| I repeat once again my exhortation to all who love God and their salvation not to put off trying this good labor and practice for the sake of the Grace and mercy which it holds out to as many as will strive a bit at this work. I say this to them for courage, that they don’t hesitate or become fainthearted due to the bit of resistance or weariness which they will encounter. Contemporary elders that we have known had many disciples living in the world, men and women, married and single, who not only arrived at the beginning state but rose to higher levels through the Grace and compassion of our Christ. “It is a trifle in the eyes of the Lord to make a poor man rich.” (Sir. 11:23) I think that in today’s chaos of such turmoil, denial and unbelief there exists no simpler and easier spiritual practice that is feasible for almost all people, with such a multitude of benefit and opportunity for success, than this small prayer. Whenever one is seated, moving about, or working, and if need be even in bed, and generally wherever and however one finds oneself, one can say this little prayer which contains within itself faith, confession, invocation and hope. With such little labor and insignificant effort the universal command to “pray without ceasing” (1 Thes. 5:17) is fulfilled to perfection. To whatever word of our Fathers one might turn, or even in their wonderful lives, he will encounter hardly any other virtue given so much praise or applied with such zeal and persistence, so that it alone constitutes the most powerful means of our success in Christ. It is not our intention to sing the praises of this queen of virtues, or to describe it, because whatever we might say would instead rather diminish it. Our aim is to exhort and encourage every believer in the working of the prayer. Afterwards, each person will learn from his own experience what we have said so poorly. Press forward you who are doubtful, you who are despondent, you who are distressed, you who are in ignorance, you of little faith, and you who are suffering trials of various kinds; forward to consolation and to the solution to your problems. Our sweet Jesus Christ, our Life, has proclaimed to us that “without Me you can do nothing.” (Jn. 15:5) Thus behold that, calling upon Him continuously, we are never alone; and consequently “we can and will do all things through Him.” (cf Phil. 4:13) Behold the correct meaning and application of the significant saying of the Scripture, “Call upon Me in your day of trouble and I will deliver you, and you shall glorify Me.” (Ps. 49(50):15) Let us call upon His all-holy Name not only “in the day of trouble” but continuously; so that our minds may be enlightened, that we might not enter into temptation. If anyone desires to step even higher where all-holy Grace will draw him, he will pass through this beginning point, and will be “spoken to” regarding Him, when he arrives there. |
| Pan-Orthodox Council: Relations of the Orthodox Church with the Rest of the Christian World Source: DECR Communication Service January 28, 2016 Draft document of the Pan-Orthodox Council, adopted by the 5th Pan-Orthodox Pre-Council Conference in Chambésy on October, 10-17, 2015. Published in compliance with the decision of the Synaxis of Primates of the Local Orthodox Churches, Chambésy, January, 21-28, 2016. We pray that all Christians work together in order to bring nearer the day in which the Lord will fulfill the hope of the Orthodox Churches, and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd (Jn 10:16). Chambésy, October 15, 2015 DECR Communication Service 2 февраля 2016 г. Подпишитесь на рассылку Православие.Ru Рассылка выходит два раза в неделю: Смотри также Комментарии Iyad Gabbour 5 мая 2016, 20:00 This is a heretical documant. They have so many contradictions that put stuff to shame! Mila 9 марта 2016, 13:00 " The Orthodox Church, which unceasingly prays “for the union of all,” " means that all other religions repent and return to The Orthodox Faith. NOT the Orthodox Church to join heretical churches to create one church for the antiChrist. Chester 5 марта 2016, 20:00 I understand that the Georgian Orthodox Church has rejected this document. Am I correct in the understanding that it will now not be discussed or presented at the council? Fr. Michael 3 февраля 2016, 16:00 I cannot but be dismayed by this statement and I pray that the Russian Church, the Serbian Church and the Georgian Church will refuse to approve it. There is far too much room here for compromise. As for the Ecumenical Patriarch requiring to be informed of withdrawal, that is not a possibility. Felipe Cбrdenas 3 февраля 2016, 02:00 Just do not forget the importance of the Roman Catholic Church, the Church of saint Peter, first among equals. Мы в соцсетях Подпишитесь на нашу рассылку |
| Teaching on the Day of Pentecost Troparion, tone 8: Blessed art Thou, Christ our God, Who didst make the fishermen wise by sending down upon them the Holy Spirit, and through them didst draw the world into Thy net. Lover of men, glory to Thee. Koniakion, tone 8: When the Most High came down and confused the tongues, He divided the nations, but when He distributed the tongues of fire, He called all to unity. And with one accord we glorify the All-Holy Spirit. Prayer to the Holy Spirit O Heavenly King, Comforter, Spirit of Truth, Who art everywhere present, and fillest all things, Treasury of good gifts, and giver of life, come and abide in us, and cleanse us of all impurity, and save our souls, O Good One. The Holy Trinity By the grace of the Most Holy Spirit, we have been vouchsafed to celebrate Holy Pentecost—the descent of the Holy Spirit. Jesus Christ said of this descent: Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter (that is, the Holy Spirit), will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth. (Jn. 16:7, 13). This, His promise and benefit, is so great that we cannot even comprehend it: for the Lord promised to send not an Angel, not a man, but the Holy Spirit Himself. Thus, having fulfilled the will of His Father, the Only Begotten Son ascends to heaven, and the Holy Spirit descends: not another God (never!), but another Comforter, as it is written. O, the unutterable love for mankind! God Himself has become our Comforter. Thus, He Himself comforts those who are weighed down by misfortune, prevents them from becoming exhausted in spirit, as the Holy Apostle testifies, saying: Our flesh had no rest, but we were troubled on every side; without were fightings, within were fears. Nevertheless God, that comforteth those that are cast down, comforted us (2 Cor. 7:5–6). He comforts the heart frightened by demonic fear, raising it up to invincible courage through bold hope, as the Prophet David testifies: For Thou, O Lord, hast holpen me and comforted me (Ps. 85:17). He comforts, encouraging the troubled mind, as it has been given a feast with God and rest, as the Apostle testifies, saying: as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ " s stead, be ye reconciled to God (2 Cor. 5:20); that is, have peace, with God. |
| Today we know that «God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son… so that the world through him might be saved» (Jn 3:16-17). And now, «being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God, … because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Spirit which is given unto us» (Rom 5:1-2, 5). Let us, then, bow reverently before the humble manger where the quiet and meek Infant lies. Let us bow down with the fear of God and trembling, for it is here that there begins the earthly way of the cross of the Lord Jesus, it is here that our salvation begins. Let us bow down and glorify the Son who is born of the Pre-eternal Father, rejoicing in the ineffable peace which surpasses all understanding and which fills our souls. «Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men» we again and again joyfully sing after the choir of angels. The love of God, revealed in the Nativity of the Saviour, brings true peace to people. This peace cannot be shaken either by everyday turmoil, social upheaval, political chaos or even armed conflict, for «in Christ’s peace there mysteriously lives such a spiritual power which can subdue all earthly affliction and beguilements» (St. Ignatius Bryanchaninov, Ascetic Works). Yet how are we to acquire a peaceful disposition of the heart? How are we to become the possessors of this great spiritual gift? The holy fathers are unanimous in stating that the work of Christ’s peace in a human being is a true sign of his abiding in the Gospel commandments. Of them «above all» — we are taught by the apostle Paul — «put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. And let the peace of God», says the apostle, «rule in your hearts, to which also you are called» (Col 3:14-15). The Lord seeks out people of good will — those people who observe his law, who will testify to those near and those afar to salvation and «proclaim the mighty acts of him who has called you out of darkness into his marvellous light» (1 Pet 2:9). |
| Today we know that “God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son… so that the world through him might be saved” (Jn 3:16-17). And now, “being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God, … because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Spirit which is given unto us” (Rom 5:1-2, 5). Let us, then, bow reverently before the humble manger where the quiet and meek Infant lies. Let us bow down with the fear of God and trembling, for it is here that there begins the earthly way of the cross of the Lord Jesus, it is here that our salvation begins. Let us bow down and glorify the Son who is born of the Pre-eternal Father, rejoicing in the ineffable peace which surpasses all understanding and which fills our souls. “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men” we again and again joyfully sing after the choir of angels. The love of God, revealed in the Nativity of the Saviour, brings true peace to people. This peace cannot be shaken either by everyday turmoil, social upheaval, political chaos or even armed conflict, for “in Christ’s peace there mysteriously lives such a spiritual power which can subdue all earthly affliction and beguilements” (St. Ignatius Bryanchaninov, Ascetic Works ). Yet how are we to acquire a peaceful disposition of the heart? How are we to become the possessors of this great spiritual gift? The holy fathers are unanimous in stating that the work of Christ’s peace in a human being is a true sign of his abiding in the Gospel commandments. Of them “above all” – we are taught by the apostle Paul – “put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. And let the peace of God,” says the apostle, “rule in your hearts, to which also you are called” (Col 3:14-15). The Lord seeks out people of good will – those people who observe his law, who will testify to those near and those afar to salvation and “proclaim the mighty acts of him who has called you out of darkness into his marvellous light” (1 Pet 2:9). |
| Wrecked by God Today there are about 6.9 billion people in the world. If we made it into a global village of 100 people it would look like this: The well-respected relief organization World Vision reports in that same global village: We pray in every liturgy for abundance of the fruit of the earth and God answers that prayer. There is enough food in the world to feed everyone; but the problem is that it is unequally distributed. Something else we take for granted is water. Not thinking much of it, on an average day we take a shower, brush our teeth, flush the toilet, wash our hands, brew a cup of coffee, run our dishwasher and washing machine, water our lawns, and drink a cold glass of it. Imagine if tomorrow, all the water was shut off to our homes. Our lives would be transformed. We would be grabbing 5-gallon buckets and walking down to the nearest body of water, hoping it was safe to drink. In the same global village of 100 people, 17 people already live like this. The average American uses 69 gallons – or 572 pounds – of water per day. In a family of four, that would be over a ton of water. That’s 27 trips with a 5-gallon bucket in each hand without spilling! Most of us would be late to work or school every day. In preparation for Lent we read: Come, O blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom… for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me (Matt 25:34ff). In this parable, God identifies Himself with the poor and downtrodden. These words are not read to ‘bum us out,’ but to help us focus on what it means to be a Christian. God is love (1 Jn 4:8). And if God is love, and we are the Body of Christ, we are to be love also. The Holy Spirit engenders this love for others within us. Love fosters compassion, and if we have compassion, our hearts will be broken by the same things that break the heart of God. Love is all about the other. There is no ‘me’ or ‘I’ in love. |
| 1:17, 2:11), who declares that “Here we have no continuing city” (Heb. 13:14). Once we belonged to this earth with her multitude of tribes and tongues, but in baptism Christ chose us out of the world, so that we are now in the world, but not of it (Jn. 15:19). Patriotism is compatible with this eschatological orientation; we can deeply love our country even while confessing that our fundamental citizenship is in the Kingdom (Phil. 3:20). One can be both a true patriot and a true Christian. But the nationalism I have been describing is not as compatible with it, for it defines our citizenship and primary loyalty to be in our earthly country, not our heavenly one. The nationalist will think that if the Theotokos is wrapped in the flag of his country, she must therefore side with it when it quarrels with another country. If, for example, we wrap her in the American flag, she must support American foreign policy; if we wrap her in the Canadian flag, she clearly supports Canada. That is why we must refuse to wrap her in the flag of any country, for she loves and prays for all countries with the love of her Son, shining upon the just and the unjust (Mt. 5:45). God may perhaps indeed side with one country over another when nations quarrel, but humility will confess that we are inadequate judges of such things. The temptations to pride and blindness are too great and terrible; it is better to do our humble best down here and not presume to speak on God’s behalf. Patriotism is good. But its days are numbered, for patriotism is rooted in our earthly existence, and earth’s days are numbered. Eventually Christ will return and “the heavens will pass away with a loud noise and the elements will be dissolved with fire and the earth and the work that are upon will be burned up” (2 Pt. 3:10). That will be the end of patriotism. But not the end of joy—the good things we have known and loved in our countries, these good things will abide, transfigured and made eternal in the new heavens and the new earth. That joy and those good things—earthly things such as love, friendship, kindness, loyalty—these things will not pass away. Meanwhile as we wait for that day, let us thank God for the good things He gives us now and look to Him for help in our sorrows. The Mother of God is the joy of all the earth. She loves everyone here in this life, and leads us to our true home in heaven. |
| 2 Corinthians 6:1-10; Luke 5:1-11 Photo: http://foma.ru/ If there is any virtue that seems completely foreign to our culture today, it is patience. From fast food to cell phones, from transportation to losing weight, we want instant results and think that something is wrong if we do not get what we want immediately. Thoughtful people learn, however, that disappointments and delays are often actually good for us. They inspire us to see ourselves and the realities of life more clearly. But when impatience becomes a settled habit, it blinds us to the necessity of humble persistence in facing life’s challenges, both small and great. Peter, James, and John were professional fishermen who had worked all night and caught nothing. They knew that it was time to wash their nets, go home, and try again tomorrow. But the Lord said, “Put out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.” Peter answered in a way that showed his frustration: “Master, we toiled all night and took nothing! But at Your word I will let down the nets.” When they did so, they caught so many fish that their nets broke and their boats began to sink. That was not only an unlikely and amazing scene; it also opened Peter’s eyes at least a bit to where He stood before the Lord, as he said to Christ, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord.” The Savior responded, “Do not be afraid; henceforth you will be catching men.” Then Peter, James, and John left their boats and nets behind as they became the first apostles. Though Peter became the head disciple, he struggled mightily in faith. He denied the Lord three times before His crucifixion and had earlier heard the stinging rebuke, “Get behind me, Satan!,” when he had rejected the message that Christ would be killed and rise from the dead. After His resurrection, the Lord restored Peter by asking him three times if he loved Him and commanding him to “feed My sheep” in fulfilling his ministry. (Jn. 21: 15-17) Peter was the first bishop of the Church in Antioch and in Rome, where he made the ultimate witness for the Savior as a martyr. He surely did not get everything right the first time. At many points in his discipleship, he must have been as frustrated as he had been as a fisherman who had worked all night and caught nothing. But despite his many failures in understanding what kind of Messiah he was following, Peter did not allow pride to keep him from accepting the Lord’s forgiveness and restoration. From the time the Savior first called him to the end of his earthly life, St. Peter kept letting down his nets and surely being shocked beyond belief that the Lord was still with him and working through him despite his less than perfect faith. |
| 3. Faced with this situation, which has led to a degradation of the notion of the human person, the duty of the Orthodox Church today is, by means of preaching, theology, worship and pastoral activity, to reveal the truth of freedom in Christ. All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not. Let no man seek his own, but every man another’s wealth … for why is my liberty judged of another man’s conscience? (I Cor. 10: 23-24, 29). Freedom without responsibility and love leads eventually to the loss of freedom. 3. Peace and Justice . 1. The Orthodox Church has since time immemorial recognized and proclaimed that peace and justice occupy a central place in the life of peoples. Christ’s revelation is characterized as the gospel of peace (Eph. 6:5), for Christ made peace through the blood of his cross (Col. 1:20) and came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh (Eph. 2:17). He became our peace (Eph. 2:14). This peace, which passeth all understanding (Phil. 4:7), as the Lord said to His disciples before His crucifixion, is wider and more important than the peace which the world promises: Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you (Jn. 14:27). For Christ’s peace is the ripe fruit of all things united in Christ: the revelation of the dignity and majesty of the human person as the image of God, the manifestation of the organic unity of the human race and the world in Him, the commonality of the principles of peace, freedom and social justice and, ultimately, the offering of the fruits of Christian love among people and the nations of the world. True peace is the fruit of the triumph on earth of all these Christian principles. It is the peace that is from above, of which the Orthodox Church constantly prays every day, beseeching it of almighty God Who hears the prayers of those who approach Him in faith. 2. From the above it becomes clear why the Church as the body of Christ (I Cor. |
| 5. Notwithstanding this shared Tradition of the first ten centuries, for nearly one thousand years Catholics and Orthodox have been deprived of communion in the Eucharist. We have been divided by wounds caused by old and recent conflicts, by differences inherited from our ancestors, in the understanding and expression of our faith in God, one in three Persons—Father, Son and Holy Spirit. We are pained by the loss of unity, the outcome of human weakness and of sin, which has occurred despite the priestly prayer of Christ the Savior: So that they may all be one, as you, Father, are in me and I in you … so that they may be one, as we are one (Jn. 17:21). 6. Mindful of the permanence of many obstacles, it is our hope that our meeting may contribute to the re–establishment of this unity willed by God, for which Christ prayed. May our meeting inspire Christians throughout the world to pray to the Lord with renewed fervor for the full unity of all His disciples. In a world which yearns not only for our words but also for tangible gestures, may this meeting be a sign of hope for all people of goodwill! 7. In our determination to undertake all that is necessary to overcome the historical divergences we have inherited, we wish to combine our efforts to give witness to the Gospel of Christ and to the shared heritage of the Church of the first millennium, responding together to the challenges of the contemporary world. Orthodox and Catholics must learn to give unanimous witness in those spheres in which this is possible and necessary. Human civilization has entered into a period of epochal change. Our Christian conscience and our pastoral responsibility compel us not to remain passive in the face of challenges requiring a shared response. 8. Our gaze must firstly turn to those regions of the world where Christians are victims of persecution. In many countries of the Middle East and North Africa whole families, villages and cities of our brothers and sisters in Christ are being completely exterminated. Their churches are being barbarously ravaged and looted, their sacred objects profaned, their monuments destroyed. It is with pain that we call to mind the situation in Syria, Iraq and other countries of the Middle East, and the massive exodus of Christians from the land in which our faith was first disseminated and in which they have lived since the time of the Apostles, together with other religious communities. |
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