Give God to one another
Stelyios S. Muksuris, Ph.D.
Protopresbyter & Professor of Liturgy and Theology
”PRAYER is by its very nature a dialogue and a union with God. Its effect is to hold the world together and to achieve a reconciliation with God. Prayer is the mother and daughter of tears. It is expiation of sin, a bridge over temptation, a barrier against affliction. It wipes out conflict, is the work of Angels and the nourishment of all bodiless beings. Prayer is the future gladness. (St. John Climacus, The Ladder of Divine Ascent, Step 28)
One of the world’s most profound definitions of prayer appears above in this powerful quote from the pen of the great ascetic and writer, St. John of the Ladder (579-649 AD). Interestingly, he assigns a value to prayer not only for us earthly beings but for the bodiless angels as well. What is prayer indeed but the content that fills the time we spend with God? When we enter into God’s company, we are set to interact with Him, to dialogue with Him, to become united with Him. For the angels, prayer takes on not so much the activity of supplication (as it does for us human beings who are needful of many things in this life to preserve our physical existence) but doxology. The angels, who exist as spirits in the same ethereal realm as God, need nothing to preserve their existence except interaction with God on a more sublime level. In other words, they need only to glorify Him, and this is their prayer — one of confession and praise. When certain earthly beings assume this angelic life and care no more for their bodily needs but truly define their existence by everything that proceeds out of the mouth of God (Matthew 4:4), we call them “earthly angels” (ἐπίγειοι ἄγγελοι), or saints (ἅγιοι
TWO DAY TRIP TO PEDOULAS VILLAGE AND PILGRIMAGES
Between 26th-27th of February (Fri-Sat), our English speaking community organizes a two day trip to Pedoulas village and pilgrimages. We will be staying at Elyssia Hotel - Pedoulas, a friendly family run hotel with cosy atmosphere and nice food. Come and join us for some spiritual fellowship under an uplifting program. We plan to visit the unique church of Archangel Michael church with its beautiful frescoes dated back to the 14th century. The church is an UNESCO monument. We will also visit Kykkos monastery (20min from our hotel) , Trikoukkia convent at Prodromos village and finally the monastery of Trooditissa. Those who are more bold, can also spend some time at Troodos square to enjoy the magic of snowcovered slopes. Total price of the journey only 35 euros including the stay at the hotel, breakfast, lunch and dinner buffet. Departure time will differ according to each one's preference. We will travel in convoy by using our own cars. Most cars will depart from St. Nicholas Church Engomi at 5.00pm. To sign up or for any further information please contact fr. Ioannis at 99463030 by message.
Living the Orthodox Worldview (Fr. Seraphim Rose)
Orthodoxy is life. If we do not live Orthodoxy, we simply aren't Orthodox, no matter what formal beliefs we might hold.
But life in our contemporary world has become very artificial, very uncertain, confusing. And we cannot help but be affected by this. Howls it possible for us as Orthodox Christians to lead other-worldly lives in these terrible times? How can we develop an Orthodox Christian view of the whole of life today which will help us to survive these times with our Faith intact?
It is no exaggeration to say that, from the perspective of a normal life viewed even 50 years ago, life today has become abnormal. Fundamental values and concepts of behavior have been turned upside-down. The spoiled and pampered generations know no law except the fulfillment of personal happiness "now." Parents bow down before their children's whims and these same children grow to adulthood merely substituting their childhood toys and games for grown-up amusements. Life
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"Go ye therefore, and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit"