Treasury Page Archive 2008
December 2008
The Nativity (Liturgical Texts)
Troparion of Nativity, Tone 4
Thy Nativity, O Christ our God, hath shined upon the world the light of knowledge; for thereby, they that worshipped the stars were taught by a star to worship Thee, the Sun of Righteousness, and to know Thee, the Dayspring from on high. O Lord, glory be to Thee.
Kontakion of the Nativity, Tone 3
Today the virgin giveth birth to Him Who is above all being, and the earth offereth a cave to Him Whom no man can approach. Angels with shepherds give glory, and magi journey with a star. For our sake is born a Young Child, the Pre-eternal God!
First Canon of Canticle Four, Nativity Matins
Rod of the root of Jesse, and flower that blossomed from his stem, O Christ, Thou hast sprung from the Virgin. From the Mountain overshadowed by the forest Thou hast come, made flesh from her that knew not welock, O God who art not formed from matter. Glory to Thy power, O Lord. O Christ, whom Jacob foretold in the days of old, calling Thee the Expectation of the nations, Thou hast shone forth from the tribe of Judah, and Thou hast come to plunder the strength of Damascus and the spoils of Samaria, turning their error into faith, O beautiful God. Glory to Thy power, O Lord. O Master who hast risen as a Star out of Jacob, Thou hast filled with joy the watchers of the stars, who interpreted wisely the words of Balaam, the soothsayer of old. As the first fruits of the Gentiles were they led unto Thee, and Thou has openly received them, as they brought Thee acceptable gifts. Glory to Thy power, O Lord. As dew upon the fleece hast Thou descended into the womb of the Virgin, O Christ, and as drops of rain that fall upon the earth. Ethiopia and Tarshish and the isles of Arabia, the kings of Saba, of the Medes and all the earth, fell down before Thee, O Saviour. Glory to Thy power, O Lord.
A Hymn of the Nativity
How is He contained in a womb, whom nothing can contain?
And how can He who is in the bosom of the Father
be held in the arms of His Mother?
This is according to His good pleasure,
as He knows and wishes.
For being without flesh,
of His own will has He been made flesh;
and He Who Is,
for our sakes has become that which He was not.
Without departing from His own nature
He has shared in our substance.
Desiring to fill the world on high with citizens,
Christ has undergone a twofold birth.
Praises (Lauds) of Nativity Matins, Tone 4 (by Andrew of Jerusalem)
Make glad, O ye righteous; greatly rejoice, O ye heavens; ye mountains, dance for joy. Christ is born, and like the cherubim the Virgin makes a throne, carrying at her bosom God the Word made flesh. Shepherds glorify the new-born Child, magi offer the Master gifts. Angels sing praises, saying: 'O Lord past understanding, glory to Thee!' It was the good pleasure of the Father: the Word became flesh, and the Virgin bore God made man. A star spreads abroad the tidings: the Magi worship, the shepherds stand amazed, and the creation is filled with mighty joy. O Mother of God, Virgin who hast borne the Saviour, thou hast overthrown the ancient curse of Eve. For thou hast become the Mother of Him in whom the Father was well pleased, and has carried at thy bosom God the incarnate Word. We cannot fathom this mystery: but by faith alone we all glorify it, crying with thee and saying: O Lord past all interpretation, glory to Thee! O come, let us sing the praises of the Mother of the Saviour, who after bearing child still remained Virgin. Rejoice, thou Living City of God the King, in which Christ has dwelt, bringing to pass our salvation. With Gabriel we sing thy praises; with the shepherds we glorify thee, crying: O Mother of God, intercede for our salvation with Him who took flesh from thee!
First Ode of the Canon of the Nativity
Christ is born, glorify him. Christ is from heaven, go to meet him. Christ is an earth, be ye lifted up. Sing to the Lord, all the earth. Sing out with gladness, all ye people. For he is glorified. (First Ode of the Christmas Canon)
November 2008
The Eucharist and Orthodox Christians
Christ
Empowers Worshipers in the Eucharist
By George Patsourakos
Of the seven major sacraments in the Eastern Orthodox Church, two were established by the Lord Himself: Baptism and the Holy Eucharist. Baptism initiates a person into the Body of Christ. The Eucharist provides the indispensable nourishment for continued membership in the Body of Christ.
“Eucharist” is derived from the Greek word eucharistia which means “thanksgiving,” and is the heart of worship in the Orthodox Church. It is a sacramental thanksgiving to God in Christ and the Holy Spirit for all that our Heavenly Father has done in creating, redeeming, and sustaining believers in true faith. The Eucharist is often referred to as the “sacrament of sacraments,” because it is the foundation as well as the goal of all the doctrines in the Orthodox Church.
The Holy Eucharist began nearly 2,000 years ago at the Last Supper when Jesus took the bread and told His disciples that this is His Body. Then Jesus took the cup of wine and told His disciples that this is His Blood. Jesus also told His disciples to eat the bread and drink the wine in remembrance of Him and for the forgiveness of their sins. While the primary purpose of the Holy Eucharist is for us to become united to Christ, in so doing, this sacrament also grants us eternal life. Jesus made this very clear by saying that if we eat His Flesh and drink His Blood, we will have eternal life. The Lord also said unless we eat His Flesh and drink His Blood, we have no (eternal) life in us.
The early Christians called the Eucharist “the medicine of immortality,” because they believed that the Eucharist is an antidote against spiritual death. It is imperative that we keep in mind that the Holy Eucharist is not merely a symbol of Christ’s Body and Blood. It is in fact the very Body and Blood of Christ, changed in a mysterious way by the descent of the Holy Spirit. It is during the celebration of the Divine Liturgy in the Orthodox Church that through the invocation (epiklesis) of the Holy Spirit, by the priest, that this mysterious change is effected.
Receiving the Holy Eucharist is
contingent upon fulfilling several prerequisites.
First, we should acknowledge our sins and ask God for
forgiveness. A second
requirement is to set aside a time of prayerful reflection to allow our
thoughts to be guided by Christ through the Holy Spirit.
Third, we should observe the fasts as designated by the Orthodox
Church, and we should not eat or drink anything from
Fasting also means that we must not overindulge in any foods. In other words, moderation should play a key role in our lives -- especially while we fast for Communion. Let us remember that the call for Communion during the service is “With the fear of God, Faith, and Love draw near.”
Rev.
Dr. Peter Rizos,
pastor of the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church in
As Orthodox Christians, we are most blessed to be able to receive Christ’s Body and Blood in church every week. Indeed, there is no other Christian act of faith that is as beneficial for our body and soul as the Holy Eucharist, because it empowers us to grow in the likeness of Christ.
(George Patsourakos of
October 2008
The Fathers of the 7th Ecumenical Council (12th October)
The Classic Declaration on the Veneration of the Holy Icons
"To make our confession short, we keep unchanged all the ecclesiastical traditions handed down to us, whether in writing or verbally, one of which is the making of pictorial representations, agreeable to the history of the preaching of the Gospel, a tradition useful in many respects, but especially in this, that so the incarnation of the Word of God is shown forth as real and not merely fantastic, for these have mutual indications and without doubt have also mutual significations. We, therefore, following the royal pathway and the divinely inspired authority of our Holy Fathers and the traditions of the Catholic Church (for, as we all know, the Holy Spirit indwells her), define with all certitude and accuracy that just as the figure of the precious and life-giving Cross, so also the venerable and holy images, as well in painting and mosaic as of other fit materials, should be set forth in the holy churches of God, and on the sacred vessels and on the vestments and on hangings and in pictures both in houses and by the wayside, to wit, the figure of our Lord God and Saviour Jesus Christ, of our spotless Lady, the Mother of God, of the honourable Angels, of all Saints and of all pious people. For by so much more frequently as they are seen in artistic representation, by so much more readily are men lifted up to the memory of their prototypes, and to a longing after them; and to these should be given due salutation and honorable reverence not indeed that true worship of faith which pertains alone to the divine nature; but to these, as to the figure of the precious and life-giving Cross and to the Book of the Gospels and to the other holy objects, incense and lights may be offered according to ancient pious custom. For the honor which is paid to the image passes on to that which the image represents, and he who reveres the image reveres in it the subject represented . . . "
September 2008
Akathist to the Theotokos Daughter of Zion
(for the Feast of the Nativity)
Kontakion 1
Shine, shine, O holy Mother of God! You are the New Jerusalem, our
Mother! The glory of the Lord has shone on you! Save us, your children
and exiles, that we may return home and sing to you:
Rejoice O Theotokos, Virgin Daughter of Zion!
Ikos 1
The Lord of Hosts came to dwell in your midst, O holy Virgin, just as He
promised through the holy prophet Zechariah. Seeing this, you sang for
joy and were glad, knowing many nations would join themselves to the
Lord and become His People, and from all of us you hear this song:
Rejoice, for the Lord chose you for His own dwelling!
Rejoice, for the Almighty set up His royal dwelling in your flesh!
Rejoice, for he who touches you touches the apple of God’s eye!
Rejoice, for you abide under the Almighty’s protection!
Rejoice, O royal pavilion of the King!
Rejoice, O mystical courts of the Lord!
Rejoice, for through you Judah enters his inheritance!
Rejoice, for through you Israel receives the blessing of God!
Rejoice, for all flesh is silent before your fame!
Rejoice, for the Lord is roused up and has come to dwell in you!
Rejoice, for God is a wall of fire around you!
Rejoice, for He is the glory in your midst!
Rejoice O Theotokos, Virgin Daughter of Zion!
Kontakion 2
Christ was firmly placed in you as the precious Corner-stone, O Virgin
Theotokos, mystical Zion, and those who believe in Him will not be
ashamed. As living stones of His spiritual Temple, we marvel at this
prophetic mystery and call out to you in peace,
Alleluia!
Ikos 2
Melchizedek, King of Salem, went out to bless Abraham after his victory,
and he brought forth bread and wine as a priest of the Most High God. He
was, by translation of his name, the King of Righteousness, and he
abides a priest forever, a type and image of your Son, O holy Mother of
God. Through him, your Son first united Jerusalem to Himself, and
thereby taught us to sing to you:
Rejoice, for through you the Lord’s peace shines forth!
Rejoice, for through you His righteousness is revealed!
Rejoice, O giver of the Bread of Life!
Rejoice, O bestower of the Wine of Immortality!
Rejoice, O sacrificial altar of prophecy!
Rejoice, O mystical table of the Eucharist!
Rejoice, for you gave birth to Him who has no father on earth!
Rejoice, for you gave life to Him who abides forever!
Rejoice, you that bless the nations!
Rejoice, you that bring renewal to Jacob!
Rejoice, O victory over our enemies!
Rejoice, O ransom from our foes!
Rejoice O Theotokos, Virgin Daughter of Zion!
Kontakion 3
Christ our Redeemer came to dwell in you, the mystical Zion, O holy
Virgin; and we who have turned from our transgressions now sing to you,
Alleluia!
Ikos 3
The great Moses revealed that God would choose a place out of all the
tribes of Israel for His Name to dwell, that all His People should come
there to find His glory. By so doing, he also foretold your glory, O
holy Theotokos, showing how all Christians should turn to you with
praises such as these:
Rejoice, for God chose you out of all women on the earth!
Rejoice, for all generations will call you blessed!
Rejoice, O rest from our enemies!
Rejoice, O victory over our foes!
Rejoice, for he who has no portion finds his abundance in you!
Rejoice, for the dispossessed finds in you his inheritance!
Rejoice, O festal table fully-laden with good things!
Rejoice, O wealth of the Kingdom freely-given to all!
Rejoice, for through you the hungry eat and are filled!
Rejoice, for through you the true desires of the world are satisfied!
Rejoice, O place where the Sacrificial Lamb is found!
Rejoice, O you that gave your blood to Him whose Blood is the life of
the world!
Rejoice O Theotokos, Virgin Daughter of Zion!
Kontakion 4
By the power of God, David captured the stronghold of Jerusalem, which
was called Zion, meaning “height”; thus he prophesied of the height of
your glory, O Theotokos, whom God exalted to be higher than the
cherubim. Amazed at such transcendent splendour, we lowly sinners cry
out,
Alleluia!
Ikos 4
The city of Zion received the Ark of God’s Presence, O Mother of God,
and you were overshadowed by the Power of the Most High. David offered
sacrifices and danced before the Ark with all his might, and we his
heirs also offer our spiritual songs:
Rejoice, you that receive the Fire that breaks out against our enemies!
Rejoice, you that contain the Flame that warms our souls!
Rejoice, you that the hosts of heaven praise with all their strength!
Rejoice, you that we sinners on earth exalt in our weakness!
Rejoice, O tent receiving the Ark of Christ!
Rejoice, O temple containing the infinite God!
Rejoice, for all the blessing of God abides on you!
Rejoice, for you are the source of blessing for all!
Rejoice, O city of God!
Rejoice, O dwelling of Israel’s King!
Rejoice, for those who despise God’s humility are confounded in you!
Rejoice, for in you the humble find salvation!
Rejoice O Theotokos, Virgin Daughter of Zion!
Kontakion 5
Solomon the son of David built a Temple for the Most High, and thus made
Jerusalem the place where His Name dwelt. At the dedication of the
Temple, the glory of the Lord descended in power and filled the House,
foretelling the time when His glory would dwell in the handmaiden of
Nazareth. Meditating on these ancient mysteries, we worshippers of God
also prostrate ourselves before His might as we exclaim,
Alleluia!
Ikos 5
The kings of the earth and its rulers, Pilate and Herod, took their
stand against the Lord and against His Christ, but God had established
His Son upon Zion, His holy mountain. We who take refuge in Him find our
eternal blessedness as we worship Him, and we sing to His Mother with
whom He now reigns, such songs as these:
Rejoice, O bulwark against the darkness of this age!
Rejoice, O haven of safety in the midst of our foes!
Rejoice, Mother that nourished the King of the World!
Rejoice, city on which the King has been established!
Rejoice, for the Lord decreed that He would dwell in you!
Rejoice, for in you the prophecies of old have been fulfilled!
Rejoice, victory given to kings!
Rejoice, wisdom given to judges!
Rejoice, for through you the wrath of God has come to cease!
Rejoice, for you gave birth to the Peace of our souls!
Rejoice, O refuge for the lost!
Rejoice, O home found by the homeless!
Rejoice O Theotokos, Virgin Daughter of Zion!
Kontakion 6
The ancient gates of Zion were lifted up, allowing the King of Glory
with His Ark to enter the holy City, and foretelling the time when the
divine Presence would enter the Handmaiden of God and dwell in her holy
flesh. Amazed at such holiness dwelling among men, we royal soldiers
sing to her,
Alleluia!
Ikos 6
God our refuge and strength is with us; the God of Jacob is mighty in
His City. He is in the midst of her, so that she will not be moved, and
He will help her right early. Knowing the Theotokos to be a bulwark of
protection for us weak sinners, we cry out boldly to her:
Rejoice, O refuge from our enemies!
Rejoice, you that make our troubles to cease!
Rejoice, O immovable mountain when the waters roar and foam!
Rejoice, O place of peace when the earth begins to quake!
Rejoice, for God came to dwell in the midst of your holy body!
Rejoice, for God is your helper who will not fail!
Rejoice, O intercessor through whom wars cease to the ends of the earth!
Rejoice, O Mother of the Victorious Lord!
Rejoice, O bestower of divine stillness!
Rejoice, you through whom we come to know our God!
Rejoice, you that exalted God in your life!
Rejoice, O humble one through whom God is exalted among the nations!
Rejoice O Theotokos, Virgin Daughter of Zion!
Kontakion 7
There will be praise before God in Zion, as the holy Virgin of Nazareth
receives from the angel Gabriel the Good News of Christ’s Incarnation.
Worshipping her God, she lifted up her voice and sang, “My soul
magnifies the Lord”, and we poor sinners also praise Him, singing,
Alleluia!
Ikos 7
Great is Christ our God, and greatly to be praised, through you, O holy
Virgin. Beautiful in the heights of holiness, you are the joy of the
whole earth, and through you God is praised to the ends of the world.
Because of His judgements and power through your birth-giving, all the
universe cries to You:
Rejoice, O radiant height of life-giving holiness!
Rejoice, O bottomless depth of the divine compassion!
Rejoice, O daughter of Zion in the far north, city of the great King!
Rejoice, O intercessor, accessible to all the corners of the earth!
Rejoice, for God has shown His strength through your weakness!
Rejoice, for He has made you stronger than the strength of men!
Rejoice, O you that cause demons to take flight!
Rejoice, O you that bring the saints near to God!
Rejoice, O mother whose childbirth ends our anguish!
Rejoice, O Lady whose Son calms our fears!
Rejoice, O city of many towers and ramparts!
Rejoice, O our security and guide forever!
Rejoice O Theotokos, Virgin Daughter of Zion!
Kontakion 8
From you, the perfection of spiritual beauty, God has shone forth, O
Theotokos; and the devouring Fire dwelt in your womb as in the Burning
Bush. He has not kept silence, but has come as the Word from heaven, and
through Him we are taught to offer you the hymn,
Alleluia!
Ikos 8
The Gospel-bearing Prophet Isaiah proclaimed that the ransomed of the
Lord would return to Zion with singing, having everlasting joy like a
crown upon their heads; and we, ransomed by Christ’s Blood, turn in
prayer to you, O Theotokos, singing with gladness such praises as these:
Rejoice, O Mother of the ransomer of our souls!
Rejoice, you that gave life to the Life-giver!
Rejoice, O eternal joy of the saints in heaven!
Rejoice, O resounding song of the Church on earth!
Rejoice, O banisher our sorrow!
Rejoice, you that make our sighing to cease!
Rejoice, O road for the exiles to return!
Rejoice, O path to heaven!
Rejoice, O shining crown of the redeemed!
Rejoice, O everlasting reward of the faithful!
Rejoice, you that make the hearts of sinners to sing!
Rejoice, you that cause the saints to exult!
Rejoice O Theotokos, Virgin Daughter of Zion!
Kontakion 9
David was glad to go to Jerusalem, the city to which all the divine
tribes went up to give thanks to the Lord’s Name, and he prayed that
they would prosper who loved Zion. We pilgrims on earth also resort to
the heavenly Theotokos, offering her the glad song,
Alleluia!
Ikos 9
God chose you, O holy Virgin, from all others in Israel, setting His
love upon you. He made you a sanctified Temple, fit for His
dwelling-place, setting your glory above the high heavens, and teaching
us to chant to you praises like these:
Rejoice, O holy Sanctuary, dwelling in the heights!
Rejoice, O courts of the Lord, founded forever!
Rejoice, for you brought forth the Son of David!
Rejoice, for you gave birth to the Shepherd of our souls!
Rejoice, Lady unique among the children of men!
Rejoice, you that gave birth to the Creator of all!
Rejoice, O blameless and immaculate Virgin!
Rejoice, O Mother of the holy Church!
Rejoice, for the holy flock of Christ finds pasture through you!
Rejoice, for you shelter the tender sheep of God!
Rejoice, O boast of the upright of heart!
Rejoice, O hope of the penitent sinner!
Rejoice O Theotokos, Virgin Daughter of Zion!
Kontakion 10
Pilgrims knew that those who trusted in God were like the immovable Zion
which abides forever, and we who have taken refuge in you, holy Mary,
know the power of your invincible intercession. Trusting in the power of
God in you, O Theotokos, all the upright in heart raise the triumphal
shout,
Alleluia!
Ikos 10
The Lord chose you for His mystical Zion, O holy Lady, desiring you for
His holy habitation. You are His eternal resting place, for you gave
birth to the Son of David, and we, your saints, shout for joy, saying:
Rejoice, O sought out of the Lord!
Rejoice, O dwelling place for the Mighty One of Jacob!
Rejoice, O city welcoming the Ark of the divine Presence!
Rejoice, O royal throne of God!
Rejoice, you that prepare the covenant in which we are made sons!
Rejoice, you that make us to rule with your Son!
Rejoice, for you bless the hungry with abundance!
Rejoice, for you satisfy the poor with bread!
Rejoice, O bright salvation of priests!
Rejoice, O resounding song of the saints!
Rejoice, O strength of the House of David!
Rejoice, O prepared Lamp shining with the light of Christ!
Rejoice O Theotokos, Virgin Daughter of Zion!
Kontakion 11
Simeon the Righteous prophesied that the daughter of Zion would cry
aloud to the Lord, pouring out her heart like water in His presence when
she saw Him dying on the Cross. Even though her heart was pierced with a
sword, she looked to Him in faith and prayed,
Alleluia!
Ikos 11
The angel cried to the Lady Full of Grace that her Son was risen from
His three days in the tomb. In so doing, he bode Zion awake to a new day
of joy, and exchange the garments of mourning for the beautiful garments
of the Kingdom. Like her, we mourners also shake ourselves and arise
from the dust, and cry to the Mother of our freedom:
Rejoice, you upon whom the risen Lord has shone!
Rejoice, you that are radiant in His resurrection!
Rejoice, O everlasting exultation of the faithful!
Rejoice, O boundless gladness of the heart!
Rejoice, for you clothe the beggars in the royal garments of the
Kingdom!
Rejoice, for you cause the despairing to increase in strength!
Rejoice, O invincible City in which we are protected!
Rejoice, O unconquerable shelter in which we find peace!
Rejoice, you that awake those in the slumber of sin!
Rejoice, you that open the eyes of the simple!
Rejoice, O fullness of Paschal joy!
Rejoice, O glory of universal Kingdom!
Rejoice O Theotokos, Virgin Daughter of Zion!
Kontakion 12
The Lord proclaimed your reward to the end of the earth, O daughter of
Zion, for when He came to receive your soul, He bestowed salvation and
translated you to life. He sought you out when you fell asleep, so that
even then you did not forsake the world, O Theotokos. Seeing you receive
such a glorious recompense, even the angels fall down before you in awe,
crying,
Alleluia!
Ikos 12
The Theotokos stands forever as a holy mountain, chosen by the Lord
above all others. Glorious things are spoken of her through all the
world, for she is the Mother of the faithful from all nations on earth,
and we her servants never cease to praise her, saying:
Rejoice, for through you the heathen become the sons of God!
Rejoice, for through you Israel
Rejoices with all the nations of the earth!
Rejoice, O song of the singers!
Rejoice, O strength of the dancers!
Rejoice, for all the springs of joy in you!
Rejoice, for in you all creation
Rejoices!
Rejoice, you whom the Most High Himself has established!
Rejoice, O Mother of all peoples!
Rejoice, O saving knowledge for the heathen!
Rejoice, O festive joy of the Church!
Rejoice, O gate of wisdom!
Rejoice, O eternal mountain!
Rejoice O Theotokos, Virgin Daughter of Zion!
Kontakion 13
[3 times]
O Daughter of Zion and dwelling place of the Lord, you yourself rejoice
in God and exult with all your heart, for Christ the King of Israel has
come into the midst of you. Accept these our humble praises and gather
us outcasts. Change our shame into praise and bring us home that we
might all unite before the throne of God and sing,
Alleluia!
Ikos 1 Repeated
The Lord of Hosts came to dwell in your midst, O holy Virgin, just as He
promised through the holy prophet Zechariah. Seeing this, you sang for
joy and were glad, knowing many nations would join themselves to the
Lord and become His People, and from all of us you hear this song:
Rejoice, for the Lord chose you for His own dwelling!
Rejoice, for the Almighty set up His royal dwelling in your flesh!
Rejoice, for he who touches you touches the apple of God’s eye!
Rejoice, for you abide under the Almighty’s protection!
Rejoice, O royal pavilion of the King!
Rejoice, O mystical courts of the Lord!
Rejoice, for through you Judah enters his inheritance!
Rejoice, for through you Israel receives the blessing of God!
Rejoice, for all flesh is silent before your fame!
Rejoice, for the Lord is roused up and has come to dwell in you!
Rejoice, for God is a wall of fire around you!
Rejoice, for He is the glory in your midst!
Rejoice O Theotokos, Virgin Daughter of
Zion!
Kontakion 1 Repeated
Shine, shine, O holy Mother of God! You are the New Jerusalem, our
Mother! The glory of the Lord has shone on you! Save us, your children
and exiles, that we may return home and sing to you:
Rejoice O Theotokos, Virgin Daughter of Zion!
Prayer to the Most Holy
Theotokos, Daughter of Zion
O most holy Lady Theotokos, our God has made you a city set upon a hill,
and your light gives light to the world. Like Zion of old, you are our
bulwark and protection; like the Jerusalem which is above, you are our
Mother, and it is upon your maternal love and intercession that all
Christians rely. Trusting in your prayers, we come to you for help: heal
the sick, bind up the broken-hearted, lead back those who wander that
they may return to the truth and find their home in the holy, catholic
and apostolic Church. Do not despise the petitions we bring you in our
brokenness and sin, but restore us through your powerful prayers. Thus
restored, may we finally come to inherit the Kingdom of your Son, and to
stand before His throne with rejoicing on the Last Day, ceaselessly
giving thanks to God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, now and ever, and
unto ages of ages. Amen.
August 2008
(Jesus) said to them, “Therefore every scribe instructed concerning the kingdom of heaven is like a householder who brings out of his treasure things new and old.”
[Matthew 13:52]
This month we offer a pdf file of the classic work by St. Innocent of Alaska, "The Way into the Kingdom of Heaven." Get it here ...
