priest Vicar Dan Hoarste traveled to the monastery to be with the monastic community immediately upon learning of the blaze. His Beatitude, Metropolitan Tikhon requested the faithful to keep the monastery brotherhood in their prayers. During this difficult time, the Episcopate also offers prayers to grant peace and comfort to the monastic community during this difficult test. Tragic cathedral fire sparked by Easter candles Tragic cathedral fire sparked by Easter candles Investigators were able to find evidence in the remains of the Serbian Orthodox Cathedral of St. Sava on West 25th Street that proved caretaker, Slobodan Ljubenko, 69, had accidentally caused the May 1 fire by failing to put out the candles, sources said. Orthodox hierarchs offer prayers and encouragment in midst of Alberta wildfires Orthodox hierarchs offer prayers and encouragment in midst of Alberta wildfires O loving and merciful God, our help in time of need, You are our rock and refuge, our comfort and hope. Deliver us from the trouble that now besets us. Blessed is Your name, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and forever. Amen. Fire broke out at Georgian Orthodox Church " s main cathedral Fire broke out at Georgian Orthodox Church " s main cathedral Firefights and rescuers worked through heavy smoke, but none were injured. Комментарии © 1999-2016 Православие.Ru |
| Предыдущий Следующий Смотри также Orthodox church being seized near Kiev Orthodox church being seized near Kiev This was reported at 21.30 by the journalist and staff member of the Publishing Department of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (the Moscow Patriarchate) Dmitry Marchenko on his “Facebook” page. Schismatics forcibly seize Orthodox church in Rivne region Schismatics forcibly seize Orthodox church in Rivne region Representatives of the self-declared “Kyiv Patriarchate” with support of the nationalists have seized the Church of the Image of Christ, “Not Made by Hands”, in Khodosy village of the Rivne district of the Ukraine’s Rivne region. A church in Ternopol region in the Ukraine seized by “Right Sector” A church in Ternopol region in the Ukraine seized by “Right Sector” On October 5, the parishioners of the Church of Holy Archangel Michael in Butin village of the Zbarazh Deanery of the Ternopol (Ternopil) Diocese (the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate – UOC MP) could not celebrate the Liturgy at their church because of a violent occupation by the “Kyiv Patriarchate” schismatics and representatives of the “Right Sector”. Metropolitan Anthony of Boryspil and Brovary: “People are beaten up, kicked out of churches” Metropolitan Anthony of Boryspil and Brovary: “People are beaten up, kicked out of churches” Metropolitan Anthony of Boryspil and Brovary, chancellor of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate (UOC MP), has cited the occurrences of open aggression by the so-called “Kyiv Patriarchate” against UOC MP, its faithful and clergy. Attacks on the Church in Rivne Diocese continue Attacks on the Church in Rivne Diocese continue The day before, there were several unsuccessful attempts to forcibly seize the Holy Trinity Church in Povcha village of the Dubno district of the Rivne region, when Priest John Savchuk was seriously injured (with an internal brain injury and a brain concussion). “Right Sector” militants are seizing churches in the Rivne Diocese “Right Sector” militants are seizing churches in the Rivne Diocese The faithful of these parishes, in protest against the seizure of churches, blocked the Kiev-Chop road for several times, but the action yielded no results. Комментарии © 1999-2015 Православие.Ru |
| Предыдущий Следующий Смотри также Ukrainian nationalists make a provocation during the all-Ukrainian cross procession Ukrainian nationalists make a provocation during the all-Ukrainian cross procession The cross procession participants were greatly astonished that the locals who had taken part in the provocation received monetary reward from “the Right Sector” for their “action”. The Orthodox pilgrims were even more amazed when after it was all over, some of the provocateurs joined them for dinner at the same table! Church of St. Xenia of St. Petersburg is desecrated in Kiev Church of St. Xenia of St. Petersburg is desecrated in Kiev The culprits penetrated the church through a window, entered the chancel, scattered about the sanctuary items from the altar and oblation table, spilled the reserved Holy Gifts from the tabernacle, stole the church donations and other objects. Dean of cathedral is beaten up in Chernigov, a deputy of district council was involved in attack Dean of cathedral is beaten up in Chernigov, a deputy of district council was involved in attack An attack on the dean of the Holy Transfiguration Cathedral in the city of Chernigov, Ukraine Archpriest George Shcherbatyuk took place on the evening of January 31. One of the attackers has been identified: it was deputy of the Desniansky district council Yunis Askerov. “The Right Sector” attempted to take over an Orthodox church in Volhynia “The Right Sector” attempted to take over an Orthodox church in Volhynia (+Video) Supporters of the so-called “Kyiv Patriarchate” assisted by the people with stripes of “the Right Sector” attempted to take over the Church of the Holy Archangel Michael in the Zalukhiv village of the Ukraine’s Volhynia (Volyn) region. Memorial crosses desecrated in the Nikolayev region of the Ukraine Memorial crosses desecrated in the Nikolayev region of the Ukraine The culprits also felled another memorial cross that stood on the highway near the Semenivka village of the Arbuzynka district, poured the flammable liquid on it and set it alight. Nearby they dropped leaflets calling “to free the country from spiritual slavery”. Monument to St. Vladimir vandalized in Kiev Monument to St. Vladimir vandalized in Kiev Unidentified vandals have attacked a bas-relief monument to St. Vladimir, the Baptizer of Rus’ and pride of Kievans. Комментарии © 1999-2016 Православие.Ru |
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