Mary

Many do not know when I refer to the Dormition of the Most-Holy Theotokos what is implied. Since we Orthodox recently celebrated the feastday "falling asleep of Mary, the Mother of God," I recall some twenty-eight years ago, through this Icon, Orthodoxy and Mary revealed itself to me, and as a result, led me into the fullness of the faith.

Yesterday, at a train station, while conversing with a well seasoned christian, who said that in his church, Mary's death was not even discussed. If it were important it would have appeared in the word, so it is of no consequence, he continued. I told him that Tradition was important in the understanding of the bible, as well as the Word. Icons also have a way of showing the event without even uttering a word, for those who can't hear, also for children and those who cannot read.

Actually there are many references in the bible that place Mary the Theotokos (Godbearer) in highest esteem such as: Psalm 45:17 "I will make Your name to be remembered in all generations; Therefore the people shall praise You forever and ever."  And in Luke 1:48 Mary filled with the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, predicted the honor that would be paid her throughout history. "For behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed."  The study aid of verse 48 says that "It is not possible to believe and obey the Bible and not bless the Mother of God."

A special hymn is sung to express Mary's unique place in creation.
"It is truly right to bless you, O Theotokos, ever-blessed and most pure, and the mother of our God. More honorable than the Cherubim, and more glorious beyond compare than the Seraphim, without defilement you gave birth to God the Word: True Theotokos, we magnify you."

We venerate Mary because she is God's mother . He chose her and sets her apart. She is the queen of heaven. That is found in Psalm 45:v9b. "At Your right hand stands the queen in gold from Ophir."

Our Lord and Savior, having become one like us Phil2:5-8"who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross."

Jesus, emptying himself, becoming human, incarnate and fully man by nature, having taken flesh from Mary his own mother, who He did miracles for, at her pleading, at the wedding at Cana, and left to the care of his beloved apostle, John-- does anyone seriously think he would have abandoned her at the time of her death?

 We venerate Mary and entreat her, as the human being most intimate with Christ on earth, to intercede with her Son on our behalf, for guidance and protection. We do not worship her and certainly the bible tells us that she is in heaven.

Most Holy Mother of our God have mercy on us.

Scriptual references have been taken from the Orthodox Study Bible

The Greatest Power

What is the answer to the current crisis but to look to the greatest power. Several months ago my son was preparing his oldest boy for one of his badges, his being a young scout, and asked him the question, "how do you talk to God?" His little brother was apparently playing close-by them and could hear the question that his older brother had no answer for. After several attempts, the 3-year-old, having an answer, felt compelled to blurt it out. He told his father, "you pray".

Sometimes we have the answer right under our noses but fail to see it--that is, until the situation becomes so great that it causes us to look up. All relationships begin with trust and the understanding that we will be helped in the time of our need. We need to ask and that takes humility. Love is a great power, something that is beyond our complete understanding.

It shouldn't take the wisdom of a three-year-old to tell us that through prayer, we find solution. We are never alone, nor are we without hope. Let us begin on our knees, praying for our leaders, and for each other, to accomplish that which we must for the sake of love, through Divine intervention.

We have the power to overcome...the greatest power--prayer. "Ask and you shall receive."

Small and Insignificant

Are you seeking attention, by boldness, largeness, out of ordinary actions, doing what will lead to your success? Is it your desire to be noticed? To have power? To Dominate? Then what? How do you keep up, more of the same or, do you need to be larger and better? All I can say is remember the childhood story of humpty-dumpty? At some point if you over inflate the baloon, it will burst.

Many problems can occur and are due to our over indulgence, resulting in health issues. We pride ourselves into thinking that we are to be the biggest and the best. One of my favorite movie lines is from one of the Rocky films, when the fighter's wife says to him -- "You can't win." If you think you can't win, you won't even try. If you believe that you can win, you are already a winner. So what are we all about...What are we to win over? We are going to win over hate. A song comes to mind--"They will know we are Christians by our love".

 Anyone who takes up arms over innocent children, (people) do not have the only thing that matter's in life sadly and that is love. The ability to love unconditionally, and to share love with other's is what values life. Lack of peace makes you as dead as those destroyed, and it will eat away at you.

Time and time again, we see in history that love is stronger than hate. Those who will stand up for their brother's need far exceeds in greatness and ability to succeed, all endeavors. People who know how to love their neighbor and coexist find favor with our God who is Love. They are clearly the winners.

Sometimes, the answer to something can be found in a wee small voice if you just listen. We have been commanded to "love one another" and it is that simple. Learn to forgive and do not look back.  The aweful things that have gone on in this world lately, are the result of  those who do not know love or peace.

 A nation of people who care for one another already wins and will never fail. The small gentle voice that is heard everywhere and is present in all things, loves mankind. He is watching!

I believe in humilty, peace and love. History has proven divine intervention. Love is here and it's everywhere present. Love is powerful and it's not small nor insignificant.

Let us show our "bigness" by our extended hand in love for all of Gods people everywhere. Let our battle cry be "Peace on earth good will toward men."

Will the Real Christian Stand Up

Today while in church, Father Peter said something that set off a bell. He said many things in which I totally agree with, like: violence begets violence. It is not up to us to choose sides but to love all mankind. That actually is what I have been saying to myself all week, while praying for peace in the middle east. Much has gone through my head pertaining to the horrible stories that have come over the airwaves regarding the loss and displacement of so many innocent people, children and women. It is natural to want to strike back, but ultimately, PEACE is the only answer -- loving one's neighbor, residing in justice. That means fairness and equality -- working out problems through conversation and establishing the changes necessary for sucessful coexistence. Are we not all God's children?

I agree with the action taken by our president. I'm sure he is trying to do the right thing in helping prevent genocide by providing food and water, and air strikes to protect our people who are caught in the crossfire of a dreadful situation. The question of how far should he take it? I believe truly that it is not our war. We are to desire FREEDOM above all, everywhere. Who wouldn't choose it if they had a choice? Religion does not call for death, only a darkened heart does, one lacking hope, and is enslaved, lacking love.

Our God is a God of Light, Truth, and above all Love. Love demands that we forgive each other and help each other not kill each other. Real Christians do not believe in hate of any kind. We are called to "Forgive". Relax, Jesus is in control. All you have to do is trust. He will provide the way if you ask. His way does not lead to death and destruction, but life eternally. He is the only way...

If death is the price, the Word became incarnate for us, for God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son, that we may not perish but have eternal life-- salvation though faith in Him. He died for you because of His love for you.

We are free to choose. What is your choice-- Death or Life?

Remember the message of the angels "Peace on Earth Good Will Toward Men"

Choose or Die

Yesterday, we celebrated the feastday of Transfiguration in which Jesus, in prefiguring His Resurrection,  is showing us His Glory in His love and mercy for mankind, on Mt. Tabor.

This mountain is now holy and revered, since the feet of our Lord has stood upon it and we at once are filled with hope at the awesome sight made manifest to Peter, James and John.

"Your Disciples, O Word, threw themselves down upon the ground, unable to gaze upon the form that none may see. The Angels ministered in fear and trembling; the heavens shook and the earth quaked, as they beheld on earth the Lord of Glory." (by Anatolius)

Free people worship God by choice. Jesus, who was Transfigured on Mt Tabor, demonstrated His power --transforming all who observed His glory, "making the image that had grown dark in Adam to shine once again like lightning." Later, in the garden scene, the story will change and we will see Peter deny Him.

 God understands man in his weakness, and having provided for His disciples many examples of His wondrous works, "that they not be afraid of  His sufferings for our salvation", made the mountain as heaven in His Transfiguration, before His saving Passion, Crucifixion, death and Resurrection.

Our God offers mankind a choice based on His love, (we decide) we choose. We go to God willingly-- we are reconcilled like Peter. Any other way is likened to the fallen state of man, (the image and darkness of Adam). We put off the old man and put on the new (Christ) in Baptism. We fall down in error, and are renewed through the power of God through His Church.

It is in Exodus that Moses called out in the name of the Lord. "And the Lord passed by before his face, and called out, "The Lord God, compassionate and merciful, longsuffering, greatly-merciful, and true."And Moses, making haste, stooped down to the earth and worshipped the Lord."

Take us also to the mountain of Your love Lord, and in peace count us worthy to be made sharers of the bright rays of Your power-- in Your mercy and Your love for mankind.

The voice of the Father testified to Him from the cloud of light, saying: "Listen to Him, Who through the Cross has despoiled hell and has given the dead eternal life"!



All references have been taken from the Great Vesper Orthodox service of Aug. 6

The Mountain Became as Heaven

"Before Your Crucifixion, O Lord, and in order that Your chief Disciples might not be afraid of Your sufferings, the mountain became as heaven, and, like a tabernacle, the cloud spread itself out, when You were transfigured, illumining them with bright rays of Your power, and the Father bore witness to You."

This feast day is celebrated by Christians worldwide. Three Apostles were chosen to witness the event on Mt. Tabor, where Jesus revealed His glory before His crucifixion. Peter, James and John, fell to the earth powerless to gaze at the sight--a brightness that none can bear, while the voice of the Father bore witness from above, "This is my beloved Son who has come into the world to save mankind." They heard the voice of the Father confirming the mystery of Your incarnation, that even after taking flesh, You remain the only-begotten Son and the Savior of the world.

Present with Jesus, the Christ, was Moses and Elijah, who were talking with Him,  the God who spoke of old through the Law and the Prophets.
Moses previously went up to Mount Sinai saying "Show me Thy glory."  (Exodus 33:11-23; 34:4-6 8 --the 2nd Vesper reading)"And the Lord said to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and will have compassion on whom I will have compassion," And again He said, "You shall not be able to see My face, for man shall not see My face and live." "And when My glory shall pass by, then I will put you in a cleft on the rock; and I will cover you with My hand, until I pass by. And I will take away My hand, and then you shall see My backside; but My face shall not appear to you.-- Moses worshipped the Lord." (Moses appearance on Mt Tabor shows that Jesus is Lord of both the living and the dead).

Your Transfiguration was a Prefiguring of Your Resurrection, O Christ our God, as they beheld on earth the Lord of Glory. Today on Mt. Tabor, O Lord, You have shown the glory of Your divine form.

O Giver of Light, glory to You, for You have come into the world to Save Mankind....

As a personal note, while reading (Exodus 33:23) Taken from the Orthodox Study Bible, the passage read: "Then I will take away my hand, and you shall see My back; but My face shall not be seen."

Taken from the Orthodox service of Great Vespers

Fourth of July Weekend

Planning a vacation, especially one involving travelling during the 4th of July holiday always gives one a  feeling of trepidation, especially if your not fond of wall to wall traffic. Although I do drive, my husband usually is in charge of getting us there and back, safely. We take my car, of course, to give us the option of drivers, leaving at daylight in order to take in all the scenes along the way.

We were just about there, that is just about to enter New Hampshire, well on our way to Maine, when I spotted two eyes looking at me--the eyes of a huge deer. He was determined to come at us, even though my husband, upon hearing me say "there's a deer in the road", looked to his left to see if a car was approaching on his side, tried to avoid the approaching large animal, jurking the wheel left, while applying the brakes, unsuccessfully.

I heard the impact, and recalling nothing else, we pulled over to the side of the road. The state police, having been called, and arriving in no time at all, reassured us that it was not our fault. The deer apparently come to the road seeking salk in the winter and are amused with the vehicles, giving chase, he said. Accordingly, deer accidents are frequent, especially this year, a year of abundance.

The unexpected had happened, and now we were left to pick up the pieces. A very kind person driving a black truck was behind us. He recalled seeing the huge buck fly over our car, having been hit, and apparently, he moved it to the side of the road. I did not see it. Luckily, he was back far enough to avoid the hit himself.

Some people will not approach to find out if "everyone is okay" as he did. We are thankful all and all for many blessings that day, especially for the kindness of the officer and the "stranger." Our car was able to be driven back home, and after a couple of weeks, was repaired by our dealership.

It took us about twelve hours to reach our destination, exhausted and ready for the vacation that we planned.

John and I believe we were protected, and that our prayers that morning were heard, saving us. I prayed for a safe journey, but I forgot to say safe and without incident. It happened so fast, we did not have time to say a prayer, but we were, as I recall, in a complete state of peace. God was with us. The costly inconvenience did not spoil our vacation, which we planned for, all except the unexpected event. We all have them and they teach us about preparedness. The world is full of unknowns--just watch the news sometime. We must always be ready. We didn't even expect the fire alarm to go off at one thirty at the hotel, causing us to evacuate from a sound sleep.

The man who stopped, having witnessed the entire event, and after having viewed the damaged car, responded with a simple sign of the cross. It was then that we realized who had sent him.