Are You Being Deceived?

Are you, one of the many who are being deceived, by the end of the world prophecies and predictions for the year 2012? It is a diversion. A mind occupier, that subscribes to hopelessness and fear. It does not have to be this way. Orthodox believers do not subscribe to the occult. Rather, we are instructed to be praying always in the spirit, with confidence, in the Holy Trinity, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. God has our back....

If you are not trusting in God, then you've placed your trust in men. God tells us that we are to be keeping our eye on Him, while loving each other, our neighbor. Who is our neighbor? Everyone. If we haven't the understanding that we are all brothers and sisters on this earth, then, we cannot enter into the Kingdom of Heaven. A Kingdom of Love. We are especially, today, called to focus on that love, by outreach to one another, seeing in them their sufferings and trying, by anyway possible, to alleviate the pain inflicted by the adversary, by acts of kindness and by prayer. The tongue is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison and deceiption. How hypocritical and contradictory our speech can be at times. Is it today expressing the heavenly which is planted inside you? One that says God is in control and has not forsaken you, because of His great love for mankind and His desire that all be saved?

A Christian's hope springs Eternal, as God is Eternal. Learn in any circumstance that He is always there, with words of encouragement. So that in every trial and endurance: Love God! For He Himself has said, (Hebrews 13:5)"I will never leave you nor forsake you." We can proclaim (6) "The Lord is my helper, I will not fear, What can man do to me?" Man cannot take from you what has been given to you, by way of Baptism and through the Sacraments of the Church. Be peacemakers. Extend a smile and a handout. Show the way by your hospitality and kindness "love", rising above every down-troden situation. God is aware of it, He knows all things and is in control. It should be His will, not ours.

The only knowledge that has merit, is if it points to life eternal. (John 17:3)"And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent." (John 3:15) "that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life."

Who and what is your focus on? Is it life, and life eternally, or is it death? If you are consumed with end time theories or predictions, which do not lift you spiritually and fill you with the joy and peace that you should be experiencing, It is suggested that you refocus on the "truth" which tells us there is no end, but life eternal, through the only source of life, Christ the lifegiver, who tells us that He has come to give us life and life in abundance.

Knock and the door shall be opened unto you. Seek and you will find. (Matt: 7-7 Rev. 3:20)You will find that perfect love casts out all fear. (1John 4:18).

(1Peter 5:6) "Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. Be sober be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. Resist Him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world. But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you. To Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever." Amen.

All references are taken from: The Orthodox Study Bible

The Icon of St. Anna

As many, having bent their knees and crossed themselves went forward to kiss the Icon of St. Anna, with her full aroma present, unfaded on the Icon, they formulated prayers for themselves and their loved ones.

Present with us in the middle of the church, in front of the Royal Doors, having been placed on a huge wooden stand, during our Great Vesper Service and Liturgy, one would send up and additional prayer, for something or someone, that they had forgotten when standing in front of her, to venerate her Icon.

It occurred to me, that many were called by "her" to be there. She didn't come without intention, no she came to answer the prayers of the faithful. She came as a beacon of hope. No matter what or how you suffer, it is not eternal, if you place your "faith in the Son of God", her grandson, Jesus.

The greatest healing you can have, is for your "blind eyes" to be opened to receive the truth, which leads to salvation, or healing, and everlasting life.

As all came and kissed the Icon, some forgot that there were two saints presented to us on the wood. The opened case displayed a relic, in containment, on the sleeve of the Blessed and Ever Virgin, Mother of God, the daughter of St. Anna, the Theotokos.

Icons are theologically written according to the truth they represent. It presents to us a glimpse of heaven. Both saints are wearing jeweled crowns, and St. Anna embraces her daughter, the Virgin Mary around her neck, explosing one hand, raised to honor her. Indicating to us the way that we must go. She is indicating that salvation comes to us, through her daughter, the Ever Virgin Theotokos, who is the Birthgiver of our Lord and Savior, Jesus, the Christ, the Only Begotten Son of God.

Icons , unlike a statue, have colors which depict human tones, showing us association, in proper ranking, as this Icon does, and much more. I asked several people, "was it Anna holding the Virgin Mary, or was the Virgin Mary holding Anna? (Funny how they hadn't noticed that.) Virgin Mary, holds the smaller person presented to us in this Icon, her Mother Anna, in a very loving embrace. It wouldn't be that way "ever" in an ordinary artistic painting, or photograph. We all are given a measure of faith, like babies, growing in knowledge and understanding that comes to us by instruction and the Word of God, through the Orthodox Church.

The people kissed the mystically-given, myrrh-streaming Icon, without having concern over the fact that it was not being wiped off in between, not having a care for germs, as one recalls, it once was such a "hot" topic on face book. Nor, was receiving Communion, (the Body and Blood of Christ), from the spoon. Anna came to hear, and take away our pain and suffering, by her intercession, and not to give infirmity. In "faith" we approached, reverently, as we should always approach the Holy, knowing that they are powerful intercessors, and that we are asking for favors and miracles. Anna was the receipient of a great miracle of her own, as her Troparion tell us.

TROPION TO ST. ANNA (tone 4)
"O godly, ever-blessed Anna,
You bore the pure Mother of God
Who conceived Him who is our life.
You have now passed to heaven
And are rejoicing in Glory.
Asking forgiveness for those who faithfully honor you.

Today the bonds of barrenness are broken
God has heard the prayers of Joacheam and Anna
He has promised them beyond all their hopes,
to bear the Maiden of God.
By whom the Uncircumscribed One
was born as mortal man
Who commanded an angel to cry to Her
Rejoice! O Full of Grace, the Lord is with you"!

Anna was given a great miracle, conceiving the Theotokos through God's dispensation, bringing forth the One who is to bear the Ineffable Word. On Saturday and Sunday, Anna came to show us the way. There were miracles, some, we will not even hear about. The priest blessed us with the Holy Oil taken from the "unexplained Myrrh-streaming", and placed it on our heads. This is a physical manifestation and "gift" from someone who loves us very much, a grandmother.

I pondered on the fact that she began to stream myrrh on Mother's Day, 2004, giving great importance to "motherhood" and to the "Mother of God, Mary Ever Virgin." Recalling quietly, that today, Christians will arrive in Washington, to again state their understanding, that conception of life begins "in the womb," giving voice to the unborn, which cannot speak for it's self. We also have a great Mother, the Orthodox Church, which also teaches us that "all life" is to be respected, and having the fullness of faith, calls us to enter into a journey that leads to everlasting life.

Our Church, is a beacon for the lost, the hungry and those seeking peace and rest. We welcome you as we did St. Anna, at St. Michael Orthodox Christian Church.

Thank you, St. Anna, for remembering us the faithful of St. Michael Orthodox Christian Church, in the town of Southbridge, and our neighbors. As our arms are also open to the community, the lost and seeking, and we implore your blessing and prayers, especially for our increasing fold. Steady our path, ever guiding us. We appreciate your visit, and thank those who brought you to us from St. Tikhon's in PA.

Today is not just an ordinary Monday, as we bask in heavenly gifts and wonder....and thank all who came to share in this joyful event with us. She who was blessed in the Church of the Resurrection, in the tomb of Christ, came to bless us. This Church, of the Holy Sepulchre, which is located within the "Old City, Jerusalem", is a site known for original, Christian veneration. In a very special way, she brought us to where death is made to life, by His death and resurrection, and earth is made to heaven, and by their intercession, we are renewed.

By her coming, we are strengthened and refreshed and made steadfast in our journey of life.

Never cry wolf

Somewhere in my past, I recall the story about "never crying wolf." I think it may have been a good method to use for those who tended to be, "cry babies". They are the type that amplifies negative thoughts and situations. Their intent is to wail far beyond what is necessary in a given situation, and sometimes for nothing at all. This behaviour must be curtailed before it becomes habit forming.

My parents did not allow one to "carry on" and they would nip in the bud. One, having learned that the squeeky wheel gets the grease, will stop at nothing. What they are doing with their over-the-line exhibit, is to try to gain attention.

The punch to the storyline is simple. If you cry all the time, when something really bad happens, no one will believe you, and your calls for help, even though legitmate this time, will be "ignored". This is hard lesson to learn.

It is our situation today, having cried wolf so often and so long. The world's attitude is in a stupor. And in it's apathy, is oblivious to the apocalyptic signs and groanings of nature, who has been crying out to us for years. This is your final warning.

It is saying, no matter what you call it, "clean up your act before it's too late." Can one survive without water? Without Love? We are on the cusp of destruction and to not do anything, will be a grave mistake. We must all do our part, even if it seems small.

We need to be better stewards of the place that God gave us to live, our planet. Just think of what we could achieve together with one voice. Let it not be through desperation, that we learn to love our brother. These lessons should have already been learned.

All we need to do collectively is stop crying wolf, and do something about it.

The WIIFM Principle

There is a basic principle that everyone has and that is WIIFM. This means, whats in it for me. The answer to that question is determined by asking what does everyone want, and need? We do not always get what we want, nor do we always know what we need. But this one word can change you forever. Once you find it, you will never want to leave its source wherever you find it. It will make you happy, change your vision. It will make you do things that you didn't even know that you are capable of. You will never stop wanting it until you are consumed by it. You will never grow tired of it. It will bring out the best in you. It will be contagious, and others will want to have it, too! It will energize you, and you will be illumined and focused.

You've probably guessed it by now. The word is love. God is love. Love is immeasurable and unending. Love is the greatest gift of all and a joy unspeakable.

How do we find love and where do we go? We go to the source. God, who is faithful to us invites us into the fellowship of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, whose desire it is to fill us with all good things.

First rule, is humility. You must become needy. Empty the cup, wanting it to be filled with the love you seek. You can't hear when your doing all the talking because you have all the answers. God knows what your need is. (James 4:10)"Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up." (6)"God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble."

If you have not love, you are a clanging bell. Just making noise--an annoying distraction. A turn-off. You can not have "Love" without God. (1John4:12) "No one has seen God at any time. If we love one another, God abides in us, and His love has been perfected in us."

I have often heard others say, that change begin with me. (Be the change that you want to see in other's) If you want to be loved by others, you must learn to "love" (first). That might require you to change. Change, with the help of God, because often, we cannot see ourselves being blindsighted by our pride. Often, we discover ourselves "through the eyes of others". Separating from others leaves us lonely and needy and we seek to be loved. Remember, God loved us first. We are following His example. Love requires that we look "within," beyond the package. He does not make junk. Find value in others, uplift them and the reward will come back to you. Yes, it will require "work."

Why are we so afraid to love? In becoming a loving individual, you will be loved. WIIFM? True happiness...Do you want to be happy?

(reference for scriptures--The Orthodox Study Bible)

The Ongoing Temptation

Yesterday, I looked upon information which in its design, from several different sources was intended to scare the living out of us. But once again, we see the answer in the scriptures, having been there all along. (Taken from Orthodox Study Bible) Ephesians 6:12 "For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against prinicpalities, against powers, against the rulers of darkness of the age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places"

Clearly, we are up against many unknown and difficult battles. The answer to those unforseen events, which are promised to come our way, is found in Ephesians 6:10 "Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in power of His might."

We cannot do it alone, it isn't our battle, but one in which God is fully aware of. We must place our trust in Him. We have been given a guardian angel at the time of our Baptism. Make no mistake that church provides for us all that is needed and required to do battle with the unseen. Luke 4:10 "For it is written: 'He shall give His angels charge over you, to keep you.' "and in their hands they shall bear you up, lest you dash your foot against a stone.' "

The battle that we endure, will not be easy, but make no mistake, although we are tempted at many opportune times, we have not been left orphans. (Deuteronomy 31:6 "Be valiant and strong, do not fear nor be afraid of them, nor be terrified before them; for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes before you and with you and among you. He will not leave you nor forsake you." This is true for all times, as God is the same today, yesterday and tomorrow. We read in the New Testiment in Hebrews: 13:5 "For He Himself has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you," (6) So we may boldly say: "The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?"

Hebrews 13:20 "Now may the God of peace who brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead, "that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you complete in every good work to do His will, working in you what is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.

An everlasting covenant means "forever." We are to let go and let God. Our greatest temptation is to not have complete "trust" in Him and His plan for us. (1John 5:4) "For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world--our faith. (5)Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?"

This is the question? Do you believe that Jesus is the Son of God, who lives the way that (Christ) commanded, and who loves others? To them, He will give victory over sin and death. Because of this, we have no fear as it has been replaced by love. (1John4:17)"Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness in the day of judgment; because as He is, so are we in this world. There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love. We love Him because He first loved us."

Finally, in Matthew 28:20, the words of Jesus..."and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Amen.

We took a class last night on Icons. The icon of Jesus always has three letters within His crown. OWN, IAM. Whether in Greek or English, the message from the beginning of time is "I AM" ...He shall always be...... the Victory is His.

No one said it will be easy, but in the end, if you do not have Him, you have nothing. Place not your concern in the things of this world, but keep your eye on Jesus, and do not fear, but trust in Him, always.

Myrrh-Streaming Icon Coming Soon

Many questions arise when a Myrrh-Streaming Icon is scheduled to arrive at your parish. First, one has to ask what does it mean to be Myrrh-Bearing? Then, why is she coming to "your" church? There are also those who wonder about how this can happen. Others, question where did she come from, when does it happen and why?

What do I know about this Icon? She is St. Anna, some call her Ann or Anne. I also know she is the grandmother of Jesus, the mother of the Virgin Mary, the Theotokos. As I know how much my grandchildren love me, I know that she must be a very powerful intercessor at the feet of our Lord and Savior, Jesus. I have been told that many claim healings and have had "special prayers" answered.

Many will remember that in a neighboring town, there is a shrine dedicated to her, where upon entering, one can see things left behind, like notes and canes, crutches and pictures where miracles have been known to have happened, by St. Anna's intercession.

What I do know about this particular Icon is that she once was in Jerusalem, completed in 1998, having been at the Mt. of Olives Convent, and that she was blessed in the church of the Holy Sepulcher, or the Holiest Church known, (where the rock hewn tomb of Christ is located), in the Jerusalem Church of the Ressurection.

She was brought to the United States, after her completion, in 1998, where she was noticed to have been "sweating" (which implies that she began to exude or excrete sensible moisture or perspire) and in May 2004, wept for three continuous years. Droplets of Myrrh have been contained, after flowing into cotton balls in which the myrrh freely flowed, streaming down. It is said that the scent is so strong, that she does not even have to be weeping or bearing "myrrh" for one to become filled with the sustaining aroma. It is said she weeps during fervent prayer at times.

St. Anna, is known as an Ambassador who represents "hope." Currently, she resides at St. Tikhon Monastery, which is located in PA, having been brought there by Fr. Athanasy when he retired.

Why is she coming to St. Michael Orthodox Christian Church on February 21 and 22? We will find out. But we know that as a loving grandmother will, she is coming with intentions. She is on a mission! She is coming to very small town, in the state of Massachusetts, to a very small community, where many have neither heard the name Southbridge nor, would find it easy to locate our very small and somewhat "obscure" parish church. Much like Bethlehem, hidden in a cave, was our Lord and Savior Jesus born in Bethlehem, in secret. Miracles are not "unknown" or foreign to us Orthodox, but infact, they are "commonplace." You don't hear about it. Its like "Orthodoxy, our best kept secret." We accept the unknown in quiet humility and in thanksgiving. I understand that there is an investigation and process in all these things which I am unsure of in it's complexity. There are others that I have seen, like the one called "Quick to Hear," an Icon of the Blessed and Ever Virgin Mary, which was at a church years ago, in Willimantic, CT. There was also one that I read about, in the eighties, in Chicago, IL.

It is said that on occasion, St. Anna begins to produce Myrrh-Streaming tears, which can be accumulated into containers, "at will". This is a mystery, one, that no one can explain. Some say that it means that a blessing is coming your way. Others say, she is coming to warn. If you are a skeptic, make your own determination. We embrase your right to question. Come and see! Sometimes, seeing is believing.

I will be praying for my church, and my family, hoping to bond with this beautiful saint who shares my namesake. Lord knows, that we need all the help we can get. We are certain that she is coming with great purpose! The wooden Icon, written of St. Anna will be placed on a venerating stand after a procession, in which those who attend, will petition and extend their love, bidding her welcome and favor.

What Children Know

Yesterday we celebrated Nate's sixth birthday which was on Wednesday. He will be having a birthday party on Sunday, with his cousins and friends. It was thoughtful of his parents to have a small adult gathering in which we also celebrated his uncle Steve's birthday.
This called for two cakes and an evening of fun with the boys. Upon entering the kitchen, Rye was sitting in his high chair, drinking from a cup with a straw. I was shocked, usually it is a baby bottle or a sippie cup. So I asked his mother, "when did he start drinking through a staw?" I didn't know he drank through a straw, and she replied "we didn't know either until we saw him drinking out of his brother's cup."
Little do we know, what children know. He is a brilliant child. We saw him riding a jeep which he knew how to start and run, with no instruction. Keeping a close run with his brother who drives a larger vehicle in their yard and long driveway. This is a sixteen month old child, who just recently learned to walk. Infact, he is not even talking yet, but is driving a jeep.
One of the stories also amazed me. His father later told me that Nate received a scolding from his parents, something he had done....probably attitude as most kids will. Witnessing this, little Ryan confronted his parents and loudly told them off, in his "own language" with his finger pointing at them, and then, left to comfort his brother, giving him a big hug and kiss.
Sometimes children amaze us. I wonder if Ryan knew what was going on. He is so young, yet so smart and so protective of his brother. There is bond between them that nothing will ever separate. This bond clearly exists in my two sons. Although, there was a time when, do to an age difference that wasn't the case.
Brothers, share something very unique like sister's do. Later that evening Nate hurt his head on a truck while playing. Nothing major...but Rye was seen going over to him while he was playing on the floor, to rub his head.
They will always look out for each other. Their is no greater gift than love and companionship.Steve got tickets to a group that he will enjoy seeing from his brother. He always knows just what he likes and that is why we celebrated his birthday early.
Of course, we will need to get together to celebrate his "real" birthday and have more cake.What children know is more than we give them credit for.....Love is not something that you teach. It just is...