From Glory to Glory The monthly newsletter of the Assumption Greek Orthodox Church

October 2020

Elder Sophrony (Sakharov) of Essex (1993) Important Dates e was born in in 1896 and his lay name October 1 H was Sergei Symeonovich Sakharov. As he himself Holy Protection of the recalls, his first experience of the vision of the uncreated light occurred in his childhood. He studied at October 6 the School of Fine Arts in Moscow. At one stage, his Apostle Thomas religious pursuits took him into non-Christian mysticism. His artistic ambitions led him to , October 11 Germany and France. He found, however, that art Holy Fathers of the neither fulfilled nor enlightened him. 7th Ecumenical Council His return to the love of Christ resulted in a new, very powerful experience of the uncreated light at East- October 18 er of 1924 in . While there he was influenced by Apostle and Evangelist Luke his acquaintance with Fr. Sergie Bulgakov (1944). As he himself says, “In Paris, I had everything, but there October 23 was no real jo.” He attended the Institute of Sergius t find and learn. He would later say, “At Saint Apostle Iakovos Sergius everyone spoke about God but I didn’t see Him. Brother of the Lord When I went to the Hly Mountain, through nobovy spoke about God but everyting pointed to Him.” October 26 In 1925, he entered the Monastery of Saint Panteleïmon, the Russian house on the Great Martyr Demetrios Holy Mountain. He was tonsured there in 1926. It distressed him greatly that he was unable to live in accordance with the Gospel injunctions. A turning-point in his life came with his acquaintance with Saint Silouan the Athonite (†1938). Through Saint Silouan, Elder Sophrony did not simply believe in Christ but came to know Him in the Holy Spirit. The teaching of the Saint, which the Elder gladly adopted, can be summed up as: a) prayer for the whole world, b) Christ-like humility, and c) love for one’s enemies. This was also the basis for Elder Sophrony’s theology. After the demise of Saint Fr. Joseph Strzelecki Silouan, whose excellent biography was written by the Elder, the latter left for the Parish Priest Athonite desert, the dread Karoulia. From sundown to the break of day he repeated 1755 Des Peres Road the Prayer of the Heart, with his arms raised in prayer. Every word became spiritual Town & Country, MO 63131 nourishment and was stored in his heart, which was refined by the gentility that only a person who prays well can possess. He lived in the Hermitage of the Holy Trinity, which belongs to the Monastery of Phone: 314-966-2255 Saint Paul, from October 1943 until March 1947. He acted as Spiritual Director for Kitchen: 314-966-6720 the Monasteries of Saint Paul, Gregoriou, Simonos Petras, and Xenophontos, as well www.assumptiongoc.org as for sketes and cells. He had been ordained in 1930 by Saint Nikolai Velimirovich (†1956), Bishop of Ochrid. In 1941, he was ordained to the priesthood by Metropolitan Hierotheos of Militoupolis (†1956). He lived for some five years at Office Manager: the Vatopaidan Skete of Saint Andrew in Karyes and from there received permission Diane Sieckmann to leave for Paris for good in 1947. And so he took leave of his beloved Holy Mountain, after 22 years of struggle and supernatural revelations. The next year he [email protected] published his inspired writings about Saint Silouan and in doing so made the Holy Mountain better known in the West. In 1959, he founded the Monastery of Saint John the Baptist at Tolleshunt Knights, Essex.

2020 Parish Council It was there we met him in 1985. He was a dignified,

Fr. Joseph Strzelecki, Parish Priest venerable and benign Elder. A prince of the spirit, a Scott Thompson, President, Gus Harris, Vice President profound, experienced great theologian. His prayer and his Elefteria Marcou, Secretary, James Cawood, Treasurer tears infused his Philocalic texts and light and grace Peter Regopoulos, Assistant Treasurer illumined them. His grace, his blessing and his wisdom were Daniel Gantner, Maria Afentoullis Humphrey, Amy Kirkou unforgettable for us who lacked his experience. He fell Pam Martin, Samia Rabie, Greg Simos, Eugenia Kardaris, asleep in the Lord there on July 11, 1993 and was buried Tom Stamos, Nick Tsoubanos, Tonis Zafiropoulos three days later. As his disciple Fr. Zacharias says, as a spiritual Pastoral Ministries Committees phenomenon, the Elder was a sign from God for his Friday Luncheon Acolytes generation. He lived through the tragedy, the concerns, the John Nicholas Art Liyeos Adult Orthodox Christians Greek Festival worries and the heart-searching of the turbulent twentieth (18 years +): Greg Simos, Art Liyeos century. With his life, his prayer and his words he provided Diane Sieckmann Phase III answers to the burning questions of his contemporaries. His Bible Study Fr. Joseph Strzelecki nephew, Fr. Nicholas, writes that the theological path of Fr. Daniel Morton Planned Giving Committee Elder Sophrony also determined the originality of his Bookstore Amy Johnson theological method, which is characterized by a lively Christos Tsiaklides Publicity Committee dialogue between different worlds: the religious philosophy Chanters of his time, the Patristic tradition, and the distillation of his Rentals & Contracts Thomas Carroll personal secret experience. Metropolitan Hierotheos of Dr. Steve Leon Helena Brown Choir Vision/Long Range Nafpaktos declared: "The life of Elder Sophrony was a Stephanie Saunders Planning miracle of God on earth, a proof of His existence. And his Church Tours Scott Thompson demise was glorious, befitting his luminous life." The late Janice Hazeltine Finance Elder Theoklitos Dionysiatis (†2006), who was never prone Greek School James Cawood to fine words, said: "If there’s a great hesychast alive today, Savas Kyramarios Pete Regopoulos who has lived the profundity of Orthodox , and, Greek Dancers Cemetery most importantly, is able to convey it in writing, comparing Kyklos & Armonia Diane Sieckmann it to other traditions, that man is Elder Sophrony." Some Stella Afentoullis Call-a-Ride (Uber) people had their reservations about him, as is their right, but Ta Paidakia, Neo Kyma Jim Hoekel Aliki Malek Insurance they can’t make much of a case. They should read his works GOYA (9th -12th Grade) Carol Marshall again, more carefully, with greater humility and less Alki & Mike Case IT/Phone/Internet prejudice and they’ll be convinced that they’re an extension Greeters Steve Sarris of the Philokalia. Mary Pitliangas, Kelli Baer Maintenance/Facilities The words of Elder Sophrony, the Elder of the Holy JOY (K - 4th Grade) Art Liyeos Monastery Saint John the Baptist in Essex, confirm the Maria Tsiaklides Personnel enduring nature of the universal spirit of the Church. He Ibrahim Chalbhob Scott Thompson said that not only Christians but even those who don’t Jr. GOYA (5th - 8th Gus Harris Special Events believe are called upon to open their minds, transcend the Grades) narrow framework of nationalist tendencies or cultural Stacy Kourinos Tom Stamos Kafenio Stewardship traditions and to think in terms of the whole of humankind. I Art Liyeos Michael Afentoullis remember his last words to me, when I was sick: "Whether Hope (infant - 5 years) Health Committee you get well or not, we’re the Lord’s." Christos & Rachel Laurie Zafiropoulos May his holy prayers forever accompany us! Tsiaklides Hellenic Events Orthodox Faith & Life: Bill Simos Source: Monk Moses the Athonite, Μέγα Γεροντικό Dr. Farid & Anna Sadaka Recycling εναρέτων αγιορειτών του εικοστού αιώνος Τόμος Γ΄ – 1984 Philoptochos Carol Marshall -2000, Mygdonia Publications, first edition, Flora Dimitriou, President Youth Protection Soula Marcou September 2011. Prison Ministry https://www.johnsanidopoulos.com/2015/07/elder-sophrony-sakharov-of- Bill Goranitis Going on vacation? Won’t essex-1993.html#more Sunday School be here on Sunday? Diane Sieckmann Consider using the mobile Vacation Church Camp app Give Plus to still con- All live streaming for the Anna Sadaka tribute with an offering or Assumption church services can Women’s Book Study stewardship. It’s safe and be found at www.youtube.com. Presvytera Laura Morton secure. Young Adult Ministry Here is a direct link to the As- (YAL) (18-35 years) sumption YouTube page: James Murphy Youtube.com/assumptiongocstl

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Ο Όσιος Σωφρόνιος του Εσσεξ έκτοτε είχε πιο στενούς δεσμούς με την πόλη. Το 1963 εγκατέλειψε το Άγιο Όρος και ίδρυσε μια Ο Όσιος Σωφρόνιος (Σαχάρωφ) ήταν Ρώσος χριστιανική αδελφότητα, χτίζοντας παράλληλα και Ορθόδοξος Ιερομόναχος που ξεκίνησε τη μοναχική του ένα μοναστήρι αφιερωμένο στον Άγιο Ιωάννη τον ζωή στο Άγιο Όρος, στη Ρωσική Μονή του Αγίου Πρόδρομο στο Έσσεξ της Αγγλίας το οποίο υπήχθη Παντελεήμονος και θεωρείται από την ορθόδοξη στο Οικουμενικό Πατριαρχείο το 1965. Εκεί έμεινε παράδοση ως ένας από τους χαρισματικότερους μέχρι που κοιμήθηκε το 1993 σε ηλικία 97 ετών. μοναχούς του 20ου αιώνα. Την τρίτη ή την τέταρτη μέρα μετά το θάνατο του π. Γεννήθηκε το 1896 στη Μόσχα και ήταν το δεύτερο Σωφρονίου ήρθε στο μοναστήρι μια οικογένεια από παιδί μιας 9μελούς οικογένειας. Το κοσμικό του όνομα την Ελλάδα με ένα παιδί δεκατριών χρονών. Ηθελαν ήταν Σέργιος, ενώ έδειχνε από μικρός ιδιαίτερη να δουν τον π. Σωφρόνιο, δεν ήξεραν ότι είχε ήδη θεολογική κλίση. Στην αρχή ασχολήθηκε με την κοιμηθεί. Το παιδί είχε όγκο στον εγκέφαλο κι η ζωγραφική, ενώ ασχολήθηκε και με τον Βουδισμό και εγχείρηση του ήταν καθορισμένη για την επόμενη τον Ινδουισμό. Όταν απογοητεύτηκε από τη φιλοσοφία μέρα. Ο πάτερ Τύχων ο Σιμωνοπετρίτης που έτυχε να των Ανατολικών θρησκειών, στράφηκε προς το επισκέπτεται το μοναστήρι πρότεινε να πάρουν το Χριστιανισμό και πιο συγκεκριμένα την Ορθοδοξία. Σε παιδί και να το περάσουν κάτω από το φέρετρο του ηλικία 25 ετών μετακινήθηκε στη Γαλλία, πάτερ Σωφρονίου. Την επομένη έκαναν εγχείρηση προσπαθώντας να βρει εργασία ως ζωγράφος. Στη στο παιδί και δεν βρήκαν τίποτε. Έκλεισαν το κρανίο Γαλλία κατάφερε να γίνει δεκτός στους καλλιτεχνικούς και είπαν: «Λανθασμένη διάγνωση. Θα ήταν πιθανώς κύκλους, όμως τελικά στράφηκε προς το χριστιανισμό φλόγωση». Έτυχε το παιδί να συνοδεύεται από ένα με περισσότερο ζήλο αφού ούτε αυτό τον γέμιζε όπως γιατρό από την Ελλάδα, πού είχε τις πλάκες ακτίνων ο ίδιος αργότερα ομολόγησε και έτσι στράφηκε σε Χ πού έδειχναν τον όγκο, πού τους είπε: «Ξέρετε ηλικία 29 ετών στη θεολογία, εισαγόμενος στο καλά τί σημαίνει αυτή η «λανθασμένη διάγνωση»». Ορθόδοξο Θεολογικό Ινστιτούτο στο Παρίσι. Με το Το παιδί μεγάλωσε. Τώρα είναι 27 χρονών και είναι πέρας των σπουδών έλαβε την απόφαση να μονάσει. πολύ καλά. Έτσι εγκαταστάθηκε στη Ρωσική Μονή του Αγίου Παντελεήμονος στο Άγιο Όρος, το 1925. Οπως είπε ο Στις 27 Νοεμβρίου 2019 συνήλθε η Ιερά Σύνοδος του ίδιος «Στο Ινστιτούτο του Αγίου Σεργίου, όλοι Οικουμενικού Πατριαρχείου Κωνσταντινουπόλεως μιλούσαν για Θεό, αλλά Θεό δεν είδα, ενώ όταν πήγα και αποφάσισε την κατάταξη του Οσίου Σωφρονίου στο Άγιο Όρος, κανείς δεν μιλούσε για Θεό, και όλα του Έσσεξ στο Αγιολόγιο της Ορθόδοξης Εκκλησίας. έδειχναν τον Θεό». Λίγο αργότερα γνώρισε τον Άγιο Η μνήμη του εορτάζεται στις 11 Ιουλίου. Σιλουανό τον Αθωνίτη (εορτάζεται στις 24 Σεπτεμβρίου), ο οποίος έγινε ο πνευματικός Η Ιερά Πατριαρχική και Σταυροπηγιακή Μονή καθοδηγητής του. Στη συνέχεια αναχώρησε για τα Τιμίου Προδρόμου στην περιοχή Έσσεξ της Καρούλια του Αγίου Όρους το 1938, που ασκήτεψε Ανατολικής Αγγλίας που ιδρύθηκε από τον Όσιο αυστηρά. Το 1948 έφυγε από το Άγιο Όρος ώστε να Σωφρόνιο είναι ένα μοναστήρι που αποτελεί πόλο χειρουργηθεί στη Γαλλία ενώ συνέγραψε και εξέδωσε έλξης για όλους τους ανά την οικουμένη Ορθόδοξους σε βιβλίο το βίο του Αγίου Σιλουανού, που εν τω πιστούς και όχι μόνο. Η μονή έχει καταφέρει να μεταξύ είχε αποβιώσει. Η αντίδραση των ασκητών του προσελκύει Ορθοδόξους μοναχούς και μοναχές, αλλά Αγίου Όρους γι’αυτό το βιβλίο, που έχει μεταφραστεί και δόκιμους και λαϊκούς από όλες τις εθνικές σε πολλές γλώσσες, ήταν πάρα πολύ ενδιαφέρουσα για Ορθόδοξες Εκκλησίες, αποδεικνύοντας έτσι στην τον συγγραφέα. Βεβαίωσαν ότι το βιβλίο ήταν μια πράξη ότι η Ορθοδοξία είναι πραγματικά «η μία αληθινή ακτινοβολία των αρχαίων παραδόσεων του Καθολική, Αποστολική και Οικουμενική» Εκκλησία. Ανατολικού Μοναχισμού. Στη συνέχεια εξέδωσε και άλλα βιβλία το «Περί προσευχής», το «Άσκηση και Για την αντιγραφή: Δημήτρης Κάγκαρης Θεωρία» και «Η ζωή Του ζωή μου». Την ίδια εποχή επισκέφτηκε και τη Μόσχα μετά από πολλά χρόνια και

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GOYA News

With what eyes do we view the world? With what eyes do GOYA held its first Zoom we look at others? St. Paul says, “To the pure all things meeting at the end of August. are pure, but to the corrupt and unbelieving nothing is We welcomed back some pure.” If we have a pure heart, we will have the eyes to familiar faces and met some see God’s beauty all around us. In fact, our pure hearts new ones. We plan on allow us to see God, as Jesus Himself said, “Blessed are meeting regularly throughout the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” But when our the year either online and hearts have been filled with the darkness and filth and evil hopefully soon in person of the world, we can no longer see beauty all around us. safely in order to follow our So be careful. Before you look at others and judge them mission to practice and carelessly, look at your own heart and ask yourself, am I demonstrate the values of seeing this person with a pure heart. And let’s make every the Greek Orthodox Faith. effort to purify our hearts and minds and souls through This year, we have new confession, through prayer, through daily communion youth with God. Fr. Luke Veronis Advisors, Alki and Mike Case. We hope all high schoolers 9-12 grade will join GOYA! If you have any questions STS PETER & PAUL DIVORCE REBUILDERS please email: offers support, guidance and hope to those who are [email protected] separated and divorced. Meetings will begin this Fall on consecutive Mondays starting on October 5h through Thank you!! October 26 for four weeks by ZOOM starting at 7:00 pm. Elsa This Fall’s DVR will offer sessions co-led by Fr. Richard Andrews and Maria Boyle. This group provides a safe place where you can learn and heal from the hurt of divorce. New insights and perspectives will help you Church Entrance Enhancement Program create new understandings towards developing new The Consecration personal, relational and spiritual goals in your life. Biblical “Godparent “Program” applications will be included. Discussion, feedback and commitment of 51 donated support are integral components of this program. pavers was accomplished Leader: Maria Boyle, MA Counseling, Northwestern Uni- early in this program in versity. To enroll in this program and receive a ZOOM October 2018, by link, please email Maria at: surrounding the ornamental [email protected] and please put in fountain and along the stone the subject heading; Divorce Rebuilders. There is no cost seating benches. To date, we for this program. “No Christian should walk through the have engraved a total of 183 pain of divorce alone.” donated pavers. Phase One of the landscaping program has been accomplish with the Check the Web addition of the present shrub- bery. www.assumptiongoc.org At this time, we have only 13 donor pavers available www.goarch.org to be engraved to complete the entire project. If one Our Archdiocese website wishes to donation a paver in their family name or in memory of a loved one, space is available, but limited. www.chicago.goarch.org Order forms are available in the church office or Metropolis of Chicago website contact Diane Sieckmann at 314-966-2255 or Tony T harenos at 636-537-9835. www.orthodox heritage.org On behalf of the Assumption Greek Orthod Lives of , edification, contemporary issues ox Church, we wish to thank all of you who have partici- pated in this program. We hope that you will take the time www.ancientfaithradio.com to explore and appreciate your kind contribution. 24 hour orthodox music, teaching, etc.

www.johnsanidopoulos.com Sincerely, Mystagogy ~ the intersection of contemporary culture and Anthony Tharenos Holy Orthodoxy

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Life and Counsels of the Confessor of Mt. Sinai Archimandrite Pavlos (Bougiouras March 1, 2020) “Do Not Judge!” Alexandra Nikiforova at the end quietly asked: “Remember: all our troubles are There are people with due to the fact that we judge not ourselves, but other people. whom you’ve spoken Judge no one!” Such humble love came from the Elder (he only a little but you’ll sincerely considers himself worse than me!), that this love preserve their light in of his heals and revives the soul. your heart forever. Services begin at 4:00 in the morning on Mt. Sinai. The Recalling their first days, I easily got up, and then, although I arrived at the righteousness, you beginning, I would nod off to the monotone reading of the strive for it yourself. Psalms and the canon. I lamented about it. Batiushka Fr. Pavlos, seen by rejoiced like a child: “You are sleeping among the saints! many pilgrims as he But still, come!” led excursions on Mt. Fr. Pavlos loves God and is afraid of offending Him Sinai, was an earthly angel. He had everything—truth, joy, even a little. I had already been staying on Mt. Sinai for a humility, purity. Your soul was warmed being near him. while but had never been to the summit: I was ashamed to All intellectuality and cleverness fell away, like a husk, and trouble the monks and ask for a guide. One evening I found you could clearly see where is light and where darkness. out that pilgrims from Thessaloniki were going to be serving Archimandrite Pavlos (in the world George the Liturgy at the top at night, and I could go with them and Bougiouras) was born January 16, 1939 in Kranidi in the receive Communion. In place of joy came vexation: At Peloponnese, to a pious family. He worked in the lunch they brought us eggs, a rare food for these places… Evangelismos Hospital in Athens. After graduating from usually it’s vegetables… but I didn’t know then that there the theological department of the University of Athens in would be Liturgy that night… In my thoughts I dialed the 1972, he left for St. Catherine’s Monastery on Mt. Sinai, number of Fr. Pavlos’ cell and I heard in response: where he was tonsured in monasticism and ordained. He “Alexandra, you was the confessor of the monastery for forty-eight years, will offend God and was a member of the monastery synaxis, second in with such Com- rank after the abbot, Archbishop Damianos of Raithu and munion, and you Sinai. Fr. Pavlos was a strict ascetic, man of prayer, a hard won’t bring your- worker, and merciful to all, especially to the Bedouins self any benefit. living around the monastery. He reposed on March 1, You have to fast 2020. for at least a day We met in the summer of 2007. I was working in the before Communion monastery library. One day after Liturgy I went up to the for the Lord’s sake. guest house to drink coffee. Fr. Pavlos was thrilled to learn [1] Go, pray, and that I was from Russia. He had recently returned from there you’ll return in joy. himself, from a pilgrimage: “Can you imagine? The plane But you’ll com- landed, and all around—forest, fields, everything green…” mune in the monastery, having prepared yourself.” Hearing Indeed, after spending a week on Mt. Sinai, in the severe these words from someone else, I would have been upset— austerity of its rocky attire, you look at the joy that the but from him they sounded like they’ were from the mouth blooming Russian nature gives us in a different way! of Christ! Fr. Pavlos was inconspicuous and irreplaceable. He was Fr. Pavlos reposed on the morning of Forgiveness constantly on the move: sweeping the yard, cleaning the Sunday. One of his Mt. Sinai brothers said: “His prayer was church, washing, leading tours for pilgrims. He was the such that if the altar were to go up in flames right now, he first to come to church and the last to leave, like a simple wouldn’t notice! I believe that Geronda will not abandon his monk. But he was a significant figure—the spiritual father beloved work—communion with God—and that he will of the Sinai Monastery: Clergy and laity from all ends of pray for us in the Heavenly Kingdom! He who comforted the earth came to him every day for confession. When I men all his life will now himself receive great consolation was preparing to confess in Greek for the first time, my from God!” neighbors in the guest house, relatives of the monks, Fr. Pavlos has no written legacy. Therefore, the only reassured me: “Don’t be afraid! Fr. Pavlos advises little; thing that remains is his oral conversations with pilgrims to more than advising he prays for you and always says: Mt. Sinai and on television and radio programs on Crete and ‘Don’t judge!’” I went to the confessional on the appointed Cyprus. Here are several of his spiritual counsels. day and hour. Fr. Pavlos had lively eyes and a quiet heart. https://orthochristian.com/129813.html He said a prayer, asked how I believe—I read the Nicene Creed—and he heard my confession. Batiushka prayed and

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Level 3 Reuniting Our People with Their Parish Homes Guidelines for Attending Divine Services

Please remember that you should not attend services if you have signs or symptoms of COVID 19 as outlined by the CDC or have come in contact with anyone who has COVID 19 or suspected of having COVID 19.

Please remember to call the church office to make a reservation to attend services.

All services will continue to be live streamed on our YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/assumptiongocstl

Please remember to arrive on time.

A facemask must be worn at all times, except when receiving Holy Communion. In order for masks to work properly, the mask must cover both your mouth and nose. Please provide your own mask.

Maintain social distance of at least 6 feet.

Upon entering the church you will be checked in by a volunteer and temperature will be taken.

You may light candles which will be given to you by a Parish Council member or other volunteer. Please have exact change.

Hands sanitizer is available at designated arears in the Narthex and Nave.

Although we can not venerate icons by the time honored tradition of making the sign of the cross and kissing we may still honor the icons with a bow and making the sign of the cross.

You will be ushered to your assigned seat. Families will be seated together.

You are able to follow along with the services at the AGES digital chant stand app at https://agesinitiatives.com/ or you can find the link for each service on the email sent with the schedule of services.

Please follow the directions for receiving Holy Communion. You will be released from the pew by the usher.

There are no collection baskets passed. However, at the end of liturgy there will be a basket placed in the back where you may leave a donation as you leave.

At the conclusion of the service, you will be released by the ushers to receive antidoron and leave. The faithful are to be instructed not to reverence the clergyman’s hand when receiving antidoron.

There is no congregating in the Narthex

There is no fellowship coffee hour.

All non-liturgical services continue to be suspended.

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Are You Ready to Sit by His Throne? street. One had everything. The other had nothing. Then, the great equalizer swept both of them away. The Luke 16:19-31 parable isn’t about money or worldly affluence. It’s about a 19 There was a certain rich man who was clothed in pur- treasure infinitely more valuable − your soul. It’s a story ple and fine linen and fared sumptuously every day. 20 about the horrible effects of self-love. Maybe you can’t see But there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, full of the part of you that’s immaterial. But you can see the condi- sores, who was laid at his gate, 21 desiring to be fed tion of your soul. It’s easy. Look at how you treat others, not with the crumbs which fell from the rich man’s table. just those whom you love or those who agree with you. Moreover the dogs came and licked his sores. 22 So it First, I want to say a few words about the rich man who, was that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels because of his bad self, came to a bad end, and wound up in to Abraham’s bosom. The rich man also died and was a bad place. His behavior got him into a bad fix. Perhaps we buried. 23 And being in torments in Hades, he lifted up too should consider making changes so that we can avoid his eyes and saw Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his the same bad end. So, are you ready to sit by his throne? bosom. 24 “Then he cried and said, ‘Father Abraham, Every person finishes their earthly life in the exactly have mercy on me, and send Lazarus that he may dip the same way, whether you are Orthodox, Muslim, tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue; for I am Buddhist, agnostic, atheist, or anything else. We all meet the tormented in this flame.’ 25 But Abraham said, ‘Son, same end. My older brother, he’s funny! He likes to say he remember that in your lifetime you received your good knows he’s not going to out run the Grim Reaper. But he things, and likewise Lazarus evil things; but now he is wants the Grim Reaper to be sweaty and out of breath by the comforted and you are tormented. 26 And besides all time he catches up to him. We end up the same way. But this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed, so I’m not talking about death. I’m talking about what happens that those who want to pass from here to you cannot, nor after. That which awaits everyone is the same. Every person can those from there pass to us.’ 27 “Then he said, ‘I beg will behold the glory of God. The Lord reveals Himself as you therefore, father, that you would send him to my He is. God is light and love. Every knee shall bow before father’s house, 28 for I have five brothers, that he may the power of the Name. All flesh will see His glory, but not testify to them, lest they also come to this place of tor- in the same way. How you see His glory depends on the ment.’ 29 Abraham said to him, ‘They have Moses and condition of your heart right now. That’s what the parable the prophets; let them hear them.’ 30 And he said, ‘No, teaches. The rich man saw the glory of God. But love acts in father Abraham; but if one goes to them from the dead, two ways, either as fire that deifies or fire that condemns. they will repent.’ 31 But he said to him, ‘If they do not The condition of his soul had been shaped by self-love, ego, hear Moses and the prophets, neither will they be per- hardness of heart, and indifference. Therefore, he experi- suaded though one rise from the dead.’” enced the glory as fire that punished and consumed. We should heed the warning. For those working at cleaning out the heart, repenting, and walking in the way of His commandments now, encountering the glory of God will be infinite joy, bliss, and happiness. Look at Lazarus in the par- able. The Church is here to prepare you to see the glory of God as light that purifies and deifies, not as fire that con- sumes. The choice is up to you. In Great Vespers on Satur- day evening we chant the Lord is king. He is clothed with majesty. He covers Himself with light as with a garment. That’s not poetic license. It’s reality. Our God dwells in light that is unapproachable. There is faith that comes by hearing and there is faith that comes by sight. The pure in heart testify to the truth of both the former and the later. Lis- ten to them! They’re telling you what is necessary to prepare yourself now. Will you see God as light or as fire? You prepare yourself now by how you live, by what you say, by how you treat people, by exchanging self-love for selfless love. So, are you ready to sit by his throne? In the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the If we’re not, we have work to do. Look inside your Holy Spirit. Amen. conscience. Do you judge others? Do you gossip? Do you In 1970 a blues rock band out of LA called Pacific bear grudges? Do you refuse to forgive? Do you spread Gas and Electric put out a hit song called Are You rumors? Do you slander? Do you willfully misrepresent Ready to Sit by His Throne. That’s the Gospel today in your brother? Look at the rich man in the parable. He was nutshell. It’s the story of two people headed in opposite filled with self-love, no compassion, no sympathy, only for directions. One though he was fine. The other knew he himself. The problem wasn’t that he was rich. The condition wasn’t. One lived on Easy Street. The other lived on the of his heart was the problem. He was self-absorbed, in a

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word – a narcissist. Money didn’t condemn him. God didn’t who was in prison, and said to him: "Servant of God, I want condemn him. Lazarus didn’t condemn him either. The rich to fight Lyaios. Wherefore supplicate the Lord on my man condemned himself by how he lived. He condemned behalf." The Saint sealed his forehead and said: "Lyaios you himself by how he treated others. The parable says he was will conquer, and for Christ you will be martyred." Nestor buried. That’s a metaphor. It represents the state of his soul was encouraged and strengthened in his soul by the words at death. He buried himself under a heart that had no pity. of the Saint, and immediately jumped into the stadium. And He buried himself in the gratification of his flesh. The fighting Lyaios, he killed him. Thus he overthrew his pride, fathers make the point that the rich man didn’t have a name. as well as the boasting of the emperor. Psalm 9 says of the ungodly you blotted out their name in Saint Demetrios lived during the reigns of Emperors their lifetime and unto ages of ages. By contrast, in the Diocletian (284-305) and Maximian (286-305), was from Great Entrance of the Divine Liturgy the priest says may the the city of Thessaloniki, pious from the beginning by his Lord our God remember all of you in His kingdom, now parents, and a teacher of the faith of Christ. When and forever and to the ages of ages. There’s a reason for Maximian went to Thessaloniki, then this great Demetrios that. We’re not just filling up the time it takes to finish the was captured and put in prison, because he openly procession. The point is you want God to remember you. proclaimed piety and faith in Christ. If you want God to remember you, then live as a The emperor boasted concerning one man, whose name Christian. Put away sinful behavior. You are a child of the was Lyaios, who exceeded others in his great physical stat- light. Repentance IS medicine for your soul. It cleans out ure and bravery, and because he tried to persuade the people darkness from the heart. It prepares you for eternity. It of Thessaloniki to enter the stadium in order to fight him. prepares you to experience God and light and love, not as For this reason a young man who was a Christian by faith, fire that burns. Live as a Christian. Walk in the way of His whose name was Nestor, went to Saint Demetrios who was commandments. Listen to the message of the Gospel and in prison, and said to him: "Servant of God, I want to fight obey. If we do not heed the warning of the Gospel, then a Lyaios. Wherefore supplicate the Lord on my behalf." The fearful day of judgment waits. These are dreadful words, Saint sealed his forehead and said: "Lyaios you will horrible to hear. Let us be attentive! Are you ready to sit by conquer, and for Christ you will be martyred." Nestor was his throne? What will you do? encouraged and strengthened in his soul by the words of the Here’s your challenge for the week Saint, and immediately jumped into the stadium. And Prepare yourself now, not later. Purify your heart now, fighting Lyaios, he killed him. Thus he overthrew his pride, not later. Come to church now, not later. Make your as well as the boasting of the emperor. confession now, not later. Reform your character now, not The emperor was therefore shamed, so he grieved as later. Show mercy and compassion now, not later. Now is well as became enraged. Having heard that Saint Demetrios the day of salvation, not tomorrow. Do these things and you urged Nestor towards this, soldiers were sent to him, having will encounter the Holy God as light and love. Glory to ordered them to pierce the Saint with lances in prison, You, O Christ our God and our hope, glory to You. In the because he was the cause of the slaughter of Lyaios. When name of the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. this took place, immediately the great Demetrios delivered Amen. his holy soul into the hands of God. He performed many amazing miracles and healings after his death. After this the emperor ordered for Saint Nestor to be decapitated. Thus the death of Saint Demetrios took Synaxarion of the Holy and Glorious Great place in this manner, and his dead relic was cast to Martyr Demetrios of Thessaloniki the ground. Some On the twenty-sixth of this month [October], we Christians went and took commemorate the holy and most-glorious Great Martyr it up, and buried him in and Wonderworker Demetrios the Myrrhgusher. the earth. A servant of

the Saint whose name aint Demetrios lived during the reigns of Emperors was Louppos, that stood Diocletian (284-305) and Maximian (286-305), was S beside him when he received a blessed death for Christ, took from the city of Thessaloniki, pious from the beginning by the blood of the Martyr on the Saint's tunic, as well as the his parents, and a teacher of the faith of Christ. When ring of the Saint, and anointing it with his blood, he worked Maximian went to Thessaloniki, then this great Demetrios many great miracles through it, so that the entire city of was captured and put in prison, because he openly Thessaloniki was filled with the fame of these miracles. It proclaimed piety and faith in Christ. was therefore not possible for the envy of the devil to The emperor boasted concerning one man, whose name withstand this, nor for the emperor to not learn about it. For was Lyaios, who exceeded others in his great physical this reason the good servant Louppos was captured and stature and bravery, and because he tried to persuade the immediately murdered, becoming also a Martyr of Jesus people of Thessaloniki to enter the stadium in order to fight Christ. him. For twhose name was Nestor, his reason a young man https://www.johnsanidopoulos.com/2016/10/synaxarion-of-holy-and- who was a Christian by faith, went to Saint Demetrios glorious-great.html

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Stewardship Corner work every day to wake up in the morning and start all over again. This is perhaps the most difficult question we can The Stewardship ask ourselves and the more difficult the question the harder Committee has several it is to absorb and answer. Humorist Mark Twain once goals: to find ways to famously quipped: encourage our parishioners to increase their time and talent, to find ways to increase financial stewardship so that we support our church solely on stewardship and not fundraisers and most importantly how to foster involvement, because the other objectives will follow. When people have ownership in something, when they find purpose, they want to nurture it and that means with their time, talent and treasure. We want to get people involved into our church. But before we can become involved we have to know the answer to this question:

Consider the icon of the resurrection Christ is shown grabbing the wrists of Adam and Eve. This is an important part of the icon. If we reach out to God, He is ready to grasp us by the wrist to take us with Him to Paradise. It Although "church" has come to mean a building or reminds us that we have to reach out to God in faith. Jesus organization, the original Greek “εκκλησία” meant "a is saving them but Adam and Eve have to raise their arms gathering, assembly" and is the basis for our word to be saved. In other words we have to make the effort. "congregation." And that is what God designed the church What effort will you make to make a “good account to be—a group of people. The definition of a "church" as a before the awesome judgment seat of Christ? separate building specifically for worship would have been Please feel free to contact either Michael Afentoullis, foreign to the early believers, as they met in homes. When a Stewardship Chairman, or me if you have any questions or building was mentioned in the New Testament, it was would like to join stewardship committee. We are happy to always in relation to the church that met there (Romans discuss with you any questions you may have. 16:5; 1 Corinthians 16:19; Colossians 4:15; Philemon 1:2). The church was the people, not the building. With the Tony Zafiropoulos legitimization and affluence of in later years, the "church" came to mean the building where people met. But the truest meaning of the word "church" is the group of believers. (https://www.compellingtruth.org/definition-church.html) It can be hard to get involved but the church does not exist without the people. Without you, your time, talent, and yes, treasure, the church does not exist. So, “Why are we here?” “What is the purpose of your life?” Bill Marianes, Church Stewardship Trainer and Strategic Planner for the Greek Orthodox Churches says his stewardship calling and “WHY” is to help people, parishes and church organizations discover and live their stewardship callings so that they may have a “good account before the awesome judgment seat of Christ. In order to determine “why” we are here we may need to ask some difficult questions. Are we here just to eat, drink and be merry? Dress nicely? Watch Netflix, soccer or baseball? Drink coffee, alcohol, soda or water? Just go to

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The Orthodox Mission Team of St. Louis works to nurture Mission Team an awareness within our local churches of the need to St. Louis evangelize, catechize, and support missionary efforts and programs globally."

Congratulations to Dn. Thomas Manuel for His Ordination!

On Saturday, August 1, 2020 at the Archangel Michael Greek Orthodox Church in Port Washington, New York (Long Island) our missionary Thomas Manuel was ordained to the Holy Diaconate by His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America! Axios! Dn. Thomas and Diaconissa Elizabeth’s immediate family attended the ordination, and Dn. Thomas had the blessing of serving with both Fr. John, his father, and Fr. Nick, his brother. Additionally, parts of the Liturgy were done in Spanish, in honor of their mission placement in Guatemala. Dn. Thomas’ ordination was a great blessing for all. We are very grateful to have another one of our missionaries blessed by ordination, and we look forward to the many ways this will further empower him to serve and minister to his flock in Guatemala. Dn. Thomas' ordination was originally scheduled for this past May, but it was delayed due to the outbreak of COVID-19. In the meantime, they celebrated the birth of their first child, Vasilios (Basil) Steven Manuel, on March 10th in Norfolk, Virginia. Dn. Thomas uses his skills to teach at the seminary in Aguacate (currently via Skype), and as- sists with teaching lay leaders at parish and regional retreats. Part of his job as a teacher at the sem- inary includes preparing coursework and translating related text from English to Spanish. Diaconissa Elizabeth uses her experience in chanting and liturgical music to assist with expanding the music repertoire and knowledge of the seminarians and women's choir in Aguacate. Eventually they will be able to teach other choirs and communities in Guatemala and Southern Mexico to en- courage full participation during the Liturgy and other church services. Diaconissa Elizabeth also hopes to use her experience with teaching elementary through high school ages to begin a chil- dren's ministry in the village of Aguacate. Please keep Dn. Thomas and Diaconissa Elizabeth in your prayers, as they begin this new stage of their ministry and plan their return to Guatemala! To learn more about, or support the work of, the Manuel family please visit: https://secure.ocmc.org/site/SPageNavigator/Missionaries/Manuel%20Family/ ManuelMissionaryFamily.html

Missionaries: http://www.ocmc.org/missionaries/manuel-family

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As always, please feel free to contact Rosie Hartley, 618-447-9688, if you have any questions, would like to be part of the Mission Team St. Louis, or if you would like to help our missionaries. Thank you for your continued support!

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Philoptochos Corner 2020 Woman of the Year The Assumption Ladies Philoptochos Society

Καλό μήνα – Happy October!

Last month we began our Ecclesiastical New Year. It is a fresh start for us all. My 15 years with the Rockwood School District have officially come to an end. I took a full time position with First Bank. I am looking forward to staying with the bank until I retire. Chapter News: Believe it or not we are starting to think about things we can still do for the holidays. Look for emails and information in our November newsletter. We were happy to be able to provide meals to the families at the Ronald McDonald house this month. We continue doing our work as a Board via ZOOM meetings. If you know of anyone who needs any help, please let me know. his year’s Woman Of The Year was born and grew up Metropolis & National News: T on a small Aegean island. When she was a 5 of us attended the National Philoptochos Conference via teenager, she was given the opportunity to come to the ZOOM this year on Friday, August 21, and Saturday, United States to continue her education. She completed August 22, 2020. It still amazes me how Philoptochos high school and college, getting a degree in education. never stops working, no matter what! There was a While in college, she met her future husband. They challenge made during the 2018 National Philoptochos were married shortly after her graduation. The first Conference, we were asked to serve 1.5 million meals by several year of married life they moved frequently due to the 2020 conference. We served 2,161,073 meals! We, The her husband’s job. Most of the locations where they lived Metropolis of Chicago served the most meals, 562,839, out had no other Greeks and no Orthodox churches. Even so of all the diocese! Congratulations ladies! she keep her culture and faith at the forefront of her life. #Masks Matters Initiative…. We are up to 15,779 masks For major Orthodox holidays they would travel up to 2 made and distributed in our Metropolis. Our goal was to hours to attend services. make and distribute 10,000 masks by the end of the year. She elected to be a stay at home mother while her We have surpassed our goal! Check out the National children were young. When her younger daughter Philoptochos Facebook page to see the #MasksMatter entered middle school, she started her career as a posts. teacher. She elected to teach elementary students in an The Metropolis Philoptochos Annual September Luncheon under privileged area instead of teaching in more affluent was a Virtual Event this year on Saturday, September 19, neighbor school. Her students faced many challenges 2020. I will update you next month. including broken homes, parents in prison, hearing October National Commitments: gunshots at night. She not only tried to educate them but *National Philoptochos Emergency Fund to also give them a hope for a good future. Total amount disbursed 2007 – 2019: $520,100.00 After teaching in elementary school for several years, Enables Philoptochos to respond immediately to national she elected to move to teach middle school students who and international disasters. had just moved from foreign countries and spoke no Evelyn’s House – BJC Hospice: English. This nationally recognized program, taught I keep in contact with the staff. They are grateful for our regular middle school subjects but focused on English continued support. language development. After a year in the program, most *If you would like any more information about the hospice students were able to attend and succeed in regular classes. house please contact Flora Dimitriou or Diane Sieckmann. Those who were not as far along, were able to succeed in 2020 General Meeting Dates: English as a second language classes. This program was *ALL MEETINGS ARE POSTPONED UNTIL THE CO- very meaningful to her since she could emphasize with her RONA VIRUS RESTRICTIONS ARE LIFTED. students since she had been in their shoes when she first Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions. came to the US. Flora Dimitriou While actively teaching she brought her widowed Philoptochos President father from Greece to live with her family. She also [email protected] became involved with a neighborhood group of Greeks 636-795-4602 that were working to start a new parish in the area. This effort was successful and she served in various leadership capacities as this new parish was fostered.

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After teaching for over 20 years she retired to be a full time Yiayia. She also spent a lot of time helping her in-laws as their health declined with age. Parish News One of her favorite ways to serve the church is by singing in the choir. After moving to the St. Louis area, her first thing to volunteer for was to sing in the choir. Her love Trisagia of liturgical music goes back to her childhood. Her mother September 6 knew many of the hymns of the church and would 2 years Van Evangelopoulos, son of Sophia constantly sing them as she did work around the house. In Evangelopoulos fact she was so good that a young, newly ordained priest ask 3 years Angeliki Karagiannis, mother of Gus, Nick and Ari her to work with him as he mastered the liturgy. This priest Karagiannis later become a bishop in the United States. She always looks for the positive in every thing. September 13 Frequently reminding others of the positive as they focus on 1 year Nadia Awwad, wife of Hanna Awwad the negative. She prefers serving as a worker and not as a 4 years Elizabeth Tsaoussis, daughter of Maria Tsaoussis leader. Before Covid she served at the luncheon, 15 years Elizabeth Tsaoussis, mother-in-law of Maria Wednesday’s baking, hosting AOC, helping with spiritual Tsaoussis retreats and occasionally helping her husband chant during weekday liturgies. September 20 40 days Michael Sidiropoulos, father of Efthymia Sidirop- This year’s Woman of the Year is Chrysanthy Cawood. oulos, Elene Sullivan, Stephanie Sidiropoulos and Anasta- Congratulations Chrysanthy Cawood sia Kerr 5 years Melia Barbar, grandmother of Ibrahim Chalhoub

September 23 FOCUS Food Drive 30 years Mary Zavradinos, mother of Jim Zavradios

We are still accepting canned goods for FOCUS Gateway City Food Pantry which is in great need of support from us In Our Prayers to serve the poor in St. Louis. Thank you Nora (Elaine) Bangert, Seraphima Henderson to everyone who has donated for their Thekla (Rebecca) Kagaris, Dean Kases, George Lambos generosity. However, and until further notice, due to the Covid Pandemic we are not able to accept clothing donations at Donors Needed this time for FOCUS. When FOCUS let’s us know they are able to receive clothing donations we will start taking Icon of St. Euphemia the Great Martyr clothing again. Thank you to Tony and Effie Foster for donating the icon of St. Euphemia

Collection for Wireless Microphone for Lebanon Following the If you would like to donate any of the items listed, please disastrous explosion Call the church office 314-966-2255. in Lebanon in August,

in which so many Important lives were lost, so Please inform Fr. Joseph immediately when you or any many people were member of your family is sick or hospitalized, so that injured and so much property was damaged, His appropriate prayer and visitation may be scheduled. Hospi- Eminence Metropolitan Nathanael of Chicago asked tals do not notify clergy of patients even if you list yourself us to take up a collection in order to help our brothers as a Church member. and sisters in Lebanon. If you would like to contribute to help the people of Lebanon during this very diffi- cult time, please send your check made payable to *Newsletter Reminder* “The Assumption Church,” and put the words “Beirut Please remember if you have something to go in the Church Relief” on the notation line. Thank you very newsletter, please submit by the 5th of the month all articles to much for your support of the suffering people of [email protected] Lebanon.

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Confession sin and from what psychologists call denial. It is easy to Perhaps the most misunderstood sacrament of the pray in isolation yet never come clean. It is far more Christian Church is confession. How did it originate? What effective to confess aloud to God before a priest and bene- role does a priest play? Is there a special procedure for fit from his guidance and help. confession? The Scriptures hold answers to these questions. Thus, we come before the holy icon of Christ, to Concerning our sins, God’s Word gives a marvelous whom we confess, and are guided by our spiritual father in promise: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to a cleansing inventory of our lives. When we tell God all, forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteous- naming our sins and failures, we hear those glorious words ness” (1:9). The faithful are to bring their sins to God in of freedom that announce Christ’s promise of forgiveness repentance and receive cleansing and forgiveness. of all our sins. We resolve to “to and sin no more” (Jn The early Christian community had a specific practice 8:11). in this regard. People would stand and confess their sins to The Orthodox Study Bible, page 1698 God in the presence of the whole congregation! Had not Jesus encouraged His followers to walk in the light together, to confront problems corporately, to “tell it to the church” (Mt 1817)? Thus, James writes, “Confess your trespasses to one another” (Jam 5:16). But as time went on and the Church grew in numbers, strangers came to visit and public confession became more difficult. Out of mercy, priests began to witness confessions of sin privately on behalf of the Church. Jesus gave His disciples the authority to forgive sin. “If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained” (Jn 20:23; see also Mt 16:19). From the beginning, Christians understood that the grace of ordination endowed the shepherd of the flock with the discernment and compassion to speak the words of remission on behalf of Christ regarding the sins of those who confess and turn from sin. For God has promised to remove sin from us “as far as the east is from the west” (Ps 102:12). “You did not choose Me,” Jesus told the Twelve, “but I chose you and appointed [ordained] you” (Jn 15:16). To these same disciples He promised, “It is not you who speak, Notice the way in which Zacchaeus confessed his sin. He but the Holy Spirit” (Mk 13:11). Whom God calls, He did not say: “Lord, I am a sinful man!”, or “Avarice is equips. Paul writes to Timothy, “Stir up the gift of God my sickness!” No; but, showing the fruits of repentance, which is in you through the laying on of my hands” (2Ti he thus confessed his sin and his sickness: “Behold, 1:6). It is the grace of the Holy Spirit that enables the priest Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor.” is not this to serve God and the people. a clear confession that riches are his passion? “And if I Thus, the Church has encouraged her faithful: If you have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I know you have committed a specific sin, do not hide it but restore him fourfold.” Is not this a clear confession that confess it before coming to the Holy Eucharist. St. Paul his riches were acquired in a sinful manner? He did not, wrote, “Let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of before this, say to the Lord: “I am a sinner, and I repent.” the bread and drink of the cup” (1Co 11:28), and “If we He confessed this silently to the Lord in his heart, and would judge ourselves, we would not be judged” (1Co the Lord silently received his confession and repentance. 11:31). King David learned a lesson regarding his sin that is recorded for our benefit. For about a year, he had hidden It is of more importance to the Lord that a man his sins of adultery with Bathsheba and the murder of her acknowledge and confess his sickness and cry for help in husband (2Kg 11:1 - 12:13). Then, confronted by Nathan his heart than with this tongue, for the tongue is capable the prophet, David repented from his heart and confessed of deception, but the heart is not. his sin in a psalm that is used for general confession to this day (Ps 50). The joy of salvation was restored to him. + St. Nikolai Velimirovich, “The Thirty-Second Sunday People ask, “Can’t I confess to God privately?” After Pentecost: The Gospel on Repentant Zacchaeus, Certainly, though there is no clear biblical basis for it. Even Luke 19:1-10,” Homilies Volume 1: Commentary on the general confession occurs in the Church. In His mercy, God Gospel Readings for Great Feasts and Sundays provide the sacrament of confession (more properly called Throughout the Year the sacrament of repentance) to give us deliverance from

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Assumption Greek Orthodox Church 1755 Des Peres Road NONPROFIT ORG Town and Country, MO 63131-1405 U.S. Postage PAID St. Louis, MO Permit No. 4628 Address Service Requested

From the Orthodox Study Bible Revelation 22:14-15 14 Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates into the city. 15 But outside are dogs and sorcerers and sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and whoever loves and practices a lie. 22:14,15 A clear distinction is drawn between the eternal state of the blessed and that of the damned (see 21:8). Many texts read “wash their robes” (see 3:4; 7:14; 16:15) rather than do His commandments. The point is the same: it is the pure in Christ who enter the Kingdom. Dogs (v. 15) refers to the impure (Dt 23:18, 19; Php 3:2, 2Pt2:22).

For Consideration

The first appearance of the Holy Martyr Longinus was as follows: Much time had passed since his martyrdom when it hap- pened that a widow in Cappadocia became blind. The doctors were unable to do anything at all for her. Suddenly, the thought came to her to go to Jerusalem and venerate the holy places there, hoping that she might find help. She had an only son, a boy, who served as her guide, but as soon as they arrived in Jerusalem, her son died of an illness. Oh, how immeas- urable was her sorrow! Having lost her eyes, she now lost her only son, whose eyes had guided her. But in her pain and sorrow, St. Longinus appeared to her and comforted her with the promise that he would restore her sight and reveal to her the heavenly glory in which her son now dwelt. Longinus told her everything about himself, and told her to go outside the city walls to the dung heap, and there to dig up his head, and that she herself would see what would happen next. The woman arose and, stumbling, somehow managed to get out of the city. She cried out for someone to lead her to the dung heap and to leave her there. When she was led to the dung heap, she bent down and began to dig with her hands, having a strong faith that she would find that for which the saint asked. As she was digging, she touched the holy martyr's buried head, and her eyes were opened, and she saw a man's head beneath her hands. Filled with gratitude to God and great joy, she took the head of St. Longinus, washed it, censed it, and placed it in her home as the most precious treasure on earth. https://web.archive.org/web/20170502065343/http://westserbdio.org/en/prologue/664-october-16

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