| With St. John Chrysostom (c. 347-407) we have the first homily per se on the Transfiguration of Christ: Homilia 56 in Matthaeum . This is the first extensive treatment of the Transfiguration since Origen, and it is one which will greatly influence the homiletic tradition, and through it of course the whole liturgical and theological tradition of subsequent generations. (Chrysostom is the greatest exegete of Scripture in Patristic tradition, the homilist par excellence— he gives us about three thousand homilies on Holy Scripture—note vision seen by a disciple of St. Paul whispering in his ear). Origen’s commentary on Matthew certainly influenced Chrysostom’s homily on Transfiguration; but as in other notable writers, such as Maximus for example, one observes the influence of Origen more in the form of a starting point, which of course Origen was in many ways. Hence we find many subtle but significant shifts of emphasis in Chrysostom’s treatment. (For further details on Origen’s contribution, see my thesis, “The Transfiguration of Christ in Greek Patristic Literature: From Irenaeus of Lyon to Gregory Palamas” Oxford D.Phil. thesis, 1991, pp. 50-72). But for the purposes of this paper, let me just say that the most important difference between Origen’s and Chrysostom’s treatment of the Transfiguration is that Origen places little or no emphasis on the Transfiguration light, owing, of course, to the strong Platonic influence on Origen’s thought. References to the Transfiguration can also be found in other of Chrysostom’s works which also shed light (no pun intended) on Chrysostom’s understanding of the nature and significance of the revelation of Tabor. I should like to point out that Chrysostom’s treatment of the Transfiguration is extremely rich and varied, embracing a wide variety of themes (for further details, see again my thesis, ibid., pp. 99-119) which cannot be treated here in the time that we have at our disposal, at this historic first meeting of the OUPBS, so for the purposes of this seminar, I have chosen to focus on the question of the nature and significance of the Light of Tabor in St. John, also called “the golden mouthed.” |
| Repose of St Alexander Nevsky Commemorated on November 23 The Holy Prince Alexander Nevsky was born on May 30, 1220 in the city of Pereslavl-Zalessk. His father Yaroslav II, Theodore in Baptism (+1246), “a gentle, kindly and genial prince”, was the younger son of Vsevolod III Large Nest (+ 1212), brother of the Holy Prince Yuri Vsevolodovich (February 4). Saint Alexander’s mother, Theodosia Igorevna, a Ryazan princess, was Yaroslav’s third wife. Their older son was the Holy Prince Theodore (June 5), who departed to the Lord at age fifteen. Saint Alexander was their second son. His childhood was spent at Pereslavl-Zalessk, where his father was prince. The princely tonsure of the lad Alexander (a ceremony of initiation to be soldier) was done in the Savior Transfiguration Cathedral of Pereslavl by Saint Simon, Bishop of Suzdal (May 10), one of the compilers of the Kiev Caves Paterikon (Lives of the Fathers). From this Elder-hierarch, Saint Alexander received his first blessing for military service in the name of God, to defend the Russian Church and the Russian Land. In 1227 Prince Yaroslav, at the request of the people of Novgorod, was sent by his brother Yuri, the Great Prince of Vladimir, to rule as prince in Novgorod the Great. He took with him his sons, Saints Theodore and Alexander. Dissatisfied with the Vladimir princes, the people of Novgorod soon invited Saint Michael of Chernigov (September 20), and in February 1229 Yaroslav with his sons departed to Pereslavl. The matter ended peacefully: in 1230 Yaroslav with his sons returned to Novgorod, and Saint Michael’s daughter Theodosia was betrothed to Saint Theodore, the elder brother of Saint Alexander. After the death of the bridegroom in 1233 the young princess went to a monastery and became famous in monastic exploits as the nun Saint Euphrosyne of Suzdal (September 25). From his early years Saint Alexander went along on his father’s campaigns. In 1235 he participated in a battle at the River Emajogi (in present-day Estonia), where the forces of Yaroslav totally routed the Germans. In the following year Yaroslav went to Kiev, “settling” his son, Saint Alexander, to rule independently as prince at Novgorod. In 1239 Saint Alexander entered into marriage, taking as wife the daughter of the Polotsian prince Briacheslav. Some histories relate that the day the princess was baptized was the Name Day of her saintly spouse, and she was named Alexandra. His father, Yaroslav, blessed them at betrothal with the holy wonderworking icon of the Theodore Mother of God (the father was named Theodore in Baptism). Afterwards, Saint Alexander constantly prayed before this icon. Later, it was taken from the Gorodetsk Monastery, where he died, by his brother Basil of Kostroma (+1276), and transferred to Kostroma. |
| Accept The site uses cookies to help show you the most up-to-date information. By continuing to use the site, you consent to the use of your Metadata and cookies. Cookie policy Metropolitan Hilarion celebrates on commemoration day of St. Varlaam of Khutyn at the church of ‘Joy to All the Afflicted’ icon of the Mother of God On 19 th November 2020, the commemoration day of St. Varlaam of Khutyn and of the holy martyr Konstantin Lyubomudrov, the Divine Liturgy was celebrated in the church ‘Joy to All the Afflicted’ icon of the Mother of God on Bolshaya Ordynka by Metropolitan Hilarion of Volokolamsk, chairman of the Moscow Patriarchate Department for External Church Relations. Clergymen of the church assisted the archpastor. During the Prayer of Fervent Supplication, petitions were voiced over the threat of the spreading coronavirus infection. Metropolitan Hilarion lifted up the prayer recited at a time of the spread of a pernicious epidemic. Glorification was said before the icons of St. Varlaam and the holy martyr Konstantin. After the Liturgy, His Eminence Hilarion addressed the worshippers with an archpastoral homily: “Dear reverend fathers, brothers and sisters, I congratulate you on the commemoration day of the patrons of our church – St. Varlaam of Khutyn, a Novgorod miracle-worker, and the holy martyr Konstantin, a Moscow presbyter. St. Varlaam of Khutyn has always been a patron of this church. Even before the ‘ ‘Joy to All the Afflicted’ miracle-working icon of the Mother of God was brought here, a church dedicated to St. Varlaam of Khutyn had been standing at this place. This church is now a side-altar. The icon of St. Varlaam reminds us of this Novgorod miracle-worker who had been venerated throughout the great Rus’ and in the capital city of Moscow. This church was built in his honour, rebuilt many times and extended; new side-altars were added, including the one in honour of the ‘Joy to All the Afflicted’ icon. The main side-altar in honour of the Transfiguration was added in the 19 th century. |
| Accept The site uses cookies to help show you the most up-to-date information. By continuing to use the site, you consent to the use of your Metadata and cookies. Cookie policy Metropolitan Hilarion: God is willing to give everyone a wonderful gift of faith, but people must be willing to accept it On 16 th August 2020, 10 th Sunday after Pentecost, Metropolitan Hilarion of Volokolamsk, chairman of the Moscow Patriarchate’s Department for External Church Relations, celebrated the Divine Liturgy at the Church of the “Joy of All Who Sorrow” Icon of the Mother of God in Bolshaya Ordynka Street, Moscow. Concelebrating with Vladyka Hilarion were clerics of the church. During the Litany of Fervent Supplication, prayerful petitions were read out in view of the threat of the spreading coronavirus infection. After that Metropolitan Hilarion lifted up the prayer which is read at a time of harmful pestilence. After the divine service the archpastor addressed the worshippers with a homily: “Dear Fathers, brothers and sisters, I greet all of you on this Sunday which coincides with the commemoration day of the Holy Venerable Anthony the Roman, Wonderworker of Novgorod. “Last week the Lord vouchsafed me to visit the sites associated with the life and ministry of this saint in the land of Novgorod, as well as the Convent of St. Barlaam of Khutyn, where the heavenly patron of our holy church, St. Barlaam, had performed his ascetic deeds. “Of course, you know that the church, initially built on this site, was dedicated to St. Barlaam of Khutyn. It stood in the place of today’s right side-chapel consecrated in the name of the Venerable Barlaam. “As time went by, the church was gradually rebuilt and enlarged, and the construction of the main chancel in honour of the Transfiguration of the Lord and of the side-chapel in honour of the ‘Joy of All Who Sorrow’ Icon was completed. Yet, St. Barlaam has always been venerated in our church thanks to the revered icon in the right side-chapel. One of the rectors of this church, the Holy Hieromartyr Constantine Lyubomudrov, held the Venerable Barlaam of Khutyn in ardent reverence, and died as a martyr at the Butovo Shooting Range on the commemoration day of this saint. |
| St. Sophronius the Bishop of Irkutsk Commemorated on March 30 Saint Sophronius, Bishop of Irkutsk and Wonderworker of all Siberia, whose family name was Kristalevsky, was born in Malorussia in the Chernigov region in 1704. His father, Nazarius, was “a common man in his affairs, and the saint was named Stephen, in honor of the protomartyr Saint Stephen. He had two brothers and a sister, Pelagia. The name of one brother was Paul. The name of the other older brother is unknown, but it is said that he was head of the Krasnogorsk Zolotonosh monastery. Stephen’s childhood years were spent in the settlement of Berezan in the Pereyaslavl district of the Poltava governance, where the family settled after the father was discharged from service. When he came of age, Stephen entered the Kiev Theological Academy, where two other future hierarchs were studying: Joasaph, future Bishop of Belgorod (September 4 and December 10), and Paul, future Metropolitan of Tobolsk (June 10 and November 4). After completing his religious education, Stephen entered the Krasnogorsk Transfiguration monastery (later renamed the Protection monastery. In 1789, it was transformed into a women’s monastery), where his elder brother already labored in asceticism. On April 23, 1730 he received monastic tonsure with the name of Sophronius, in honor of Saint Sophronius of Jerusalem (March 11). On the night after his monastic tonsure, Saint Sophronius heard a Voice in the Protection church predicting his future service: “When you become bishop, build a church dedicated to All Saints.” In 1732, he was summoned to Kiev. There he was ordained hierodeacon, and then hieromonk in the cathedral of Holy Wisdom. After Saint Sophronius had been a monk for two years, he became treasurer of the Zolotonosh monastery for two years, and then His Grace Bishop Arsenius (Berlov) of the Pereyaslavl diocese sent him into the house of his archbishop, where he was steward for eight years. These facts testify to the connections of the saint with his original Protection monastery. During his obedience under the presiding hierarch at Pereyaslavl, he often visited his monastery, spending the day in quiet contemplation and work, serving as an example to the brethren. |
| The Footnotes Readers who wish to pursue a deeper investigation of the patristic works cited in this commentary will find the footnotes especially valuable. A footnote number directs the reader to the notes at the bottom of the right-hand column, where in addition to other notations (clarifications or biblical cross references) one will find information on English translations (where available) and standard original-language editions of the work cited. An abbreviated citation (normally citing the book, volume and page number) of the work is provided except in cases where a line-by-line commentary is being quoted, in which case the biblical references will lead directly to the selection. A key to the abbreviations is provided on pages xv-xvi. Where there is any serious ambiguity or textual problem in the selection, we have tried to reflect the best available textual tradition. For the convenience of computer database users the digital database references are provided to either the Thesaurus Lingua Graecae (Greek texts) or to the Getedoc (Latin texts) in the appendix found on pages 177–82. Abbreviation ACW Ancient Christian Writers: The Works of the Fathers in Translation. Mahwah, N.J.: Paulist Press, 1946. J.B. Lightfoot and J.R. Harmer, trans. The Apostolic Fathers. Edited by M. W. Holmes. 2nd ed. Grand Rapids, Mich.: Baker, 1989. Dana Miller, ed. The Ascetical Homilies of Saint Isaac the Syrian. Boston, Mass.: Holy Transfiguration Monastery, 1984. A. Roberts and J. Donaldson, eds. Ante-Nicene fathers. 10 vols. Buffalo, N.Y.: Christian Literature. 1883–1896. Reprint. Grand Rapids. Mich.: Ecrdmans. 1951–1956. Reprint, Peabody. Mass.: Hendrickson, 1994. St. Athanasius. The Resurrection Letters. Paraphrased and introduced by Jack N. Sparks. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1979. Corpus Christianorum. Series Latina. Turnhout. Belgium: Brepols, 1953. Corpus Scriptorum Christianorum Orientalium. Louvain, Belgium. 1903. Corpus Scriptorum Ecclesiasticorum Latuinorum. Vienna. 1866. J. A. Aassemani, ed. Sancti Patris Nostri Ephraem Syri Opera Omnia. Rome, 1737. |
| 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 |
| Accept The site uses cookies to help show you the most up-to-date information. By continuing to use the site, you consent to the use of your Metadata and cookies. Cookie policy Monastic delegation from Egypt visits the Metropolitan of St. Petersburg and Valamo From August 29 to 31, 2021, a delegation of abbots and monks of the Coptic Church, in the course of their pilgrimage to Russia, visited the Metropolis of St. Petersburg and the Valamo Monastery of the Holy Transfiguration. In the evening of August 28, the delegation arrived in St. Petersburg. At the New Maiden’s Convent in Voskresensk they were received by Metropolitan Varsonofy of St. Petersburg and Ladoga, vicar of the Metropolis of St. Petersburg, Bishop Siluan of Petergof, rector of St. Petersburg Theological Academy, and Sister Sophia (Silina), mother superior of the Novodevichy Convent. Participating in the meeting were Hieromonk Stephen (Igumnov), secretary for inter-Christian relations, Department for External Church Relations; Hieromonk Daud el-Antoni, representative of the Coptic Church in Russia; Rev. Vyacheslav Zavalny, adviser, St. Petersburg branch of the DECR; and Hierodeacon Peter (Akhmatkhanov), DECR staff member. In the course of his long talk with the guests, the head of the Metropolis of St. Petersburg told them about its history and the present church life of the northern capital city. Metropolitan Varsonofy mentioned the visit made by Patriarch Tawadros II to Russia in November 2012. His Eminence also answered numerous questions form the guests about the present state and monastic traditions of the Russian Orthodox Church. Sister Sophia spoke about peculiarities of the order of Russian convents and took the delegation on a tour of the Novodevichy Convent. On August 29, the delegation from Egypt arrived on Valamo Island. In the Valamo Monastery of the Holy Transfiguration, the Coptic monks were welcomed by its abbot Bishop Pankraty of Troitsk. The guests proceeded to the Cathedral of the Holy Transfiguration and venerated the relics of its founders, Ss Sergius and Herman of Valamo, at the lower church, as well as the Valamo wonder-working Icon of the Mother of God. At the monastery hostel, a talk was held with Bishop Pankraty. |
| 45 Priests who Followed Bishop into Schism Have Already Returned to Ukrainian Church Source: OrthoChristian Photo: foma.ru Vinnitsa, Ukraine, December 19, 2018 More than half the priests of the Diocese of Vinnitsa of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church who followed their hierarch Simeon Shostasky, the former Metropolitan of Vinnitsa and Bar, into schism in the new Ukrainian nationalist church following Saturday’s “unification council” have already repented of their poor decision and returned to the canonical Ukrainian Church headed by His Beatitude Metropolitan Onuphry of Kiev and All Ukraine. As a representative from the Union of Orthodox Brotherhoods of Ukraine explains, after Simeon announced his transition to the new church created by the Patriarchate of Constantinople, 75 of the diocese’s 250 priests initially decided to follow him into schism, reports the online journal Foma , with reference to Interfax-Religion As OrthoChristian previously reported , in Vinnitsa itself, neither the authoritative deans and priests supported him, nor the ancient Holy Trinity Brailovsky Convent and other monasteries. Half of the people in the Transfiguration Cathedral left in protest after Sunday’s service as Simeon announced his defection. “However, there was a meeting of the clergy of the diocese on Tuesday at the Elevation of the Life-giving Cross Cathedral in Vinnitsa with the newly-appointed hierarch—Archbishop Barsanuphius, after which 45 of the ‘departing’ clerics said that they would remain in the canonical Church,” the Brotherhoods representative said. View two videos of the gathered clergy and faithful greeting their new hierarch here . As the source explained, the meeting was held at the Holy Cross Cathedral because the Holy Transfiguration Cathedral in Vinnitsa is still in the hands of former Metropolitan Simeon and his supporters. Several young men seized the keys to the church from the security guard on Saturday morning in preparation for Simeon’s participation in the “unification council” and his departure from the Church of Christ. |
| The word “pilgrimage” means “a journey of spiritual significance.” And every year, the month of August proves to be significant for three monastic communities of the Orthodox Church in America observing their annual pilgrimages in conjunction with their patronal feast days. Nuns carry festal icon during annual pilgrimage to Dormition Monastery, Rives Junction, MI. The Monastery of the Transfiguration , Ellwood City, PA, will celebrate its annual pilgrimage on Saturday and Sunday, August 5 and 6, 2017. The pilgrimage will open with the celebration of Vigil and dinner at 5:00 p.m. on Saturday evening. The following morning, the Akathistos Hymn “Glory to God for All Things” will be celebrated at 9:00 a.m., followed by the procession to the outdoor chapel and Hierarchical Divine Liturgy at 9:30 a.m. His Grace, Bishop Thomas of the Antiochian Archdiocese will preside. A picnic luncheon will be served at noon. At 2:00 p.m., Archpriest Daniel Ressetar will offer a dramatic monologue and youth will offer oratorical presentations. The Sacrament of Holy Unction with the anointing of pilgrims will be celebrated at 3:00 p.m. After light refreshments at 5:00 p.m., the pilgrimage will close with the celebration of Vespers at 6:00 p.m. Additional information is available on-line. The annual pilgrimage to New Skete , Cambridge NY, will open with the celebration of Matins at 8:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 12, followed by a tour of New Skete’s Holy Wisdom Temple. A talk on monastic life will be offered at 12:30 p.m. A presentation titled “We Shall All Be Changed: Armenian Artist-Theologians Ponder the Transfiguration” will be offered by this year’s guest speaker, Dr. Roberta Ervine, Professor of Armenian Studies at Saint Nerses Armenian Seminary, Armonk, NY. She will explain how the Armenian Fathers used the story of the Transfiguration to illuminate other Biblical themes, experiences and events in words, music and the visual arts. Other afternoon events include a guided hike, an iconography demonstration, a dog training demonstration, and a photo exhibit. Pilgrims are also invited to visit the meditation gardens and the Monks’ and Nuns’ gift shops and to enjoy Greek and Lebanese food, which will be available for purchase throughout the day. The pilgrimage will close with the celebration of the Vigil and a Healing Service at 5:00 p.m. Further information is available on-line. |
|
|
