SAINT LUKE the EVANGELIST GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH August 14, 2016

SAINT LUKE THE EVANGELIST GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH august 14, 2016

THE eighth sunday of matthew The Prophet Micah, the sixth of the Twelve Minor Prophets, was descended from the Tribe of Judah and was a native of the city of Moresheth, to the south of Jerusalem. His prophetic service began around the year 778 before Christ and continued for almost 50 years under the kings of Judah: Jotham, Ahaz, and Righteous Hezekiah (721-691 B.C., August 28). He was a contemporary of the Prophet Isaiah. His denunciations and predictions were in regard to the separate kingdoms of Judah and Israel. He foresaw the misfortunes threatening the kingdom of Israel before its destruction, and the sufferings of Judah during the incursions under the Assyrian emperor Sennacherib. To him belongs a prophecy about the birth of the Savior of the world: “And thou, Bethlehem, house of Ephratha, art too few in number to be reckoned with the thousands of Judah; yet out of thee shall come forth to Me, one who is to be a ruler in Israel, and His goings forth were from the beginning, even from eternity” (Mic. 5: 2). From the words of the Prophet Jeremiah (Jer. 26: 18-19), the Jews evidently were afraid to kill the Prophet Micah. His relics were discovered in the fourth century after the Birth of Christ at Baraphsatia, through a revelation to the Bishop of Eleutheropolis, Zeuinos. Saint Arkadios of Vyazma and Novy Torg was from the city of Vyazma of pious parents, who from child- hood taught him prayer and obedience. The gentle, perceptive, prudent and good youth chose for his ascetic feat of being a fool-for-Christ. He lived by alms, and slept wherever he found himself, whether in the forest, or on the church portico. His blessed serenity and closeness to nature imparted to the figure of young Arkadios a peculiar spiritual aspect and aloofness from worldly vanity. In church, when absorbed in prayer, St Arkadios often wept tears of tenderness and spiritual joy. Though he seldom spoke, his advice was always good, and his predictions were fulfilled. An experienced guide, St Ephraim the Wonderworker of Novy Torg (January 28), helped the young ascetic to avoid spiritual dangers while passing through the difficult and unusual exploit of foolishness. After this the people of Vyazma witnessed several miracles, worked through the prayers of Blessed Arkadios, but the saint fled human fame and traveled along the upper Tvertsa River. Here St Arkadios shared the work with his spiritual guide St Ephraim, and with him founded a church and monastery in honor of the holy Passion- Bearers Boris and Gleb (May 2).

1510 audubon drive • columbia, missouri, 65201 • tel. 573.817.0050 / fax 573.449.8452 email: [email protected] • web: www.saintlukecolumbia.org at the small entrance we chant

αναστ. Ἀπολυτικιον. Ἦχος βαρυς. resurrectional apolyt. Mode varys. ατέλυσας τῷ Σταυρῷ σου τὸν θάνατον, y means of Your Cross, O Lord, You abolished Κἠνέῳξας τῷ Λῃστῇ τὸν Παράδεισον, τῶν Bdeath. To the robber You opened Paradise. Μυροφόρων τὸν θρῆνον μετέβαλες, καὶ τοῖς The lamentation of the myrrh-bearing women σοῖς Ἀποστόλοις κηρύττειν ἐπέταξας· ὅτι ἀνέ- You transformed, and You gave Your Apostles στης Χριστὲ ὁ Θεός, παρέχων τῷ κόσμῳ τὸ the order to proclaim to all that You had risen, μέγα ἔλεος. O Christ our God, and granted the world Your great mercy. Ἀπολυτ. προεορτιον. Ἦχος δ. resurrectional apolyt. Mode 4. αοὶ προσκιρτήσατε, χεῖρας κροτοῦντες πι- people, anticipate and leap for joy now with Λστῶς, καὶ πόθῳ ἀθροίσθητε, σήμερον χαί- Οfaith, * and longingly congre-gate today ap- ροντες, καὶ φαιδρῶς ἀλαλάζοντες, πάντες ἐν plauding with joy, * and all of you cheerfully * εὐφροσυνῃ· τοῦ Θεοῦ γὰρ ἡ Μήτηρ, μέλλει shout now in exultation; * for the Theotokos * τῶν ἐπιγείων, πρὸς τὰ ἄνω ἀπαίρειν, ἐνδόξως is preparing for her departure * from the earth to ἣν ἐν ὕμνοις ἀεί, ὡς Θεοτόκον δοξάζομεν. the heavens * with glory; and we sing hymns to her * and glorify her as the Mother of God.

Ἀπολυτίκιον του ναου. πλ. α´. Apolytikion for the Church. Mode 5. ουκάν τον πανύμνητον καὶ ἅγιον ἀπόστο- he holy Apostle, the All-hymned Luke, * who Λλον, τὸν τῆς Ἐκκλησίας γνωστὸν συνθέτην Tis acknowledged by the Church of Christ * as τῶν Πράξεων τῶν Ἀποστόλων, τόν τε σεμνὸν the recorder of the Acts of the Apostles, * and the τοῦ Εὐαγγελίου Χριστοῦ ὑπομνηματιστήν, splendid author of the Gospel of Christ. * Let us ἀξίως τιμήσωμεν ὕμνοις ὁσίοις, ὡς νοσημάτων praise with sacred hymns as a physician, * who ἀνθρωπίνων καὶ φυσικῶν ἀσθενειῶν θεραπευ- heals the infirmities of man, * and the ailments τήν, τὸν καθαίροντα πληγὰς τοῦ πνεύματος, of nature, * who cleanses spiritual wounds, and καὶ ἀδιαλείπτως πρεσβεύοντα ὑπὲρ τῶν ψυχῶν prays unceasingly for our souls. ἡμῶν. Κοντάκιον. Ἦχος δ. Kontakion. Mode 4. ῇ ἐνδόξῳ μνήμῃ σου ἡ οἰκουμένη, τῷ ἀΰλῳ n this day, your glorious * mem’ry, the whole ΤΠνεύματι, πεποικιλμένη νοερῶς, ἐν εὐφρο- Οworld * by the Holy Spirit’s grace * has been σύνῃ κραυγάζει σοι· Χαῖρε Παρθένε, Χρι- noetically adorned. * With joy and gladness we στιανῶν τὸ καύχημα. cry to you, * “Rejoice, O Virgin, the pride and joy of Christians all!” THE READINGS OF THE DAY

epistle reading gospel reading The letter of paul to Matthew 14: 14–22 corinthians 1: 10–17

rethren, Now I beg you, brethren, through the t that time, Jesus saw that there was a great Name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to all speak crowd, and he had compassion on them and Bthe same thing and that there be no divisions Ahealed their sick. When evening came, his among you. Instead, may you be perfected together disciples came to him and said, “This place is de- in the same mind and opinion. As it is, those who serted, and the hour is already late. Send the crowds are from Chloe’s household have informed me con- away so that they may go into the villages and buy cerning you my brethren, that there are quarrels food for themselves.” But Jesus said to them, “They among you. Now I mean this: that each one of you do not need to go away. You give them something says, “I follow Paul,” “I follow Apollos,” “I follow to eat.” They replied, “We only have here five loaves Kephas,” or, “I follow Christ.” Is Christ divided? and two fish!” Jesus said, “Bring them to me.” Hav- Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized ing instructed the crowds to sit down on the grass, in the name of Paul? I thank God that I baptized he took the five loaves and the two fish. Looking none of you, except Crispus and Gaius, so that no up to heaven, he blessed, broke and gave the loaves one should say that I baptized you into my own to the disciples, and the disciples distributed it to name. (I also baptized the household of Stephanas; the multitudes. And so, everyone ate and was satis- besides them, I do not know whether I baptized fied. His disciples gathered up twelve baskets full any other.) Indeed, Christ did not send me to bap- of what remained left over from the broken pieces. tize but to preach the Good News—not in wisdom Those who ate were about five thousand men, be- of words, so that the cross of Christ would not be sides women and children. Immediately after this, made void. Jesus made his disciples get into the boat and told them to go ahead of him to the other side, while he would send the crowds away.

Be the grasshopper of the night. Wash your bed and water your couch every night with your tears. Keep awake and become like a lonely sparrow. Sing with your spirit, sing also with your understanding the Psalm, ‘Bless the Lord, O my soul, and never forget all He has done for you…’” “ —st. jerome ” announcements Saturday, January 25, Great Vespers, 5pm

upcoming church services: NO GREAT VESPERS THIS WEEK vigil tonight to Church dressed in modest attire (in every sea- This evening we will celebrate a Vigil for the Fall- son), so as not to draw attention to him/herself, being Asleep of the Mother God, beginning at 8pm. coming a distraction to others. Traditionally wom- Please join us for Vespers, Orthros, Lamentations en wear dresses or skirts of at least knee length; and Divine Liturgy as we celebrate her translation dresses, blouses / tops should, at minimum, in- from life to Life. clude short sleeves and cover the shoulder. Women should not wear lipstick or lip gloss to Church - it Fr. MICHAel ON VACATION leaves a residue on the icons and on the Commu- Fr. Michael will be on vacation from August 18 nion spoon. Men should dress in pants and polo or until September 9. If there is a pastoral emergen- button-down shirts. Shorts should never be worn cy, please contact Assumption Greek Orthodox in Church. Additionally, tight-fitting clothing is Church at (314) 966-2255. not appropriate for women or men. $18,000 by October 18 Join us in our new Capital Campaign Drive for he aim towards which every- 2016. We are trying to raise $18,000 by our parish thing in the process [of Chris- Feast day to help reduce the principle of our mort- T gage before the loan is refinanced. Please see flyer tian upbringing] should be direct- for details. Please prayerfully consider your Capital “ed is this: that this new man, when Campaign Pledge. Thank you! he comes to awareness, might rec- BOOKSTORE ognize himself not only as a ratio- Books that were ordered from Greece are in. If you nal and free man, but at the same ordered a copy of St Paisios’ spiritual counsels, time as a person who has entered please pick up your copies in the Bookstore. into an obligation with the Lord, monastery trip with Whom his eternal lot is joined Assumption GOC is planning a trip to St John inseparably; and that he might Chrysostom Monastery in Pleasant Praire, WI not only acknowledge himself to be from October 21-23. Cost is $70 which includes such, but might also find himself transportation and lodging. See flyer for details. capable of acting according to this Deadline is August 31. obligation and might see that his church attire pre-eminent attraction is to this). There is no allowance for Church “summer- —st. paisius velichkovsky wear.” An Orthodox Christian should always come ” Entering into the newly-built monastery, St A certain worker promised to help him. He under- Arkadios became a monk and took upon himself mined three of the huge columns, propping them up the exploit of full obedience to his spiritual Father, temporarily with olive wood. Then he tried to set St Ephraim. St Arkadios never missed Liturgy and them afire, but the wood would not burn. When St he was always the first to appear for Matins together Markellos learned of this, he performed the Lesser with his spiritual guide. After St Ephraim’s repose Blessing of Water, and he commanded that this (January 28, 1053), St Arkadios continued to pur- water be faithfully sprinkled around the wood. Af- sue asceticism in accord with the last wishes of his ter this, the wood burned quickly, the columns fell Elder, dwelling in prayer, fasting and silence. After down and the whole pagan temple collapsed in upon several years, he also fell asleep in the Lord (Decem- itself. ber 13, 1077). When soldiers near Aulona in the Apamea dis- In 1594, a chapel dedicated to St Arkadios was trict demolished another pagan temple, the saint, built in one of the churches of Vyazma. A combined watching from a distance, was seized by pagans and celebration of Sts Arkadios and Ephraim was estab- thrown into a fire. The killers were found, and the lished by Metropolitan Dionysius in the years 1584- saint’s sons wanted to take revenge. A local Coun- 1587. The relics of St Arkadios, glorified by miracles cil forbade them to do this, decreeing that it would of healing, were uncovered on June 11, 1572, and be wrong to avenge such a death as the saint had re- on July 11, 1677, they were placed in a stone crypt ceived. Instead, they ought to give thanks to God. of Sts Boris and Gleb cathedral in the city of Novy Saint Theodosios of the Caves, was the Father of Torg (New Market). In 1841, the left side chapel of monasticism in Russia. He was born at Vasilevo, not Sts Boris and Gleb cathedral church was dedicated far from Kiev. From his youth he felt an irresistible in honor of St Arkadios. The solemn celebration of attraction for the ascetic life, and led an ascetic life- the 300th anniversary of the uncovering of the holy style while still in his parental home. He disdained relics of St Arkadios took place in the city of Novy childish games and attractions, and constantly went Torg in July of 1977. He is also commemorated on to church. He asked his parents to let him study the August 14 and June 11 (Transfer of his relics). holy books, and through his evident abilities and The Hieromartyr Markellos, Bishop of Apamea, rare zeal, he quickly learned to read the books, so was born of illustrious parents on the island of Cy- that everyone was amazed at his intellect. prus. Having received a fine education, he occupied When he was fourteen, he lost his father and a high civil office. Everyone marveled at his purity of remained under the supervision of his mother, a life, mildness, kindness and eloquence. In the year strict and domineering woman who loved her son 375, the saint left his wife and children, and devoted very much. Many times she chastised her son for himself to a monastic life in Syria. The people of his yearning for asceticism, but he remained firmly Apamea, having him come to the city on some prac- committed to his path. tical matter, elected him as bishop. At the age of twenty-four, he secretly left his pa- From the account of Theodoret of Cyrrhus we rental home and St Anthony at the Kiev Caves mon- learn that St Markellos received permission from astery blessed him to receive monastic tonsure with the emperor St Theodosios the Great (379-395) to the name Theodosios. After four years his mother destroy a strongly built temple of Jupiter at Apamea, found him and with tearfully begged him to return but the saint didn’t know how to accomplish this. home, but the saint persuaded her to remain in Kiev and to become a nun in the monastery of St Nicho- along the way bowed to the monk driving the horses, las at the Askold cemetery. the servant took fright, but the holy ascetic calmed St Theodosios toiled at the monastery more him, and gave him a meal at the monastery. Trusting than others, and he often took upon himself some in God’s help, the saint did not keep a large supply of the work of the other brethren. He carried water, of food at the monastery, and therefore the breth- chopped wood, ground up the grain, and carried the ren were in want of their daily bread. Through his flour to each monk. On cold nights he uncovered his prayers, however, unknown benefactors appeared at body and let it be food for gnats and mosquitoes. His the monastery and furnished the necessities for the blood flowed, but the saint occupied himself with brethren. handicrafts, and sang Psalms. In church he appeared The Great Princes, and especially Izyaslav, loved before others and, standing in one place, he did not to listen to the spiritual discourses of St Theodosios. leave it until the end of services. He also listened to The saint was not afraid to denounce the mighty of the readings with particular attention. this world. Those unjustly condemned always found In 1054 St Theodosios was ordained a hiero- a defender in him, and judges would review matters monk, and in 1057 he was chosen igumen. The at the request of the igumen. He was particularly fame of his deeds attracted a number of monks to concerned for the destitute. He built a special court- the monastery, at which he built a new church and yard for them at the monastery where anyone in cells, and he introduced cenobitic rule of the Stu- need could receive food and drink. Sensing the ap- dion monastery, a copy of which he commissioned proach of death, St Theodosios peacefully fell asleep at Constantinople. As igumen, St Theodosios con- in the Lord in the year 1074. He was buried in a cave tinued his arduous duties at the monastery. He usu- which he dug, where he secluded himself during ally ate only dry bread and cooked greens without fasting periods. oil. He spent his nights in prayer without sleep, and The relics of the ascetic were found incorrupt in the brethren often took notice of this, although the the year 1091. St Theodosios was numbered among chosen one of God tried to conceal his efforts from the saints in 1108. Of the written works of St Theo- others. dosios six discourses, two letters to Great Prince No one saw when St Theodosios dozed lightly, Izyaslav, and a prayer for all Christians have survived and usually he rested while sitting. During Great to our time. Lent the saint withdrew into a cave near the mon- The Life of St Theodosios was written by St astery, where he struggled unseen by anyone. His at- Nestor the Chronicler (October 27), a disciple of tire was a coarse hairshirt worn next to his body. He the great Abba, only thirty years after his repose, looked so much like a beggar that it was impossible and it was always one of the favorite readings of the to recognize in this old man the renowned igumen, Russian nation. The Life of St Theodosios is found deeply respected by all who knew him. under September 28. Once, St Theodosios was returning from Great Prince Izyaslav. The coachman, not recognizing him, said gruffly, “You, monk, are always on holi- day, but I am constantly at work. Take my place, and let me ride in the carriage.” The holy Elder meekly complied and drove the servant. Seeing how nobles Concerning the fact that we from St. Ephrem must keep away from those 1. My brethren , we should be aware of bad ad- who harm us, even if they vice. Two men in bright garments were once are friends or are otherwise walking together to the marketplace, when the one, failing to pay attention, stumbled and fell quite indispensable. in the mud, totally ruining his fine clothing. Excertps from the Evergetinos Now, moved by envy, he hastened to throw his companion in the mire, so that he might from the Book of Elders not be the only unsightly one. So also, today, 1. Abba Agathon said: “Even if someone is ex- many struggle to trip up others, so that they tremely dear to me, but I know that he leads me alone may not be unsightly. They say humble into faults, I cut him loose from myself.” things and respond sweetly, so as gradually to distract their hearers from sobriety and lead 2. An Elder said: “We must flee from all who them down into a pit like their own. They are work iniquity, even if they be friends or rela- not embarrassed by their shameful actions, but tives and even if they hold the office of Priest encourage their neighbors by saying: “Why do or king; for standing apart from those who you loathe us be cause we are sinners? Do you work iniquity bestows on us friendship with not know that life involves falling and getting God and boldness before Him.” up again?” In saying such things, they feel no shame. 3. The same Elder said: “It is not profitable for Why? Because when they have fallen them- us to cling to transgressors, neither in Church, selves, they have no desire to rise again, as they nor in the marketplace, nor in the council, nor claim, but are in fact a source of scandal, fall, in any other realm; rather, we must completely and corruption to many and the Devil uses refrain from relations with them. For every them as bait for his fishhook. They are eager to transgressor is worthy of abhorrence and is deceive unstable souls and drag them into the condemned to eternal punishment.” same perdition. For this reason, beware of such people, my beloved; and let them not enchant 5. A brother asked an Elder: “If my brother you with their soft words and send you off to scandalizes me, do you want me to make a pros- their own eternal fire. tration to him?” The Elder answered: “Make a another from St. Ephrem prostration, but cut yourself off from him; for A certain brother once gave another advice we have Abba Arsenios, who said: ‘Have love that was of God. Co incidentally, another for all men, but keep a distance from all men.” brother was passing by, to whom the brother giving advice said: “Look, I am advising my brother, here, and he does not wish to listen to me.” The passerby replied: “He ought to listen to you. Forgive me, but it is a joy even to hear something bad from you and, fur ther, from St. Isaak to act upon it.” The brother giving counsel answered: “It is not so. If you do not prove that it A foolish and thoughtless friend is a source is of God, do not listen to me. Not only avoid of destruction; a source of sweetness is the listening to me, but even to a Prophet, if he ad- conversation of sensible men. To make the vises you contrary to the Will of God; for the unwise your companion is to bring sorrow to Apostle Paul says: ‘But though we, or an angel your heart. It is better to dwell with wild beasts from Heaven, preach any other Gospel unto than with those who behave badly; indeed, to you than that which we have preached unto sit with vultures rather than with a greedy and you, let him be accursed’ (Galatians 1:8). For insatiable man. Better to become the compan- who were they that plotted against Susannah in ion of a murderer than a quarrelsome man. Babylon? Were they not Elders? And not sim- Converse with a pig rather than a glutton; for ply Elders, but also judges and leaders of the a pig’s trough is better than a gluttonous and people? What an end befell them because they insatiable mouth. Sit among lepers rather than did not attend to themselves; and their among arrogant men. high office did not help them. “Be sober, my brother, and attend to your- from Abba Isaiah self; for many are the wiles of the adversary. In- deed, if the Enemy sees a brother who is zealous Abba Isaiah said: “If you wish to follow our in the work of God, he stirs up one of the more Lord Jesus Christ and to crucify your old man negligent brothers against him, so that the lat- with Him, you should cut off those who bring ter abuses him unjustly and unreasonably, in you down from the Cross; and you should pre- order perhaps to lead the struggling brother pare yourself to endure abasement and still the into anger and the remembrance of wrongs, hearts of those who provoke you.” and in this way to obstruct his path to virtue and prepare him to fall into evil. If he sees him patiently enduring the abuse, and praying for the one who is wronging him, he attempts to overthrow him in another way: He endeavors to make him a friend of one of the inattentive and lazy monks, in order to blur his reasoning through such a friendship and to confuse him with luxury and perhap sgradually to reduce him to indifference. But he who fears God will never love any one without the wisdom from above; for, as it is written: ‘The wisdom that is from above is...pure, then peaceable/ and so on (St. James 3:17).”