T H E WORD - THE MIRACULOUS LADY - February 2020 Volume 64 No. 2
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THE
WORD
February 2020
Volume 64 No. 2
THE MIRACULOUS LADY
OF SAINT GEORGE ANTIOCHIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH OF CICERO, ILLINOIS
Volume 64 No.2 EDITORIAL
February 2020
THE
WORD
COVER: THE MIRACULOUS WEEPING
We All Began
I C O N O F S T. G E O R G E A N T I O C H I A N
ORTHODOX CHURCH OF CICERO,
ILLINOIS
with God’s Love
3 EDITORIAL
by Bishop JOHN
C O N T E N T S 5 I T ’ S G O I N G T O TA K E A N A R M Y
by Michelle Moujaes
8 CONFESSING YOUR FINANCIAL SINS
b y F r. M i c h a e l Ta s s o s Bishop JOHN
12 DISCERNING TRUTH AND
O F F E R I N G O U R S E LV E S
by Gregory Abdalah
14 S T. C Y R I L O F A L E X A N D R I A :
DEFENDER OF THE THEOTOKOS
b y F r. D a n i e l D a l y
20 FROM THESE STONES —
CUTTING IT CLOSE IN
GILLETTE AND RAPID
b y F r. J o s e p h H u n e y c u t t
21 T H E D E PA R T M E N T O F
C H R I S T I A N E D U C AT I O N
25 FROM THESE STONES —
A NEW KIND OF MISSION:
PITTSBURGH 2020
by Deacon Adam Roberts
26 H O S P I TA L I T Y
by Christi Ghiz
27 ARCHDIOCESAN OFFICE
28 GROWING INTO
ORTHODOX MANHOOD here is a popular situation should worship its Creator. Of course, it is not
by Giancarlo Crivelli comedy which examines the as though God needs man to worship Him, but
30 COMMUNITIES IN ACTION complexities and humor of man, like any creature, needs to worship. He or
34 ORTHODOX WOMEN’S
R E T R E AT 2 0 1 9 modern relationships in a group she needs to be in a right relationship with the
b y To n i a H o w e l l of young adults, called The Big Creator. To understand our primordial situation,
Bang Theory
eory. The show raises we begin with God and His love. To understand
the question, “How did we all this concept better, I quote Fr. Thomas Hopko’s
Letters to the editor are welcome and should include the
author’s full name and parish. Submissions for “Commu- get to where we are today?” It’s theme song re- third talk on worship, found on Ancient Faith
nities in Action” must be approved by the local pastor.
Both may be edited for purposes of clarity and space. All views the history of the world to its beginnings Radio’s website.
submissions e-mailed and provided as a Microsoft Word
text or editable PDF. Please do not embed artwork into the
in a “big bang.” Although brilliant in its purpose To understand how this concept applies to us,
word documents. All art work must be high resolution: at and humor, the show’s premise fails to go back Antiochian and Or-
least 300dpi.
far enough. St. Paul in his Letter to the Romans thodox in America, I
We came not
ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION:
U.S.A. and Canada, $40.00 succeeds, however. He opens his Letter to the Ro- call your attention to
Foreign Countries, $50.00
Single Copies, $3.00
mans, the children of the Church far away from a gem of our mod-
The WORD (USPS626-260) is published monthly, except
July and August, by the Antiochian Orthodox Christian
Jerusalem and Antioch, with a description of our
current predicament, which began not in a “big
ern times: Apostle to
the Plains: Fr. Niko- from a “big bang,”
but ultimately
Archdiocese of North America at 358 Mountain Road, PO
Box 5238; periodicals postage paid at Englewood, New bang,” but in the love of God the Father for His la Yanney. In this
Jersey 07631-5238 and at additional mailing offices.
only begotten Son, the love of the Son for the impossible-to-put-
from the love of
Postmaster send address changes to The WORD, 358 Father and God’s Spirit, and the love of the Spirit down book produced
Mountain Road, PO Box 5238, Englewood, NJ 07631-
5238 for the Father and the Son. by the Saint Rapha-
ISSN 0043-7964 www.antiochian.org.
the Holy Trinity.
Out of this love comes the sharing and multi- el Clergy Brother-
Canada Post Publication Agreement No. 40043404
Return Canada address to
plication of love in the creation of mankind and hood (and available
American International Mail, STN A – BOX 697, Windsor the world. All creation, by its very created nature, from the Antiochian
ON N9A 6N4, Canada
22 January
February 2020
2016 The Word 3
It’s
Village bookstore, as well as Ancient Faith and most book-sellers), we read
our story of how Antiochians left the lands of persecution by the Ottomans,
and wound up in Nebraska and all over North and South America. Here we
have a true narrative of Antiochian and American history. This book is an ac-
Going
count of real Christians of modern times, struggling with the elements, per-
sonal tragedy, and the building of an Archdiocese and Orthodoxy on this
The Most Reverend continent. This book offers us not only a perspective on modern life, but a
Metropolitan JOSEPH
sensitive and concrete example of the theology of Saint Paul as expressed in
to
The Right Reverend
Bishop BASIL Romans 1. Fr. Yanney followed God in faith from Lebanon to America, seek-
The Right Reverend ing the American dream of freedom, and, through losses, trials and hard work,
Bishop THOMAS
he discovered God’s tangible love. Building churches as a priest, he discovered
The Right Reverend
God in the lives and pains of God’s people, not in Rome or Damascus, but in
Take
Bishop ALEXANDER
The Right Reverend the American relocation of many Antiochians.”
Bishop JOHN
It is said that to understand who you are, you need to understand where
The Right Reverend
Bishop ANTHONY you come from. Apostle to the Plains: Fr. Nikola Yanney is a story of where we
Antiochians in America came from, and is a must-read. We came not from a
an
The Right Reverend
Bishop NICHOLAS
“big bang,” but ultimately from the love of the Holy Trinity. This love compels
Founded in Arabic as
Al Kalimat in 1905 us to seek the Kingdom of God and praise the life-giving Holy Trinity.
by Saint Raphael (Hawaweeny)
Founded in English as
Army
The WORD in 1957
by Metropolitan ANTONY (Bashir)
Editor in Chief Bishop JOHN
Assistant Editor Christopher Humphrey
Design Director Donna Griffin Albert
Editorial Board Fr. Michel Najim
Fr. Patrick O’Grady
Fr. Thomas Zain
Fr. Andrew Damick
Fr. Nicholas Belcher
Fr. John Oliver
Fr. Chad Hatfield WHAT EVERY
Kh. Erin Kimmet
Peter Samore
ADULT MUST KNOW
Ann Bezzerides ABOUT TEENAGE
Editorial Office:
The WORD
MENTAL HEALTH
2 Lydia’s Path
Michelle Moujaes
Westborough, MA 01581-1841
e-mail: WORDMAG@AOL.COM
Subscription Office:
358 Mountain Road
THEODEN: “I WILL NOT RISK OPEN WAR.”
PO Box 5238
Englewood, NJ 07631-5238
ARAGORN: “OPEN WAR IS UPON YOU, WHETHER YOU WOULD RISK IT OR NOT.”
registrar@antiochian.org – The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers
THIS IS WAR
Teenagers today are engaged in a constant battle for the very state of their mental
health, and consequently, their physical and spiritual health as well. If we really want
to support our teens in having good mental health, it’s up to us, the adults in their lives,
to link arms with them on the front lines. The fight is real. The road is hard. It’s going
to take an army to guide our children to the right path.
4 February 2020 The Word 5
I T ’ S G O I N G T O TA K E A N A R M Y
T H E C R I S I S : W H AT A R E W E past summer, I was asked to address The Order of in their lives to stand with our teens as they experi- Transformation is a process, and one that must take
A C T U A L LY U P A G A I N S T ? St. Ignatius at the Archdiocese Convention. There, ence the deep transformation that occurs when they place in the context of deep and meaningful rela-
I reported that our team at Faithtree had surveyed are presented with the truth, and give them a safe tionships; certainly in God’s presence, with parents,
Our teenagers are grappling with questions and
clergy, lay leaders, and parents from Orthodox space to wrestle with it, to ask questions about it, teachers, priests and youth workers willing to walk
situations, that for the most part, they are not ef-
churches around the country regarding the mental and to consider what they believe and why. So many together with our young people.
fectively equipped to address. Every day, many of
health struggles of our youth. We had over 530 re- of our young people are seeking answers and guid- And we all know the rub: Creating or facilitat-
their Orthodox Christian values related to person,
spondents. When we asked if our Orthodox youth ance from the Church. Let’s give it to them. Because ing those deep relationships, and answering their
identity, gender, and relationships are being ques-
struggled with anxiety, an overwhelming 97 per- that army it’s going to take to guide our kids to the right questions by articulating our rich theology in an
tioned, mocked and marginalized. We live in a so-
cent reported that anxiety was a major issue for the path? That’s us. engaging and relevant way, well… that’s not easy. In
ciety overly saturated with sex, where intimacy has
young people in their parish. That’s almost all of BUT HOW? fact, it can be a full-time job. That’s why Faithtree
been distorted and marriage has been redefined.
them! Moreover, Resources created the Relationship Project. Our
There is a growing disconnect between what society For many, there is a feeling that we are un-
• 97 percent told us loneliness was a major issue; goal is to help our parishes create such a space, and
allows and encourages, and what the Church teach- equipped to provide clear, compelling and useful
• 94 percent reported their teens were strug- to help articulate the fullness of the Truth as it has
es as truth. support to counter all the noise coming at our teens
gling with depression; been revealed to us by God – in a way our teenagers
We need only to glance at any one of the mental these days. We want to address these critical ques-
• 74 percent admitted self-harm (meaning they can understand and relate to.
health statistics available to see the impact this has tions and issues, but we don’t always know how. We
physically cut or hurt themselves) was an The newest installment in our teaching series
on our youth. The statistics are overwhelming. may find ourselves avoiding conversations because
issue; The Relationship Project is coming in February
SUICIDE these topics are difficult. They are sensitive. They 2020. Visit www.faithtree.org to learn more about
• 68 percent of our responding clergy, youth are controversial. And most of us aren’t clinicians
Numbers from The National Institute of Mental workers and parents, said suicidal ideation, The Relationship Project, Part 3: Understanding
or theologians. Mental Health.
Health (NIMH) tell us that by the time you finish or in other words, thinking about or planning At Faithtree, we believe our teens need a safe If we are going to support our youth through
reading this article, eight people from around the one’s own suicide, was a major concern they space where they can think through all this stuff. these trying times we call adolescence, and guide
world will have successfully taken their own lives. had for their own children and the youth in They need a place where deep discussion, explo- them to the right path, it will definitely take an
According to the Centers for Disease Control, sui- their church. ration, reflection, and explanation can occur. A army. That army is us.
cide is the tenth leading cause of death for all ages in
If you still have any doubt that these numbers place where they can grapple with all the oppos-
the United States. The World Health Organization Michelle Moujaes, Executive Director
are correct, or if the struggles of this culture are im- ing messages they get every day. A place where they
reports that nearly 800,000 people die by suicide in Faithtree Resources
pacting our Orthodox youth, I offer you (with a are heard, respected, and challenged, and can even Michelle lives in Valencia, California.
the world each year. That’s roughly one death every
heavy heart) what I shared with members of The question and push back.
40 seconds. Globally, suicide is the second leading
Order this past July. During the twelve-month Our team believes this space is
cause of death for young people 15–24 years old.
period between our survey and my presentation at created best in parish communi-
ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION the Convention, our team learned of not one, not ties, where not only their families,
The statistics on other mental health struggles two, not three – but eighteen separate suicides or but peers and a spiritual leader are
continue to be staggering as well. According to the suicide attempts by our pan-Orthodox youth, in our present. Our prayer is that if we can
NIMH, 32 percent of teenagers, ages 13–18, have parishes in this country. Eighteen! In one year! create those safe spaces in the con-
an anxiety disorder. Today, five months later, that number has text of the Church, our young people
The World Health Organization tells us 3.2 mil- leapt to twenty-nine. Yes, you read that correctly. will engage and grow closer to Jesus
lion adolescents ages 12–17 in the United States Twenty-nine! That means eleven of our Orthodox Christ, which is the ultimate goal.
alone had at least one major depressive episode in teens have taken or tried to take their lives in the WE CAN DO THIS
2017. That’s over 13 percent of the U.S. population past five months; teens that are actively engaged
in our churches; teens that go to our camps; teens Listen: this won’t be easy. Our
in that age range.
we know. And those are only the incidents we have teens have real questions. And they
Currently, millions and millions of our young
heard about. want to know what the Church
people are not only wrestling with suicidal ideation,
teaches. It has been proven time
anxiety, or depression, but struggling, too, with in- S O W H AT D O W E D O ? and time again by research and real
flicting self-harm, eating disorders, substance abuse,
I do not subscribe to the doom-and-gloom experience, however, that many of
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, and loneliness.
notion that the sky is falling. Quite the contrary, these questions can’t be addressed
These are only some of a whole host of mental
I believe that the tide is starting to turn, and that, by a ten-minute sermon. Transfor-
health issues facing young people today.
with the right supports (and by that, I mean re- mation won’t come from just a few
W H AT A B O U T C H U R C H K I D S ? lationships), our youth are going to thrive in and simple statements about what the
Church kids are not exempt from this crisis. This because of their teenage years. It is up to us adults Church does and does not support.
6 February 2020 The Word 7
Confessing Your
that the spiritual father who is hearing your confes- money as an instru-
sion can’t really help you if you do not provide any ment that can be used
specific details. for good or bad. We can
Financial Sins
In his book The Inner Kingdom, His Grace Bish- also think of money as a
op Kallistos Ware refers to a very important passage kind of life substance,
in the Sayings of the Desert Fathers: “If unclean much like air, food, or
thoughts trouble you, do not hide them, but tell water. It permeates almost
Fr. Michael Tassos them at once to your spiritual father and condemn everything we do. We need
them. The more we conceal our thoughts, the more money in order to take
IN THIS ARTICLE, I WANT TO EXAMINE THE CONNECTION BETWEEN ONE OF THE they multiply and gain strength. . . . [But] once an care of ourselves, our
evil thought is revealed, it is immediately dissipated. . families, and our com-
WONDERFUL TOOLS THE CHURCH PROVIDES US WITH WHICH TO WORK OUT OUR
. . Whoever discloses his thoughts is quickly healed.” munity. And much like
SALVATION – THE SACRAMENT OF CONFESSION – AND ONE OF THE MOST ORDINARY, Clearly, most priests are not marriage counsel- the way we use these other ele-
PRACTICAL DIMENSIONS OF OUR LIVES – OUR FINANCES. ors, financial advisors, or medical doctors. They are, ments, how we use our money
however, spiritual counselors, and a confession that reveals who we are and what we believe.
is honest, complete, and genuine can truly begin to A priest I know once told me of a visit he took
here are many wonderful books and ments and incredibly high mortgages. Sometimes bring about proper healing. It is God to whom we to one of the monasteries on Mount Athos. He
articles on the subject of confession. circumstances arise in our lives that force us into are confessing, and it is the priest who stands as a went there and asked the abbot to hear his confes-
However, there are almost none that our particular choices. Nonetheless, we still have a witness to the confession. sion. The abbot immediately rebuked him, saying
deal specifically with the connec- responsibility to God to be good caretakers of His GROWING UP FINANCIALLY that this man could not be a good priest because
tion between confession and our gifts, and not to squander them foolishly or selfishly. he was quite overweight. You can imagine how
own financial sins. There is a won- God places great importance on stewardship If we are honest with ourselves and with God, it shocked the priest was to hear these words. He re-
derful Jewish not only of our time, but also of our material pos- is safe to say that most of us have never had much alized, however, that in this particular case the ab-
saying that sessions. If we have fallen short of God’s inten- training in managing personal finances. We start bot was correct. My friend had to admit that he was
goes, “The tion, the simplest and most sincere place to begin is out as children with the notion of saving and put- a gluttonous person. I am pleased to say that the
longest path with confession. One of the greatest treasures of the ting money into some sort of piggy bank. We grad- priest has lost considerable weight and now enjoys
is the one that Church is the ability to confess our sins, because by ually move up to our own checking account, a credit a healthy relationship with the abbot. The point is
leads from releasing our sins to God we can be lifted up and re- card, a car payment, and finally to a mortgage. As most that change would never have occurred without the
the heart to invigorated with life. The Sacrament of Confession of us know, there is a huge difference between the trust and honesty revealed in confession. Confes-
the pocket.” According to several makes all this possible. days of stuffing change into a piggy bank and mak- sion reveals to us where we are failing to act in ac-
recent money magazines, the av- ing the monthly mortgage payment. All of us grow cordance with God’s will.
FAITH, LOVE, AND MONEY up receiving instruction in everything under the sun,
erage American household has an In fourth-century Egypt, there was a monastic
outstanding credit card balance of There are three things in this world that most from driving a car, to getting a job, to cleaning our theologian named Evagrius Ponticus. He described
over $8,000, a rising level of overall people cherish: their personal faith, the people they homes. Sadly though, we receive almost no instruc- the beginning point of sin as logismos, or intellec-
debt, an average retirement account love, and money. It would seem that, as a matter tion in how to manage money. Is it no wonder that tual activity. It is not so much an intellectual debate,
balance that is woefully short of of course, most Orthodox Christians would con- one of the greatest sources of marital strife is money? but rather a secret thought that has the power to
their needs for retirement, and lit- fess something regarding each of these important Even if we have been taught something about money, stir the mind, a kind of secret dialogue. This thought
tle to nothing saved for their chil- areas of their lives. It is my experience, however, that we must examine what, exactly, we were taught. Were has the ability to move someone to a secret decision
dren’s education. While it would be only two of the three are usually discussed. The is- we taught something along the lines of, “He who dies against God’s laws. Evagrius goes on to explain that
nice to think that these statistics do sue of money, which is often the most troubling and with the most toys wins”? Or were we taught, “Money “demons fight rather by means of present things.”
not apply to Orthodox Christians, the most painful, is sadly omitted. It is one thing to is a blessing that should be shared”? For many people By present things he means pragmata, or objects;
I have yet to find any proof that confess frustration or anger with a spouse or loved there is almost no connection between their financial contact with these objects gives rise to passions. In
Orthodox Christians are statisti- one, or to describe moments of doubt about God’s lives and their spiritual lives. our modern world, there is probably no greater ex-
cally different from the rest of the love, but to tell God and another human being that IS MONEY INHERENTLY BAD ample of what Evagrius is speaking about than a
population in this regard. you ran up a really large credit card bill, or that you OR EVIL? credit card, because it symbolizes and makes avail-
What is going on? The answer lost a significant portion of your savings in the stock able all the things that it can buy.
market – now that is really painful! Money is not inherently bad or evil. It is simply
very simply is sin. Most of us would like to do a a product of what we do with our labors. It is not Think for just a moment whether or not Evagri-
better job with our finances. We don’t deliberately Many books on confession emphasize making us’ argument makes some sense. Almost everyone
general remarks about your sins. While this is good a measure of our worth in the eyes of God, despite
go out and rack up thousands of dollars of credit what many people may think. I personally think of uses money in concert with their feelings to some
card debt overnight, or find ourselves with car pay- to a point, we should also be honest about the fact extent. When people are happy, they tend to buy
8 February 2020 The Word 9
CONFESSING YOUR FINANCIAL SINS
ply, is often fear. There is a yourself the following questions: ards of everything in this world. We should not lose This article was original-
ly published in AGAIN
kind of silent fear in many • Did I use all my money in a wise and prudent sight of the fact that we have been called to live in Magazine, Fall 2005.
people’s hearts that God manner? the world and to be witnesses of Christ’s glory on AGAIN Magazine is pub-
will not provide for them • Did I give some portion of the wealth back earth. In our daily struggles, we must endeavor to lished by Conciliar Media
or that they somehow have be good caretakers of all the bounties given to us, Ministries, a Department
to God? of the Antiochian Ortho-
to take all financial mat- • Have I done as good a job as I could have to be responsible children of God, and to pass on to dox Christian Archdiocese
ters into their own hands. done talking about our personal finances to each succeeding generation the importance of good of North America
It’s okay to talk about God, my spouse and/or children? stewardship.
but not when it concerns • Have I used my credit cards in a prudent And when we have fallen short of God’s glory,
their personal bank ac- manner? we need to partake of the healing that is afforded
counts. While this couldn’t • Have I made purchases that are not in keep- in confession. Nicholas Gamvas, in his book The
be further from the truth, ing with what God would have me buy? Psychology of Confession and the Orthodox Church,
it is definitely a widely held • Have I at any time used my family’s money makes a wonderful point about confession. He says:
fear. As with any fear tied to carelessly, in spite, or in anger? “The receiving of forgiveness and absolution are as-
a misunderstanding about • Have I truly been as responsible with the fi- pects of confession that have no clear counterpart
God, this can and should be nancial blessings bestowed upon me as I could in psychotherapy. The Christian who feels truly for-
overcome through open and have been? given and cleansed before God is also free of guilt
honest confession. about his/her own shortcomings.”
things. When they are sad, they may either close As you can see, all of these questions involve “I,”
I’M SORRY FOR MY SINS Much like a surgeon who has to cut away part of
off or simply buy more things in order to gain some because the process of salvation begins with each of our skin to get to a particular organ in our body, we
feeling of joy. In relationships, people often use Now What? There are tremendous dangers asso- us as individuals. If we are not responsible, then how must be willing to peel away the layers of hurt, fear,
money as an instrument to control or manipulate ciated with money. If the average person has a credit can we expect those around us to be? and anger, in order to begin to heal. Our Lord loves
the other party. They correlate gift-giving or receiv- card balance of $8,000, it may take over five years LIFE IN CHRIST us infinitely more than we can love ourselves. He
ing with affection. to pay it off, making slightly more than the mini-
If we are to walk in the Spirit, we must live a alone can forgive us when we can’t forgive ourselves.
Some people even use money in relationships as mum payments. We are inundated with countless
life that is pleasing to God in all its facets. Our per- I encourage you to take the Sacrament of Confes-
a weapon. It is very common in marriages, for exam- offers to spend more and to borrow more. In fact, it
sonal finances are no exception. They are an inte- sion seriously as the starting point of true healing.
ple, to find that one person is financially dominant is actually getting more and more difficult to pay for
over the other, and when one party feels wronged, things with cash. As we move ever closer to a cash- gral part of who we are; they help define and shape Fr. Michael Tassos, Pastor
Holy Cross Antiochian Orthodox Christian Church,Palmdale, CA
they know that the way to inflict pain on the other less society, the sins of overspending become ever us. Yes, we are called to renounce the things of this Fr. Michael is also a certified public accountant.
is simply to buy something. It provides momentary more hidden. world; however, we are also called to be good stew-
elation and satisfaction, but it often also results in There is no magic pill one can take to elimi-
even greater pain and suffering for both parties. nate debt. It requires a determined will and the be-
IF I MADE IT, WHY CAN’T I SPEND IT? lief that there is a better way. Much like St. Mary
of Egypt, who after her conversion spent the next
We are raised in America to view wealth in very
forty years in the Sinai desert, if we have made a
unhealthy ways. We tend to view wealthy individ-
mess of our finances, it may take a long time to re-
uals as more powerful, more intelligent, or more
cover. This is why it is imperative that we discuss
successful. These distorted perspectives subcon-
the subject of money openly and frankly with our
sciously move us away from seeing money as a gift
children and family. One of the greatest tools of the
from God and us as the caretakers of this treasured
evil one is secrecy. We should be no more afraid to
gift. Money then becomes not so much a by-prod-
discuss money in our households than we should be
uct of our labors as a kind of end in itself.
to discuss Jesus Christ.
The fact is that we really don’t make the money:
If you have made financial mistakes or commit-
God bestows it upon us. As Deuteronomy 8:18
ted what you would characterize as financial sins,
says: “You shall remember the Lord your God, for
the first place to begin is with confession. I can
it is He who gives you power to get wealth, that He
assure you that you will feel much better. Next, I
may establish His covenant.” We would have noth-
suggest that you write out your plan to correct your
ing without God, and our wealth is truly His. This
mistakes, keeping in mind that much like losing ex-
is a fundamental principle that is sadly being lost.
cess weight, correcting financial mistakes can often
Why do some give of their wealth so effortlessly,
take many years. As an aid to your confession, ask
and others so begrudgingly? The answer, quite sim-
10 February 2020 The Word 11
LIVING THE LITURGY — A PRACTICAL REFLECTION to discern what we might agree with, and what hast so loved Thy world as to give Thine
we might disagree with, we need a guide, and not only-begotten Son, that all who believe
DISCERNING TRUTH AND someone who simply shuts our questions down.
We learn true discernment. This discernment al-
in Him should not perish but have ever-
lasting life, who, when He had come and
OFFERING OURSELVES
lows us to reconcile our beliefs with the beliefs of had fulfilled all the dispensation for us,
the community. We become disciples; we subscribe in the night in which He was betrayed
to the beliefs of this community, and we put our- or, rather, gave Himself up for the life of
PA R T 5 O F 1 0 selves under God, living out the call expressed to the world….” This prayer points directly
us in baptism. In the end of the Gospel of St. Mat- to Christ’s self-offering, showing us how
thew, Christ commissions His disciples, sending to offer ourselves.
them out into the world to “make disciples of all Anaphora is Greek for “bearing up.”
nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, The anaphoral prayers answer the im-
and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.” We hear mediate question: What are we bearing
this at the baptismal service, and it’s easy to think up? At the high point of the anaphora,
things end there. Christ, however, goes on to tell the priest or deacon raises the diskos and
us that the disciples are to teach the new disciples the chalice and the priest says, “Thine
to observe everything that He commanded. As own of Thine own, we offer unto Thee,
disciples, we are bound by those commandments – in behalf of all and for all.” As I wrote
and to be clear, they are commandments, not sug- for the article in the September issue,
gestions. this powerful moment reminds us that
So what does that have to do with the Divine the gifts are offered on behalf of all and
Liturgy? In the Divine Liturgy, we are taught the for all; for the entirety of the world on
high calling of our discipleship: to offer ourselves behalf of the entirety of the world. At the same
as Christ offered Himself. Following the Creed, time, we admit that this is not the best translation
we pray the prayers of the Anaphora. The word of this phrase – rather, it could be, “Yours from
describes the silent prayers that the priest reads what is Yours, we offer to You, in everything and
before we ask the Holy Spirit to descend on the through everything,” reminding us that we serve
gifts and change them into the Body and Blood of God by offering ourselves to Him in everything
Christ. There are two authors of these prayers, Ss. we do. Another way to say this, as Bishop JOHN
John Chrysostom and Basil the Great. The Lit- of the Diocese of Worcester states regularly, would
urgy of St. John is celebrated most often, with the be, “We are called to bring God to the world, and
Liturgy of St. Basil being celebrated during Great to bring the world to God.” We begin the process
Lent and a few other times throughout the year. of bringing God to the world when we offer our-
Through these prayers, both saints teach us about selves to others.
ial obligation. Doubts and questions often arise, the self-offering character of Christ, and recount Conversely, others might be called to find
ollowing our baptism challenging what we think we are “supposed to” the story, culminating in His crucifixion. God. Just as the disciples were instructed to make
and chrismation, we be- believe. This may make us feel like we are in un- This is perhaps most notable in the Liturgy of disciples of all nations, we are given this same
long to God. We become chartered waters, unclear of where we are, and St. John Chrysostom. The priest exclaims: “Sing- commission as disciples ourselves. As we follow
servants of Christ, as where we are going. ing the triumphal hymn, shouting, proclaiming, the discernment process, we become more se-
we hear in the opening Recognizing that we belong to a variety of and saying,” with the choir finishing the sentence cure and confident in our faith. We are then able
of St. Paul’s Letter to the Ro- communities helps us to begin wading through with words by now familiar, from Isaiah: “Holy, to have different conversations within our other
mans: “Paul, a servant of Christ our doubts, so that we can understand them. In Holy, Holy, Lord of Sabaoth; heaven and earth are communities, answering any questions people in
Jesus….” Even more than ser- this way, we own the faith; it is ours, and not full of Thy glory: Hosanna in the highest. Blessed them may have. Our local parish, that is, the Body
vants, we become disciples. As simply things we do because we’re obliged to do is He that cometh in the name of the Lord. of Christ, becomes our base community, showing
disciples, we are called to follow them. As we develop, our ability to think through Hosanna in the highest.” The silent prayer goes on: us the community after which all other commu-
Christ and His way. For many things develops with us. By explicitly question- “With these blessed powers (the angels) we also, nities should be modeled. It is the Church that
Orthodox Christians, this hap- ing what we’re told, we can work through our O Master who lovest mankind, cry aloud and say: reminds us that we are called to be servants of
pens at an early age. All too often, questions, and ultimately solidify what we be- Holy art Thou and all-holy, Thou and Thine only- Christ Jesus – and of others.
however, going to church is some- lieve. Throughout this process our communi- begotten Son and Thy Holy Spirit; holy art Thou Gregory Abdalah, D.Min.
thing we do only to fulfill a famil- ties become increasingly important. As we begin and all-holy, and magnificent is Thy glory, who
12 February 2020 The Word 13
St. Cyril of Alexandria: Emperor Constantine, not wishing to have his Em-
pire divided, called the Christian bishops to Nicaea
to resolve the problem. The Council of Nicaea pro-
Defender of the Theotokos duced the first part of the Nicene creed, declaring
that Jesus is of the same substance as the Father. He
was “true God from true God.” Arius had denied
Fr. Daniel Daly
His divinity.
The battle against Arius was begun by his fellow
“NOW WHEN JESUS CAME INTO THE DISTRICT OF CAESAREA PHILIPPI, HE ASKED HIS DISCIPLES, ‘WHO Alexandrian, St. Athanasius. Arianism in various
forms did not disappear after the Council of Nicea.
DO MEN SAY THAT THE SON OF MAN IS?’ AND THEY SAID, ‘SOME SAY JOHN THE BAPTIST, OTHERS SAY
Many would argue the Jesus had a nature that was
ELIJAH, AND OTHERS JEREMIAH OR ONE OF THE PROPHETS.’ HE SAID TO THEM, ‘BUT WHO DO YOU “similar” to the Father, rather than one that was the
SAY THAT I AM?’” (MATTHEW 16:13–15). same as the Father. By the late Fourth Century,
Arianism had taken over the city of Constantinople.
St. Jerome lamented, “The whole world groaned,
or Christian people, there can be no questions of some of the more noteworthy figures would include and was astonished to find itself Arian.”
more importance than these two questions. They the Jewish-Christian sect of the Ebionites, who sim- The Second Ecumenical Council was called in
concern the identity of Jesus of Nazareth. Each ply regarded Him as the natural son of both Joseph 381 in Constantinople to continue the fight against
question is important. If the “peoaple” regard Him and Mary; Theodotus of Byzantium, who in the Sec- Arianism, but also to condemn the theology of Ap-
as the Son of God, they can build a human society ond Century argued that Jesus was a human being polinarius, who taught that Jesus had an incomplete
guided by his teachings. The second question is one “adopted” by God, probably when He was baptized humanity.
that affects each person who hears the gospel. The by John in the Jordan; and the third-century Sabel- In 431, the Third Ecumenical Council met in
answer of each will determine how they live for the lius, who advocated the concept of “modalism,” in Ephesus to challenge the teaching of Nestorius, the
rest of their lives. which the Three Persons of the Godhead were sim- Patriarch of Constantinople, who refused to accept
St. Peter, inspired by the heavenly Father, certain- ply three different “modes” of the One God. the term Theotokos (“God-bearer”) for the Virgin
ly gave the correct answer, but the issue of the iden- While some denied the full divinity of Jesus, Mary. It is during this controversy that St. Cyril
tity of Jesus did not simply go away, and probably others would eliminate his complete humanity. The of Alexandria became perhaps the most important
defender, not only of the title Theotokos, but of the his uncle Theophilus, where they went to depose St.
never will. St. John the Evangelist, who spoke of Jesus Docetists denied that Jesus had a human body. The
identity of Jesus Christ. Cyril was a most prolific John Chrysostom. A group of Egyptian monks had
as the “Word made flesh,” whose glory he had seen, followers of Appolinarius of Laodicea believed that
writer. Prior to his controversy with Nestorius, his come to Constantinople, complaining of how they
had to insist that the One whom he had seen was the Word of God simply united with human flesh,
works were largely exegetical and anti-Arian. We were being treated by Bishop Theophilus. In 403
“that which we heard, which we have looked upon, with the Logos replacing the human soul of Jesus.
will look more closely at St. Cyril and his work in A.D., Emperor Arcadius demanded that Theophi-
and our hands have handled….” (1 John 1:1–3). Jesus These early heresies did not go unanswered. In
the context of the Nestorian controversy. lus come to Constantinople to apologize to St. John.
was a real, historic person, with a real human body. the First Century, St. Ignatius of Antioch contin-
Theophilus arrived with twenty-nine of his suffra-
This needed to be affirmed by John, because heretics ued the fight against the incipient Docetists. In the THE LIFE OF CYRIL gan bishops, (a lesson Cyril would remember later),
claimed that the physical body of Jesus only “seemed” Second Century, Docetism became more fully de-
We know very little about his early years. He held a council, and challenged St. John. As things
to be real. It was only an “appearance.” There was no veloped in the form of Gnosticism, a serious here-
was born in the town of Didouseya, Egypt, about turned out, it was St. John Chrysostom who was
Incarnation, no suffering and no death for the Per- sy that spread throughout the Mediterranean world.
378 A.D. His maternal uncle, Theophilus, was the called to apologize. St. John was deposed from his
son of Jesus, and consequently no salvation. (These The “gnostic” Jesus was born without any participa-
Archbishop of Alexandria. It is most likely that his office at the Synod of the Oak in 403, with the sup-
heretics were forerunners of a later group, called tion of the material world. He was part of the gnostic
uncle guided his education. St. Cyril’s education in- port of Theophilus and Cyril. He was not deposed
Docetists, or “Illusionists.”) pleroma (fullness) of divine beings who descended
volved the study of the theologians of Alexandria: for his theology, but rather for disciplinary reasons.
The identity of Jesus was debated for the next into the material world. In his famous Adversus
Origen, Didymous the Blind, St. Athanasius, and This did not prove to be a permanent estrangement
four centuries. And the theologian who would write Heresaes, St. Irenaeus, Bishop of Lyons, defended
even St. John Chrysostom. John McGuckin notes between these two Fathers of the Church. Cyril
the definitive answer to the question was St. Cyril of the historical Christ.
that “he was evidently schooled in rhetoric, but the would later use the writings of St. John and speak of
Alexandria (A.D. 376–444) . He has been called the As troublesome as these early years were, in the
substance of his learning is built upon the twin pil- him as a standard of Orthodoxy. During subsequent
greatest christologist. Fourth Century a heresy arose that might be com-
lars of biblical theology and the prior patristic tradi- years, Cyril was groomed for the position of arch-
Between the Apostles Peter and John, and the pared to a plague of locusts. Arising out of Egypt, it
tion.”1 Scripture and the Church Fathers will be the bishop. After the death of his uncle, he was conse-
fifth-century era of Cyril, the question of the identity spread throughout the East. The Gothic tribes car-
foundation of his theology.2 crated on October 18, 412.3
of Jesus arose many times. It would be impossible here ried it to western Europe, Spain and North Africa.
We meet St. Cyril in a somewhat awkward situ-
to cover in any detail the entirety of the christologi- Named after its founder, Arius, a priest of Alexan-
ation, at least for us. He was in Constantinople with
cal controversies in the first four centuries. However, dria, it is the heresy we know as Arianism. In 325,
14 February 2020 The Word 15
S T. C Y R I L
THE ISSUE Unfortunately words such as ousia (nature) and
hypostasis (individual) might be used interchange-
The complex theological question was “How did
ably. The terminology was problematic.8
the Eternal Word, the Second Person of the Trinity,
unite Himself to humanity in the Person of Jesus Antioch versus Alexandria
Christ?” “What was the relationship between the
divine and the human?” At issue were the full di- A further complication was the differing theolo-
vinity of Christ and His full humanity, and, most gies of Antioch in Syria and Alexandria in Egypt.
important, His existence as One Person. Was His Each had its unique history as a theological cen-
humanity simply “absorbed” by his divinity?7 What ter. “Antioch tended to hold apart Christ’s divine
did it mean either to say that Mary was Theotokos, or and human natures, and the Alexandrian school . . .
to deny it? To whom did she give birth? Nestorius of stressed their dynamic unity.”9 Each school had its
Constantinople was the spokesman for what would own theologians. Antioch had Lucian, Diodore of
be regarded as the heresy of Nestorianism, the de- Tarsus, Theodore of Mopsuestia, John Chrysostom,
nial of the term Theotokos for Mary, the mother of and Theodore of Cyrus. Alexandria had Origen,
Jesus Christ. Cyril was his adversary. In the dispute, Clement of Alexandria, Didymous the Blind, and
Cyril would clarify the questions regarding Chris- the great St. Athanasius. Each school had its rep-
tology and permanently make the term Theotokos, or resentative in the current debate: Nestorius of the
Mother of God, an established part of the theology Antiochian, and Cyril of the Alexandrian.
and piety of the Church. Alexandria versus Constantinople
T H E C O M P L I C AT I N G FA C T O R S The third Canon of the First Council of Con-
NESTORIUS AND THE Nestorius’s rejection of the term Theotokos
Language stantinople (381 A.D.) stated that “the Bishop of
CONTROVERSY was not new. It had been rejected by his teacher
Constantinople . . . shall have the prerogative of
Theodore of Mopsuestia back in Antioch. What Among the complicating factors of the con-
Nestorius was born in the city of Germani- honor after the Bishop of Rome, because Constan-
had been a non-issue in Antioch, became in Con- troversy was language. In English we can simply
cia in the province of Syria. He was a student of tinople is New Rome.” Although Constantinople,
stantinople a debate that rose to the importance of say that Jesus had a human nature and a divine
Theodore of Mopsuestia. He lived as a priest- founded in 320 A.D., was the New Rome and the
Arianism and Appolinarism, both of which were nature, and that they were united in One Person.
monk near Antioch. It is likely that he was chosen City of Constantine, Alexandria was far older as a
resolved by an Ecumenical Council. Nestorius de-
to be the Patriarch of Constantinople because of
cided to hold a public debate over the issue of the
his fame as a preacher. He was probably recom-
term Theotokos. His spokesman was the monk An-
mended by Patriarch John of Antioch, who was his
astasius, who “repeated the longstanding argument:
friend. In 428, Nestorius arrived in Constantino-
‘Let no man call Mary Mother of God for she was
ple with a number of monks, the most problematic
but a woman, and it is impossible for God to be
of whom would be the priest Anastasius. Nestorius
born of a woman.’”5 Nestorius was fond of using
managed to incur the antipathy of the monas-
the expression strictly speaking in his writings. His
tics in Constantinople, sending them back to their
adversaries mocked him by saying, “If Mary is not,
monasteries, and also the very rich and powerful sis-
strictly speaking, the Mother of God, then her son
ter of the Emperor, Pulcheria. He publicly refused
is not, strictly speaking, God!”6 What troubled his
to give her communion in the sanctuary with her
adversaries was that his refusal to accept the term
brother. (This was a privilege of the Emperor.) Pul-
Theotokos implied that there were two separate per-
cheria opened a church for herself and the dissident
sons in Christ, one divine and one human. A divided
monastics. Although her brother initially supported
Christ meant that there was no real unity between
Nestorius, Pulcheria and the monastics allied them-
the divine and the human. If so, this called salvation
selves with Cyril.
itself into question. Believing that a council would
John McGuckin describes Nestorius as a “con-
decide in his favor, he asked the emperor for one.
sistent, if none too clear, exponent of the longstand-
The Emperor, however, called the Council not in
ing Antiochene dogmatic tradition.”4 Nestorius was
Constantinople but in the City of Ephesus, which
greatly surprised that what he had always taught
was the most important shrine of Mary. This placed
in Antioch without any controversy whatsoever
Nestorius at a serious disadvantage.
should prove to be so objectionable to the Chris-
tians of Constantinople.
16 February 2020 The Word 17
Icon written by Randi Cider Rose
S T. C Y R I L
doctrine about Christ. Mariology and Christology the sentiment of the holy Fathers; therefore they chaos on all sides. century Alexandrian
church.
were now part of a common debate. If Nestorius ventured to call the holy Virgin, the Mother of God After the arrival of the papal delegation, six more 4. Cf. McGuckin, op.
denied the term Theotokos, he was undermining the (Theotokos), not as if the nature of the Word or sessions were held in Ephesus. Both Nestorius and cit., p. 22.
Incarnation. The term Theotokos had serious reper- his divinity had its beginning from the holy Vir- Cyril wrote letters to Emperor Theodosius, plead- 5. Ibid. p. 29.
cussions not only for the Christian knowledge of gin but because of her was born the holy body ing their cases. Many in Constantinople were de- 6. Ibid.
7. J.N.D. Kelly notes
Mary but even more for that of Christ.10 with a rational soul to which the Word being manding the deposition of Nestorius. The emperor that, with his Alex-
The opponents of Nestorius were able to gain personally united is said to be born of the flesh.12 decided to reject both the Council headed by Cyril andrian background,
the support of Cyril of Alexandria and the monks and that of John of Antioch. The bishops were not “the Christological
The Council of Ephesus problem did not
of Egypt. Both Nestorius and Cyril sent appeals to allowed to leave Ephesus until the matters were set- present itself to him
Pope Celestine in Rome. This resulted in a Roman On the 19th of November 430 A.D., Emperor tled. Representatives of the two factions were called as that of explain-
council. It condemned the teaching of Nestorius. Theodosius II, yielding to the request of Nestorius, to meet at Chalcedon. John of Antioch no longer ing the union of two
Cyril was appointed to pronounce the sentence of called for the Council that would meet in Ephesus supported Nestorius, while the supporters of Cyril disparate natures. …
on Pentecost, June 7 of the following year. Ephesus He thought rather of
deposition on Nestorius if he did not submit. were adamant in their support. In the end Theodo- two phases or stages
In December of 430, delegates were sent from was the site of the most famous Marian shrine. This sius allowed Nestorius to return to his monastery. in the existence of
Alexandria to Constantinople condemning Nesto- gave Cyril an initial advantage. Cyril was allowed to return to Alexandria. Cyril had the Logos, one prior
By June 7, Nestorius and his sixteen bishops to and the other after
rius. Cyril’s letter to Nestorius also attached twelve been victorious. His theology and language would the Incarnation. The
anathemas, and told Nestorius he had ten days to were the first to arrive. When he arrived in Ephesus, be used by the Council of Chalcedon in 451 A.D. Logos as he liked to
retract his position. The letters of Nestorius to Pope the local Metropolitan Memnon did not greet him The importance of Cyril’s victory cannot be say ‘remains what He
Celestine went unanswered. As a consequence of and would not allow him to use any of the churches. overstated. The term Theotokos affirmed unequivo-
was’” (Early Christian
Doctrines, Prince
the dispute, the Emperor arranged for the Council Cyril and his entourage of 50 bishops were greeted cally that the one born of Mary, who suffered, died, Press, Peabody, MA,
to be held in Ephesus in 431. as visiting dignitaries. The bishops of the Ephesus and rose again, was one Person, God incarnate. The 2000, p. 319).
The clarity of Cyril’s theology is expressed in his region and Jerusalem supported Cyril. Other than rejection of the term would have meant a Christ 8. “He (Cyril) used
1. John McGuckin, St. center of Christianity. Founded by Alexander the the term physis and
Cyril of Alexandria first Letter to Nestorius.11 the papal delegates, Italy was not represented, nor divided into two persons. A human Christ could
Great in 331 B.C., the city was second only to Rome hypostasis without any
and the Christological was North Africa. The council was largely an East- not restore us to God. Any other understanding of distinction to signify
Controversy, St. Vladi- in its size and wealth. It was the city where the Sep- For we do not say that the nature of the ern affair. Christ becomes confused and misleading. The sal- ‘nature’ as well as ‘per-
mir Seminary Press, tuagint Bible was translated several centuries earlier. Word was changed and became flesh, or that it son’ (Quasten, op. cit.,
Crestwood, NY, p. 3. Cyril opened the Council on June 22, 431. He vation of man began at the moment when the Word
It was the home of the philosopher Plotinus, who was converted into a whole man consisting of a p. 139).
McGuckin’s work is did not wait for the arrival of John of Antioch and of God became incarnate in the womb of Mary,
a comprehensive and would influence later Christian authors. The church soul and body; but rather that the Word having 9. Cf. J.N.D. Kelly,
his Syrian delegation, which would have been more who is truly Theotokos. Dictionary of Popes
very readable account of Alexandria was founded by the Apostle Mark. personally united to himself to flesh animated
of the events of St. favorable toward Nestorius. The representatives of In time the differences between Alexandria and
(Oxford University
It was the city of Origen and St. Athanasius. That by a rational soul, did in an ineffable and incon- Press, Oxford, 1986),
Cyril’s life and of the Pope Celestine had also not arrived. Antioch were settled. Antioch accepted the term
Council of Ephesus.
these two cities and their churches would be com- ceivable manner become man and was called p. 41.
Nonetheless, against the advice of the represen- Theotokos. Cyril accepted the fact that while their 10. McGuckin, op. cit.,
2. The appeal of Cyril petitive is understandable. The two Antiochians, St. the Son of Man, not merely as willing or be- tative of the Emperor, and coercing him to read the language was different, their faith was one. p. 21.
to both Scripture and John Chrysostom and Patriarch Nestorius, were ing pleased to be so called, neither on account of 11. This is only one
the Fathers sets the official document from the Emperor, the Coun- Was Nestorius himself really guilty of the heresy
driven from their sees by Alexandrian patriarchs. taking to himself a person but because the two of a number of
pattern of theol- cil was officially opened. The letters of both Cyril of Nestorianism? That debate continues today. His significant letters
ogy for the Church. The Term Theotokos natures being brought together in a true union; and Nestorius were read. Cyril’s was approved and written by Cyril
Johannes Quasten there is of both one Christ and one Son; for the later writings insist that he did not believe that there
Nestorius’ was condemned. The Creed of Nicaea in this controversy.
notes, “It is certainly The term theotokos had been used for more than were “two persons” in Christ. In any case, Nestori-
his merit that from difference of the natures is not taken away by the was reaffirmed, Nestorius was deposed and ex-
This was true also of
a century before its rejection by Nestorius. Origen anism is a heresy. We are indebted to Cyril in two Nestorius, A discus-
now on Patristic union, but rather the divinity and the humanity communicated. Cyril had won the day in this first
(184–253 A.D.) may have been the first to use it. It very important ways. He provided the most com- sion of the Council
testimony stands with make perfect for us the one Lord Jesus Christ by session, but the approval of the Emperor was still of Ephesus, includ-
Scriptural as authority was used by the fourth-century theologians Atha- plete and Orthodox answer to the question of the
their ineffable and inexpressible union. not given. ing the documents
in theological argu- nasius in 330 and Gregory the Theologian in 370. identity of Jesus Christ, and he assured the posi- of the council, may
mentation” (Patrology, ... The Syrian delegation were at a marked disad-
The Antiochian Theodore of Mopsuestia (350–428) tion of Mary as Mother of God for all generations. be found in Nicene
vol. 3, Christian Clas- But since, for us and for our salvation, he vantage in coming to Ephesus. Some bishops had and Post-Nicene
sics Inc., Westminster, may have been the first to deny the title. “Mary bore Much of modern Christianity needs to rediscover
personally united to himself a human body, and to journey from Persia and Arabia. Antioch was Fathers, Second Series,
MD, p. 135). Jesus, not the Word, for the Word was remained not only the title Theotokos, but the its implication
3. Western historians came forth of a woman, he is in this way said to still over 700 miles from Ephesus. The Antiochian
vol. 14, The Seven
omnipresent, although from the beginning he dwelt for the understanding of the mystery of salvation. Ecumenical Councils,
have treated Cyril be born after the flesh; for he was not first born delegation arrived four days late. Not surprisingly,
in a negative light. in Jesus in a peculiar manner. Thus Mary is properly pp.192–242.
a common man of the holy Virgin and then the they were angry at being left out of the proceed- Fr. Daniel Daly 12. Ibid. p. 198.
This partly due to the Mother of Christ (Christotokos), but not the
the anti-Christian Word came down and entered into him, but the ings. They held their own council, at which they ex-
Mother of God (Theotokos).” As a pupil of Theo-
biases of the “Age union being made in the womb itself he is said communicated Cyril and Memnon the bishop of
dore in Antioch, it was no surprise that Nestorius
of Enlightenment,” to endure a birth after the flesh, ascribing to Ephesus, and the bishops who had supported Cyril.
and the anachronistic followed this line of thought.
himself the birth of his own flesh…..This was The weeks that followed were a time of conflict and
treatment of the fifth- What was needed was a clear resolution of the
18 February 2020 The Word 19
TheWord 19S H A R I N G T H E FA I T H
“FROM THESE STONES”
DEPARTMENT OF MISSIONS AND EVANGELISM
CUTTING IT CLOSE
IN GILLETTE AND RAPID
BELOVED BROTHERS AND SISTERS, Festivals. The theme is a critical one this year. It is a cor-
rective to the widely held notion that we exist in a “neutral”
“This then, is our task: to educate
world, and that Christ, like Santa, will reward the good.
ourselves and our children in
Fr. Joseph Huneycutt godliness” Concerning a “Spiritually Fruitful Lent”
– St. John Chrysostom There are many ways we can grow closer to God: through
Allowing for potential weather events, I had I searched up rates for a one-way rental car to Parents, Teachers, and Scripture reading, prayer, and church services. All can
Church School Directors – if make for a spiritually fruitful Lent. We can see this growth,
scheduled my arrival on Thursday, but flights did not Denver. Have you ever tried to rent a car for next-day
you made any New Year’s reso- however, as allowing God to change our lives. In the forty
cooperate. Staring at the overhead screen after check- travel, one way, on Christmas weekend? Not good! I
lutions last month, I hope one of days we are urged toward dependence on God, repen-
ing in, it dawned on me that, due to delays, I likely called the Chairman of the Department of Missions
them was to join our online communities. We post daily tance, and humility – the right dispositions, as Orthodox
would miss my connection in Denver. and Evangelism, Fr. John Finley. After listening to my Christians know. With these in place we can indeed mani-
for teachers and parents, and provide useful and thought-
When this was brought to the attention of dilemma, he said, “Do it. Just do it! Don’t worry about ful resources – continuing education at your fingertips – to fest the fruit of the Holy Spirit:“The fruit of the Spirit is love,
the customer service rep, I was as- the cost. We’ll find the money.” help you be the best parent, teacher or director for God’s joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithful-
sured that, at present, ev- Thank God for the ministry of The Order of St. Ignatius children. If you are already online with us, share a post with ness, gentleness, self-control” (Galatians 5:22).
erything should work of Antioch. While the extra car rental wasn’t cheap, it a friend and invite them to join too! Time and Zacchaeus. How easy it is to consider Lent
out. That would be nice was less than the annual pledge of a Knight or Dame. as simply a negative period of time. In reality, Lenten sea-
for the folks at St. John, Such situations would find little or no solution with- @ Facebook.com sons are a gift of time. One of the ways Judaism differed
Rapid City, South Da- out the help of the Order; and the Order supports the Orthodoxchristianparenting from the pagan religions was the commandment to “keep
kota. They, along with work of the Department of Missions and Evangelism. Orthodoxchristiansundaychurchschoolteachers holy the Sabbath,” which for them was the last day of the
Holy Resurrection, Gil- On Friday morning, December 21, I began the Orthodoxchristianchurchschooldirectors week, Saturday. As soon after, the Israelites began forty
lette, Wyoming, had been six-hour drive to Gillette – where I switched to my @ WordPress.com years of wandering in the desert, there were no holy sites
without a priest for two previously scheduled (and pre-paid) rental car. Then Orthodoxchristianparenting for worship. Instead, a portion of time was to be kept holy,
years. I drove two and a half hours to Rapid City. There I Orthodoxchristianchurchschoolteachers to reflect on one’s life, to repent, and to draw near to God.
It’s a two-hour drive heard confessions, served Great Vespers, heard more Orthodoxbabyhomecoming A portion of time to reflect; to repent; and to draw near
between those communities, and leaving out of Gil- confessions, and enjoyed the fellowship of the people www.orthodoxmustardseed.blogspot.com to God. That is what God asked of the Israelites 3,000
lette for the return flight made the most sense; thus, of St John. On Saturday, December 22, it was Orthros years ago, and has never stopped asking of His people.
that was my roundtrip destination. This was my sec- and Divine Liturgy, followed by the singing of carols, www.pinterest.com/aodce The Great Fast is the yearly portion of time that is to be
ond Christmas visit to the Black Hills region. Both and fellowship. A full house! I drove back to Gillette kept holy, peaceful, and focused on God. Today this can
be difficult. We are “distracted to death,” and can unplug
were planned for a day or two before Christmas, to let for Great Vespers, confessions, and fellowship at Holy The resources for parents and teachers are posted simul- only with great effort. We need a heart like Zacchaeus –
me get back to my parish in Houston for the Feast. Resurrection. taneously on Facebook and WordPress, with WordPress yearning for God. He knew the opportunity to see Jesus
Alas, because of a long delay pulling up to an avail- On Sunday, December 23, I served Orthros and offering an archive and search bar. A valuable resource was fleeting, and he gave up not only his time, but his very
able gate in Denver, I just missed my connection. As it Divine Liturgy. This was followed by the singing of that had 700 downloads the first year it was posted and dignity, to do so.
was “Christmas weekend,” there were few alternatives; carols and more fellowship. Because I had an early re- is now in the archives is the “Great Lent and Holy Week
And Jesus looked up and saw him in the tree, and said,
none that would work. “I can get you there tomorrow turn flight (1 p.m.), I was unable to stay for fellow- Activity Calendar.” You can find it here: orthodoxchristian-
“Zacchaeus, make haste and come down, for today I
evening,” the flight rep said. “No, you see, I’m a priest ship. Thankfully, my return flight to Houston was not parenting.files.wordpress.com/2015/02
must stay at your house” (Luke 19:1–10).
and one of the parishes I’m visiting will be without delayed. On our social networking sites, you’ll often find book re-
Christmas services if I don’t make it in time.” As I stated to His Eminence, Metropolitan views. One of the books reviewed for the Parenting sites
Carole A. Buleza, Director
It was getting late, and whatever the solution JOSEPH, in my report, “All in all, it was a joyful was, Tending the Garden of Our Hearts, published by An-
would be, it would have to wait until morning. The weekend – bringing a bit of Christmas (early) to these cient Faith Press to help families make the forty days a With gratitude, we acknowledge the contribution of the
airline would put me up in a hotel, but what to do thirsty communities.” That’s just a part of the minis- time of growing together spiritually. Kristina provided an Order of St. lgnatius that partially funds the work of our
the following day? “Have them pull my bags off the try of The Order of St. Ignatius of Antioch: bringing overview of the book she co-authored with Elissa Bjelet- Department.
plane,” I said; “I’ll rent a car and drive.” The look from the Joy of Christmas to those without pastoral care. ich, which we reprinted for these pages.
the customer service rep was like, “Mmm. O … kay.” I’ve experienced it: The Order provides drink for those I also share my thoughts here, not as an essay, but as
(Driving six hours north from Denver in December who thirst. two smaller pieces: “Concerning a Fruitful Lent,” direct-
can be iffy.) Thank you! ly below, and, further on, concerning the 2020 Creative
20 February 2020 The Word 21You can also read
