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Prologue from
Ochrid
by
Saint Nikolai Velimirovic
February
21st - February 27th (New Style) • February 8th - February 14th (Old
Style)
New Style
February
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
Old Style
February
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
February
21st (New Style) • February 8th (Old Style)
The
Holy Great Martyr Theodore Stratelates
There are
martyrdoms more precious than precious. The preciousness of
martyrdom depends upon the greatness of the good which a Christian
abandons and in lieu of that, accepts suffering; and still, it
depends upon the greatness of the suffering which he endures for
Christ's sake. St. Theodore, a Roman commander in the army of
Emperor Licinius and mayor of the town of Heraclea, scorned his
youth, handsome appearance, military rank and the good graces of the
emperor. In place of all that, he accepted horrible tortures for the
sake of Christ. At first, Theodore was flogged and received
six-hundred lashes on his stomach. After this, he was raised on a
cross and was completely pierced with lances. Finally, Theodore was
beheaded. Why all of this? Because, St. Theodore loved Christ the
Lord above all else in the world. He abhorred the stupid idolatry of
the superstitious Emperor Licinius. He smashed the idols of silver
and gold and distributed pieces of them to the poor. He converted
many to the Faith of Christ and called upon Emperor Licinius himself
to reject idolatry and to believe in the One Living God. During the
entire time of his tortures, St. Theodore said repeatedly:
"Glory to You my God, glory to You! St. Theodore suffered on
February 8, 319 A.D., at 3:00 p.m. and entered into the kingdom of
Christ. St. Theodore is considered the Protector of Soldiers who
call upon him for assistance. His miracle-working relics were
translated from Euchaita to Constantinople and interred in the
church of Balchernae.
The
Holy Prophet Zechariah
Zechariah
was the eleventh of the Twelve Minor Prophets and together with
Haggai, persuaded Prince Zerubbabel to restore the Temple of
Jerusalem. Zechariah prophesied the solemn entrance of Christ into
Jerusalem: "On a colt, the foal of an ass" (Zechariah
9:9). He also prophesied Judas' betrayal for thirty pieces of
silver: "And they counted out my wages, thirty pieces of
silver" (Zechariah 11:12) and the abandoning of Christ by the
apostles during the time of His passion: "Strike the shepherd
that the sheep may be dispersed" (Zechariah 13:7).(*) The
Prophet Zechariah is called the "sickle-beholder" because
he saw in a vision, a sickle coming down from heaven to mow down the
unjust; especially thieves and blasphemers of the Name of God.
Zechariah died in the latter half of the reign of Darius Hystapes
about the year 520 B.C.
St.
Sava II, Archbishop of the Serbs
Sava was the
son of King Steven (Stefan) the First-crowned and nephew of Saint
Sava I. Before tonsuring, Sava was called Predislav. Following the
example of his great uncle (St. Sava) Predislav was tonsured a monk
and zealously dedicated himself to a life of asceticism. He was
chosen Archbishop of the Serbs, succeeding St. Arsenius under the
name of Sava II. He governed the Church with great devotion and
love. Sava II died in the year 1268 A.D. His relics repose in the
Monastery at Pec.
Reflection
Saint
Seraphim of Sarov writes about despair: "Just as the Lord is
concerned about our salvation, so does the devil, the slayer of men,
concern himself about bringing the soul of man to despair. Judas the
betrayer was faint-hearted and inexperienced in struggle, which is
why the devil, seeing him in a state of despair, attacked and
persuaded him to hang himself. Peter, the formidable rock, falling
into great sin and experienced in struggle, did not despair and did
not lose the presence of the spirit, rather he shed bitter tears
from a warm heart and, seeing that, the devil fled from him as
though burned by fire. Thus, brethren, the Venerable Antiochus
teaches that when despair befalls us, we should not succumb to it
but, strengthened and enveloped by Holy Faith, say with great
bravery to the cunning spirit (the devil): `what have you to do with
us, O apostate from God, fugitive from heaven and a slave of evil!
You are unable to inspire us to do anything; for Christ, the Son of
God, has authority over us and over all. And you, O murderer, depart
from us! Strengthened by His Honorable Cross, we trample upon your
serpent's head.' "
Contemplation
To
contemplate the Lord Jesus as a Commander:
1. As a
Commander Who enters into battle against Satan;
2. Who
entered into battle against sin in men;
3. Who took
up the defense of good against evil in this world;
4. Who
defeated Satan, sin and death.
Homily
About how a
true Christian encounters hatred in the world
"You
will be hated for all for My Name's sake" (St. Luke 21:17).
All those
who love themselves more than they love God will hate the followers
of the Lord Jesus.
All those
who love the body more than they love the soul will hate the
followers of the Lord Jes
All those
who love this world more than they love the eternal kingdom of God
will hate the followers of the Lord Jesus.
All those
who love sin more than they love virtue will hate the followers of
the Lord Jesus.
The number
of those who hate the Name of Jesus is sometimes greater and
sometimes smaller. However great is their number brethren, do not be
afraid for the number of angels and saints is myriad. The number of
your kinsmen in the heavens, i.e., those who love the Lord Jesus,
exceeds the number of stars in the firmament and the sands by the
sea. O do not be afraid, Christ is with you and that means that you
are always mightier than those who hate you. When the most
Omnipotent One is on your side, you are always more numerous for you
are always stronger than any number of your adversaries.
O Lord
Jesus, Lord All-powerful always be with us and help us that we may
inseparably be with You always and then our fear will vanish.
To You be
glory and thanks always. Amen.
(*) St.
Matthew 26:31 - St. Mark 14:27
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February 22nd (New Style) • February 9th (Old Style)
The
Holy Martyr Nicephorus
The
biography of this martyr Nicephorus clearly demonstrates how God
rejects pride and crowns humility and love with glory. There lived
in Antioch two close friends, the learned priest Sapricius and the
simple ordinary citizen Nicephorus. Somehow, their friendship turned
into a terrible hatred for each other. The God-fearing Nicephorus
attempted on many occasions to make peace with the priest. However,
at no time did Sapricius desire to be reconciled. When the
persecution of Christians began, the presbyter Sapricius was
condemned to death and brought to the place of execution. The
sorrowful Nicephorus followed after Sapricius beseeching him along
the way to, at least, forgive him before his death that they might
depart in peace.
"I
beseech you, O martyr of Christ," said Nicephorus,
"forgive me if I have sinned against you!" Sapricius did
not even want to look at his opponent but quietly and arrogantly
walked toward his death. Upon seeing the hardness of the priest's
heart, God did not want to accept the sacrifice of his martyrdom and
to crown him with a wreath but He mysteriously withheld His grace.
At the last moment, Sapricius denied Christ and declared before the
executioners that he would bow down before the idols. So it is with
blind hatred! Nicephorus implored Sapricius not to deny Christ
saying: "O my beloved brother, do not do that; do not deny our
Lord Jesus Christ; do not forfeit the heavenly wreath!" But,
all was in vain. Sapricius remained adamant. Then, Nicephorus cried
out to the executioners: "I, also, am a Christian; behead me in
place of Sapricius!" The executioners informed the judge of
this and he ordered the release of Sapricius and, in his place,
beheaded Nicephorus. Nicephorus joyfully lowered his head on the
block and was beheaded. Thus, he was made worthy of the kingdom and
was crowned with the immortal wreath of glory. This occurred in the
year 260 A.D. during the reign of Gallienus.
The
Priest-Martyr Peter Damaskin
Some think
that Peter Damaskin lived in the eighth century and others think he
lived in the twelfth century. This difference of thought comes from
the face that there were two Peter Damaskins. The one about whom we
are speaking was a great ascetic. He was unselfish beyond measure.
Peter Damaskin did not even possess one book; rather, he borrowed
books and read them. He read assiduously, gathering wisdom as a bee
gathers honey. For a while, he was a bishop in Damascus but when he
spoke out against Islam and the Manichean heresy, the Arabs severed
his tongue and banished him into exile deep in Arabia. However, God
granted him the power of speech so that, even in exile, he preached
the Good News (Gospel) and converted many to the Faith of Christ. He
compiled and bequeathed to his posterity a precious book about the
spiritual life. He died as a confessor and martyr and took up
habitation in the kingdom of Christ.
Reflection
Saint Peter
Damaskin writes about the general and particular gifts of God and
says: "The general gifts consist of four elements and all which
result from them, as all the wonderful and awesome works of God
outlined in Holy Scripture. The particular gifts are those gifts
which God bestows upon every man individually whether it be riches
for the sake of charity or poverty for the sake of patience with
humility; whether it be authority for the sake of justice and the
strengthening of virtues or subjugation and slavery for the sake of
the expeditious salvation of the soul; be it health for the sake of
helping the infirm or illness for the sake of the wreath of
patience; be it understanding and skill in gain for the sake of
virtue or weakness and lack of skill for the sake of submissive
humility. All of this, even though it appears contrary to one
another, nevertheless, it is by its purpose very good." In
conclusion, St. Peter Damaskin says that we are obligated to give
thanks to God for all gifts and with patience and hope to endure all
tribulations and evil consequences. For all of that which God gives
us or permits to befall us, benefits our salvation.
Contemplation
To
contemplate the Lord Jesus as the Source of Joy:
1. In the
tribulations of life which only He is able to replace with joy;
2. In the
bondage of passions which only He can replace with the joy of
freedom;
3. In death,
from which he alone can resurrect us.
Homily
About the
word of God which is mightier than death
"Whoever
keeps My word will never taste death" (St. John 8:52).
As long as a
candle burns in a room, there will not be darkness as long as the
candle burns and emits light. If food is seasoned with salt, it will
be preserved from spoiling. If someone keeps the word of Christ in
his soul, that one keeps salt and light in his soul and life will
abide in him. Such a soul will not become dark in this life neither
will it taste decaying death.
Whoever
keeps the word of Christ in himself, the word of Christ sustains him
from within and feeds him and enlightens him and enlivens him.
Whether he is in the body or outside the body, he feels equally
alive from the word of Christ, i.e., from the undying eternal life.
The death of the body will give to his Life-bearing soul only a
freer enthusiasm in embracing Christ, the Beloved Life-giver.
But, what
does it mean, brethren, to keep the word of Christ within ourselves?
That means; First: to keep the word of Christ in our mind, thinking
about it; Second: to keep the word of Christ in our heart, loving
it; Third: to keep the word of Christ in our will, fulfilling it in
deeds; Fourth: to keep the word of Christ on our tongue, openly
confessing it when it is necessary to do so. Thus, to keep the word
of Christ means to fill ourselves with it and to fulfill it. Whoever
would keep the word of Christ in this manner, truly, he will never
taste of death.
O our Lord,
Mighty Lord, mightier than death, give us strength and understanding
to keep Your holy word to the end; that we do not taste of death and
that death does not taste of us; that decay does not touch our soul.
O Lord All-merciful be merciful to us.
To
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February
23rd (New Style) • February 10th (Old Style)
The
Priestly-Martyr Haralambos (Charalampus)
This great
saint Haralambos was a bishop in Magnesia and suffered for Christ in
his one-hundred and thirteenth year. When a terrible persecution
began during the reign of Emperor Septimius Severus, the Elder
Haralambos did not hide from the persecutors but freely and openly
preached the Faith of Christ. He endured all tortures as though he
were in someone else's body. When they skinned him alive, the
forgiving elder said to the emperor's soldiers: "Thank you, my
brethren, for in scraping my old body you renew my spirit for a new
eternal life." He worked many miracles and converted many to
the Faith. Even the emperor's daughter, Galina, abandoned the
idolatry of her father and become a Christian. Condemned to death
and brought to the place of execution, St. Haralambos raised his
hands to heaven and prayed to God for all people that God grant them
bodily health and spiritual salvation and that He multiply their
fruits of the earth. "O Lord, You know that men are flesh and
blood; forgive them their sins and pour out Your Grace on all!"
After prayer, this holy elder gave up his soul to God before the
executioner lowered the sword on his neck. He suffered in the year
202 A.D. The emperor's daughter, Galina, removed his body and
honorably buried it.
The
Venerable Prochorus, the Orach*-Eater
(*Prosfora)
Prochorus
was a miracle-worker of the Monastery of the Caves in Kiev. He is
called the Orach-Eater because during the time that he lived in the
Monastery of the Caves he did not taste of bread, rather he fed on
orach, mixing it in his own way and from it prepared a type of
bread. Whenever he would give someone his orach bread with a
blessing, the bread tasted sweet as though prepared from honey; if
someone stole the bread, it was as bitter as wormwood. One time when
there was a shortage of salt in Russia, Prochorus distributed ashes
to the people as though it were salt. The ashes, which he
distributed with his blessing, were as salt. However, the ashes
which someone would take on their own, was as ordinary ashes. Prince
Svyatopolk ordered all the ashes from Prochorus' cell be taken to
his palace without the permission and the blessing of the monk,
Prochorus. When the ashes were removed, those who tasted of it were
convinced that it was ashes and not salt. Then Prochorus told the
people who came to him for salt to go to the emperor's palace and
when the prince tosses out the ashes from his residence, to take
them and carry them home as though they were salt. The people did so
and again, the ashes were as salt. Believing in this, the prince
himself was filled with respect and love toward the holy Prochorus,
so that when he died in the year 1107 A.D., the prince, with his own
hands, placed Prochorus in the tomb along side the great Russian
Saints Anthony and Theodosius.
Reflection
Many of the
weighty difficulties which befall man have their cause, known or
unknown, in his past. However, the causes of these weighty
difficulties, let us say mental disorder, are nothing else than the
transgression of the moral law of God.
When St.
Haralambos was being tortured, the persecuting emperor found out
about his miracle-working power and ordered an insane man to be
brought to Haralambos so that the emperor could be convinced that
Haralambos could heal him. The devil tormented this man for
thirty-five years driving him into the wilderness and hills and
hurling him into mud or into gorges. When this deranged person
approached Haralambos, the demon sensed a sweet-smelling fragrance
emanating from this holy man and shouted: "I beg you, O servant
of God, do not torment me before my time, rather command me and I
will depart and, if you wish, I will tell you how it came about that
I entered into this man." The saint commanded the demon to
relate the story. The demon said: "This man wanted to steal
from his neighbor and thought to himself: `If I don't kill the man
first, I will not be able to seize his goods.' He proceeded and
killed his neighbor. Having caught him in the act, I entered him and
behold for thirty-four years I dwelt in him." Upon hearing
this, the saint of God commanded the demon to depart from the man
immediately and to leave him in peace. The demon departed and the
demented man was restored to health and became tranquil.
Contemplation
To
contemplate the Lord Jesus as the Beauty of the entire created
world:
1. As the
Beauty of all created things; the beauty paled from fear and the
melancholy of sins;
2. As the
Beauty of man, the most rational being in the material world; the
beauty paled by fear and melancholy of sins;
3. As the
Beauty of a pure mind; of the bodiless world of the angels;
4. As the
Beauty of the Holy Trinity revealed by Him and through Him.
Homily
About the
sin of those who assert that they can see
"If you
were blind you would have no sin" (St. John 9:41).
These words
were spoken to the Jews by Him Who gave them the Law through the
prophets that the Law may serve them as the sight of the soul. The
Jews received that sight but they closed their eyes intentionally
and nefariously. That is why the Just Lord spoke these righteous
words to them.
These words
are true justice then, today and forever, for a blind man has no sin
if he tramples someone else's crop or if he removes someone else's
garment instead of his own. If he who has sight commits this, he
will be committing a sin and will incur punishment. If he who has
eyes, but intentionally closes his eyes and committed that, he also
will be committing a sin and will incur punishment.
Nevertheless,
what can be said about those who have received Baptism and
Chrismation as the two eyes of the soul and, in spite of that, sin
as those who are unbaptized? At the Last Judgment, they will not be
treated as those who are born blind, rather they will be treated
like transgressors who willfully disfigured and blinded themselves.
Still, what
can be said about those who received the other Mysteries of Grace in
the fullness of Orthodoxy and who have before them the examples of
the saints and who constantly listen to the warnings and admonitions
of God's Church but, nevertheless, depart and go astray? At the Last
Judgment, such will not be able to justify themselves with any type
of blindness, rather they will be judged as transgressors who have
disfigured themselves and others around them with blindness.
O awesome
Lord, save us from sin. O merciful Lord, open our eyes to the path
of salvation.
To You be
glory and thanks always. Amen.
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February 24rd (New Style) • February 11th (Old Style)
The
Priestly-Martyr Blaise
Blaise was
born in the Province of Cappadocia. From his early childhood, he was
God-fearing and meek. Because of his great virtues, he was chosen as
bishop of the city of Sebastea (in Armenia). Blaise was a great
spiritual and moral beacon in this pagan city. At the time of a
grave persecution of Christians, St. Blaise encouraged his flock and
visited the martyrs of Christ in prison, especially among them was
the eminent and glorious Eustratius. When the city of Sebastea was
completely depleted of Christians - some were slain, and others fled
- the Elder Blaise withdrew to Mt. Argeos and settled there in a
cave. Wild beasts recognized the holy man, gathered around him and
he tenderly caressed them. But the persecutors found the saint in
this remote place and brought him to trial. Along the way, Blaise
cured a young boy who had a bone caught in his throat. To the plea
of the poor widow whose pig had been snatched by a wolf, the saint,
by the power of his prayer, commanded the wolf to return it. The
sinister judges tortured Blaise severely: flogging him and scrapping
him with an iron comb. By his steadfastness in the Faith of Christ,
Blaise converted many pagans to the Faith. Seven women and two
children languished in prison with him. The women were beheaded
first and, after that, the wonderful Blaise with these two children
was beheaded. He suffered and was glorified in the year 316 A.D.
People pray to St. Blaise for the well being of their domestic
livestock and for protection against wild beasts. However, in the
west, he is also invoked for diseases of the throat.
The
Holy Martyr George of Kratovo
By origin,
George was a Serb from the town of Kratovo. He was a silversmith by
trade and, in his heart and soul, was a convinced and a devout
Christian. George was eighteen years old when the Turks tried to
convert him to Islam. George remained as firm as a diamond in his
faith. The Turks tortured him with many cruel tortures and finally
burned him at the stake. He suffered for the beautiful Faith of
Christ on February 11, 1515 A.D. in Sofia, Bulgaria, during the
reign of Sultan Selim and was glorified with unfading glory in the
heavens.
St.
Theodora
Theodora, a
Greek empress, was the wife of the nefarious Emperor Theophilus the
Iconoclast. After the death of Theophilus, Theodora became the
ruling empress and reigned together with her son Michael III. At the
Council in Constantinople (842 A.D.), she immediately restored the
veneration of icons. On this occasion, the Feast of the Triumph of
Orthodoxy was instituted which is still celebrated today on the
First Sunday of the Honorable Fast (First Sunday in Lent). This holy
and meritorious woman of the Church gave up her soul to God on
February 11, 867 A.D. It was at that time, by the divine and
wonderful Providence of God, at the solemn triumph of Orthodoxy over
all heresies, that St. Cyril and St. Methodius were sent as
Christian missionaries to the Slavs.
Reflection
Matter is
not evil of itself as certain Christian heretics, i.e., the
Manicheans and other philosophers taught. Not only is matter not
evil, but matter is not the sole conduit of evil, but in as much as
matter is a conduit, so also is the spirit a conduit of evil. Every
material thing is melancholic and even fearful because of man's
sins, but matter is not evil. Matter is corruptible, weak and
nothingness in comparison to the immortal spirit, but it is not evil
of itself. And, if it were evil, would our Lord Christ have
instituted Holy Communion of Bread and Wine and would He call the
Bread and the Wine His Body and His Blood? If matter, by itself, is
evil, how then, would men be baptized with water? How would the
Apostle James have commanded that the sick be anointed with oil? How
would Blessed Water (Holy Water) remain beyond spoiling and have
miracle-working properties? How would the Cross of Christ have
power? How would the garment of Christ transmit the healing power of
the Savior by which the woman with the issue of blood was healed?
How would the relics of the saints and icons have performed so many
miracles and conveyed so much good to people from the kingdom of
Grace? Therefore, how then could good come to man through evil? No,
no; matter is never evil of itself alone.
Contemplation
To
contemplate the Lord Jesus as a Good Merchant Who came into this
world as to a market to give and to take:
1. To give
His labor and to receive the numerous fruits of joy from that labor;
2. To give
Himself to be humiliated, to be spat upon, to be smitten, to be
bruised, to be pierced, to be crucified in order to usher the army
of His faithful into His eternal glory;
3. To give
His Body in order to redeem numerous souls from the multitudes.
Homily
About
judging according to the flesh and according to the spirit
"You
judge according to the flesh" (St. John 8:15).
Thus spoke
the Omniscience Lord to the wicked Jews: "You judge according
to the flesh." They had caught a woman in adultery and wanted
to stone her because of her fleshly sin. But the Lord perceived the
soul of the woman and saw that she could still be saved and changed,
brought her to repentance and released her. For even though she
committed the act of adultery, nevertheless, her soul was not
totally adulterous. However, the Pharisees constantly bore the sin
of adultery in their hearts but they skillfully concealed that sin
of adultery and they did not condemn adultery in the heart but
condemned the act of adultery of the flesh only against those whom
they caught in that act.
Spiritual
men judge by the spirit and physical men judge by the flesh. Even
today, the Jews, punished and dispersed throughout the whole world,
were never able to think spiritually and to judge spiritually, but
still think and judge only by the flesh and only externally
according to the ordinance of the Law written on paper or in nature,
but still never according to the spirit. For, if they had learned to
judge men and deeds according to the spirit, they would have
immediately recognized the Lord Jesus as the Messiah and Savior.
Let us be on
guard, O Christians, that we judge not only according to the flesh.
Let us be on guard that we not be too quick to judge him who because
of his ineptness slips into misdeed, nor to praise the one who
adheres skillfully and does not slip before men but, who, with his
heart is already completely in the abyss of sin. Let us be on guard
from error, that we not judge men and nature according to sensual
impressions and to strive to judge everything spiritually, i.e., by
the spirit. Behold we are the children of the spirit and light, for
we are baptized.
O Lord Jesus
teach us and guide us that we do not think nor judge according to
the flesh but rather by the spirit.
To
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February 25th (New Style) • February 12th (Old Style)
St.
Meletius, Archbishop of
Antioch
This great
and holy man was an outstanding interpreter and defender of
Orthodoxy. The whole of his life was devoted to the fight against
the Arian heresy, which did not recognise the Son of God and
blasphemed against the Holy Trinity. He was three times removed from
his archiepiscopal throne by the heretics, and driven off into
Armenia. The struggle between the Orthodox and the heretics became
so bitter that once, while St Meletius was preaching to the people
in church on the divine Trinity in unity, his own deacon, a heretic,
ran up to the bishop and shut his mouth with his hand. Being unable
to preach with words, Meletius preached by signs. Thus, he raised
his arms on high, opened three fingers to their fullest extent and
showed them to the people, then closed his hand and raised the one
fist. He took part in the Second Ecumenical Council in 381, where
the Emperor Theodosius showed him specially great honour. At that
Council, God showed a mystery through His archbishop. When Meletius
was propounding the doctrine of the Holy Trinity to the Arians, he
first raised three fingers, separated one by one, then brought them
together; and at that moment lightning flashed from his hand before
the gaze of all present. At that Council, Meletius established
Gregory the Theologian in the seat of Constantinople. While the
Council was still in session, St Meletius finished his earthly
course in Constantinople. His relics were taken to Antioch.
St.
Alexis, Metropolitan of Moscow
A great
hierarch of the Russian Church in a difficult period of Tartar
oppression of the Russian people. Once in childhood he went bird
hunting, then went to sleep and in a dream heard a voice that said:
'Alexis, why rush around so fruitlessly? I will teach you to catch
men!' He became a monk at the age of twenty, and in time became
Metropolitan of Moscow. He twice went among the' Golden Horde' of
the Tartars, once to sooth the wrath of Verdevir Khan against the
Russian people, and the second time at the invitation of Amurat
Khan, to cure his wife's blindness. This-women had been blind for
three years, but was healed and her vision restored when Alexis
prayed and anointed her with holy water. After a life of great
endeavour and fruitfulness, Alexis entered into rest in 1378 at the
age of 85, and went to the court of the Lord.
Our
Holy Mother Mary (Marius)
Mary was a
woman with a man's courage. After the death of her mother, her
father desired to become a monk. Mary would not be separated from
him, so they decided to go together to a men's monastery - Mary with
short hair and in man's raiment as a youth. Her father died, and
Mary became a monk and received the name Marius. There was an inn
near the monastery, and the innkeeper's daughter fell in love with
the pious monk Marius. After pursuing him without success, she
accused Marius of unlawful relations with her, because she had known
some other man and borne him a son. Mary did not defend herself and
was driven forth with scorn from the monastery. With the strange
child in her care, she lived for three years in a grove belonging to
the monastery, enduring hunger and hatred, and every sort of
hardship and privation. As a result of all this, the innkeeper's
daughter became deranged and, a little later, Mary died. Immediately
after her death it was discovered that the 'Monk Marius' was a
woman. As soon as the innkeeper's daughter touched the relics of St
Mary, she was healed of her insanity and confessed her terrible sin.
St Mary entered into rest and went to eternal joy in 508.
St.
Antony, Patriarch of Constantinople
He was at
first an ascetic, a man of great compassion, and then Patriarch in
the time of the Emperor Leo the Wise (889-912). he proffesed his
father monk and build a monastery over the relics of St Callia.
St.
Callia
Callia was
generous to poor from pure Christian compassion, both as a young
girl and later as a married women. Her husband was rich but a hard
man. Returning on one occasion from his work, he found that his wife
had given away all his wealth to the poor. He thereupon killed her.
But God glorified this compassionate soul, in that her relics healed
many of the sick. Convinced by this of her sanctity, the holy
patriarch Antony build a monastery over her relics.
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February 26th (New Style) • February 13th (Old Style)
The
Venerable Simeon (Mirotocivi), from whose relics flowed Myrrh -
Chrism
Stefan
Nemanja (Nehemiah), the great ruler (Great Zupan) of the Serbian
people, the consolidator of Serbian lands, creator of the
independent Serbian state, defender of Orthodoxy and exterminator of
heresy. At first, he was baptized in the Latin Church but later left
this Church and embraced the Orthodox Church. In the beginning, he
was dependent on the Greeks with regard to the State, but later he
freed himself from this dependence and became completely autonomous.
When Stefan consolidated the State and the Orthodox Faith in the
State, then, following the example of his son Sava, received the
monastic tonsure in Studenica Monastery in the year 1195 A.D., and
received the name Simeon. His wife Anna withdrew to a convent,
embraced the monastic tonsure and received the name Anastasia. After
two years as a monk in Studenica, Simeon traveled to Athos, the Holy
Mountain. There he took up residence in the Monastery Vatopedi
together with his son Sava. Father and son spend their days and
nights in prayer. There, they built six chapels dedicated to: the
Savior, The Unmercenary Saints, St. George, St. Theodore, The
Forerunner and St. Nicholas. They purchased the ruins of Hilendar
and erected a glorious monastery in which Simeon lived only eight
months and then died. When Simeon was on his deathbed, Sava,
according to his father's wishes, placed him on a simple mat. With
eyes directed toward the icon of the Mother of God and the Savior,
the blessed elder spoke these last words: "Let everything that
has breath praise the Lord." (Psalm 150:6), and took up
habitation with the Lord on February 13, 1200 A.D.
The
Venerable Martinian
The glorious
and most wonderful life of Martinian is worthwhile to read in its
entirety. What did he not endure just to fulfill the commandments of
the Lord! At age eighteen, Martinian retreated to a mountain in
Cappadocia called "The Place of the Ark" where he lived
for twenty-five years in fasting, vigils, prayer and struggling with
many temptations. When a woman came to tempt him and, he perceiving
that he will succumb to sin with her, Martinian leaped into the fire
barefooted and remained in the fire until the pain brought tears to
his eyes and subdued any lust within himself. When another
temptation erupted, Martinian fled to an isolated rock in the sea
and there he lived. During a shipwreck a young woman swam to this
rock. Martinian jumped into the sea to avoid any further temptation,
but a dolphin rescued him on its back and by God's Providence
brought him ashore. Martinian then decided never to make any place
his permanent home but to continually travel. In two years,
Martinian passed through one hundred and sixty-four towns correcting
and counseling people. He finally reached Athens where he died in
the year 422 A.D.
The
Female Saints Zoe and Photina
At first Zoe
was a prostitute and a temptress of St. Martinian. When she saw this
ascetic leap into the fire in order to subdue in himself all lust,
she bitterly repented, retreated to a convent in Bethlehem where, as
an ascetic and recluse, heroically lived a life of mortification.
Repenting of all her sins, she received from God the gift of working
miracles. By the winds of the sea St. Photina was cast on the island
where St. Martinian had isolated himself. Martinian immediately fled
the island and Photina remained there in fasting and prayer where
she died.
Reflection
The great
Stefan Nemanja, whose authorative words everyone unconditionally
heeded to and at whom people and emperors trembled, became a monk
and served the monks of the Holy Mountain (Athos) as an ideal
example of meekness, humility, goodness and piety. Even his death
was the death of a truly godly-man and spiritual director. He became
bedridden on February 7. He summoned St. Sava, placed his hands on
him and blessed him saying: "My beloved child, the light of my
eyes, comfort and protector in my old age! Behold the time of our
separation has arrived. Behold the Lord is releasing me in peace.
But you, my child, do not mourn because of our separation. For
parting is the common cup of all and everyone; here we part from one
another but we will meet there where there is no separation."
On February 12, St. Simeon asked Sava to clothe him in a burial
cassock, to spread a mat on the ground, lay him there and place a
stone under his head. He then summoned all the monks and asked their
forgiveness. At dawn, on February 13, while the monks were chanting
the Office of Matins in church and the voices were reaching the cell
of the dying one, St. Simeon, once more his face radiated and he
gave up his soul to his God.
Contemplation
To
contemplate the Lord Jesus as the Lamb of God:
1. As a Lamb
born in the dwelling place of lambs;
2. As a Lamb
persecuted by men of lupine temper such as Herod and others;
3. As the
Sacrificial Lamb Who patiently endured pain and death;
4. As the
Victorious Lamb of God on the Heavenly Throne.
Homily
About love
above every other love
"
Whoever loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me"
(St. Matthew 10:37).
The entire
Gospel teaches that we should leave the lesser for the sake of the
greater; the transient for the intransient; the worst for the sake
of the best; the less valuable for the sake of the more valuable. If
the Good News (Gospel) would not promise greater value, who would
leave the lesser? If the Gospel would not reveal the glow of the
precious goods, who would leave the less valuable goods? Who would
leave honey and milk if he did not find something sweeter? Who would
leave father and mother if he did not find someone closer in
kinship? Who would leave children and friends if he did not
recognize someone more dear? Who would willingly give up his life to
suffering and death if he did not perceive immortal life? The Lord
Christ is sweeter than honey and milk; He is a closer kin to us than
our father and mother; more dear to us than our own children and
friends; more precious than all visible treasures; more costly than
this life for He gives life eternal. Everything in the world
compared to Him (Christ) is inferior, trivial, bitter, weak, less
valuable and transitory. Whoever receives Him (Christ) it is easier
for him to leave everything; everything, because he has received the
best and Him Who is the very best.
O Lord
Jesus, the Treasury of all eternal riches, help us to unbind
ourselves from everything and to cling to You, our Good and our
Life.
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February 27th (New Style) • February 14th (Old Style)
The
Venerable Auxentius
Auxentius
was a very prominent aristocrat among the noblemen and courtiers at
the court of Emperor Theodosius the Younger in Constantinople.
Enflamed with love for Christ, Auxentius was tonsured a monk and
remained for a short time in Constantinople. When men began to
praise him, he fled from their praise and settled on a mountain
called Skopa near Chalcedon, which later was referred to as
Auxentius' Mountain. His desire to remain there permanently, hidden
from men, was not realized for some shepherds discovered him and
make his whereabouts known. They began to bring the sick to him for
healing. He healed many. He restored sight to the blind; cleansed
lepers anointing them with oil; he also raised the palsied and freed
many who were demon possessed. All of this was reason for amazement,
but his humbleness was cause for even greater amazement. Whenever he
was implored to heal someone he defended himself with the words:
"I, also, am a sinful man!" Compelled by many requests, he
approached healing in the following manner: he either invited all
present to pray to God together with him for the sick person; or he
first strengthened the faith in the people and then he told them
that God will give to them according to their faith; or he prayed
over the head of the sick person: "The Lord Jesus Christ heals
you!" He did this so that the act of working miracles would not
be attributed to him but rather to God Almighty. He participated at
the Fourth Ecumenical Council
(Chalcedon,
451 A.D.) and strongly defended Orthodoxy against the Eutychian and
Nestorian heresies. In the year 470 A.D., the Lord took his youthful
soul in his old age and his aged body remained in the earth from
which it was created.
The
Venerable Issac, Recluse of the Monastery of the Caves in Kiev
Issac lived
during the time of Saints Anthony and Theodosius. He came to the
monastery as a wealthy merchant. He left all and distributed
everything to the poor and dedicated himself to the most strict form
of asceticism in an enclosed cell. St. Anthony himself passed one
prosfora(*) through an opening every other day. Deluded by demons
who appeared to him in angelic light he bowed down to them and,
after that, he bowed down before Satan himself believing that he was
Christ. Because of that he became ill, and remained ill for two
years after which he regained his health and became a more cautious
and a more experienced ascetic. Because of this, before his death,
God bestowed upon him abundant Grace. He died in the year 1090 A.D.)
Reflection
Why do men
leave one place and settle in another place? Primarily because they
hope that they will be more fortunate in the other place. And in
truth, from the worldly point of view of life and contentment,
places can be different; better or worse. He, who does not hope in a
better life after death, seeks a better sensual pasture in this
life. But if we listen to the hearts of those men, who were able and
capable to live in the so-called best places on the globe of the
earth, we will detect dissatisfaction, sorrow and despair. They did
not find that which they were seeking. They ate to over satisfaction
in every place, and finally, still hungry, they gaze death in the
eyes.
But look at
the Christian saints! They sought places with the least earthly
pastures; places that were "arid, impassible and devoid of
water" isolated places and terrible places that attracted the
least attention and for which no one competes. They considered every
place on earth equally worthless, but they chose those places solely
because they wanted to draw nearer in the spirit and mind to their
eternal homeland. And, if one were to listen to their hearts, they
would sense joy and contentment.
Contemplation
To
contemplate the Lord Jesus as a Parent who weeps for His children in
the wilderness calling to them and gathering them:
1. At that
time, the children of the nation of Israel;
2. The
children of all peoples on earth;
3. The
children of all times from creation until the end.
Homily
About the
reversed values in the Kingdom of God
"But
many who are first will be last, and the last will be first"
(St. Matthew 19:30).
"For
behold, some are last who will be first and some are first who will
be last" (St. Luke 13:30).
How All-wise
is He Who spoke these words! He did not say that all the first will
be last and all the last will be first, "but many." There
is not one error in the Gospel and nowhere in the Gospel is there
any exaggeration.
Why did the
Lord put a limit and did not say "all" but rather
"many." Experience teaches us that some of those who were
first in honor on earth remained first in honor with God. There were
emperors who, from their thrones, pleased God and, there were men
who were without authority until their death, angered God. There
were wealthy men, who by their charity and faith, were saved, and
there were the indigent who, because of their evil and unbelief,
received condemnation. There were learned men who kept the faith and
did good deeds and there were unlearned men who rejected both faith
and good deeds. And so, there were some who were first here on earth
who remained first there in heaven also and there were some who were
last here (on earth) and remained last there (in heaven) also.
But alas,
"many" first here became last there. And, O the joy, O the
justice of God; how "many" who were last here have become
"first" there!
The Lord did
not emphasize neither praised one class, or one occupation over all
others, but He recruited and even today He recruits an army of light
from all classes, from all occupations and professions. For Him the
criteria of man is not a crown nor a beggar's pouch, but rather
faith - faith and good deeds.
O All-wise
Lord, remember us also in Your Kingdom.
To You be
glory and thanks always. Amen.
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