The Dark and the Light

When the light of truth exposes the limitations of a false doctrine, insults and injury will invariably follow. Evil will broach no room for the light of a true word, for it knows fully well that simply a spark of truth is fully sufficient to dispel the vast darkness of the night.

 Your servant in Christ,

Benedict+

A Word for Today

One of the greatest deceptions ever perpetrated upon the Christian faithful is that the clear words of Holy Writ (Scripture) do not mean what they clearly say. It is a devilish doctrine to change the tenets of the Gospels to adapt them to suit your own tendencies. We are to conform our lives to the wisdom of the Gospels rather than to change the Gospels to condone the sinful proclivities of the age.

Many search for a Church that merely affirms some sensibility or proclivity that they have espoused in their own hearts.  They do not seek to be transformed by the message of the Gospel.  Their cup is already full and it does, indeed runneth over.  In such a way, these will find that they have put themselves upon the holy altar for adoration.  The Cross of Christ is supplanted by the idol of self-worship in the hearts and minds of these who will not submit to the plain teaching of the Gospels.

LOCATION UPDATE!!!

LOCATION UPDATE!!! Peter, Tim and I met with the Assistant Pastor at Acworth Church of God of Prophecy on Main St. in Acworth. We will be meeting with the Head Pastor this week to solidify details on utilizing the original chapel on the grounds. Folks, this is a really ideal space that faces east and is fully adequate for our needs. The price is right and we will have unfettered access for evening Vespers and other functions as well. It is at the corner of a busy intersection and has great potential for growth. We will be helping ACOGOP to meet their financial obligations as well as taking advantage of their willingness to help us grow and "Reveal the Kingdom" to those who are least, lost, and hopeless. God is truly WONDERFUL!!!!

Who Was St. Nicholas???

(From the St. Nicholas Center)

The true story of Santa Claus begins with Nicholas, who was born during the third century in the village of Patara. At the time the area was Greek and is now on the southern coast of Turkey. His wealthy parents, who raised him to be a devout Christian, died in an epidemic while Nicholas was still young. Obeying Jesus' words to "sell what you own and give the money to the poor," Nicholas used his whole inheritance to assist the needy, the sick, and the suffering. He dedicated his life to serving God and was made Bishop of Myra while still a young man. Bishop Nicholas became known throughout the land for his generosity to the those in need, his love for children, and his concern for sailors
nder the Roman Emperor Diocletian, who ruthlessly persecuted Christians, Bishop Nicholas suffered for his faith, was exiled and imprisoned. The prisons were so full of bishops, priests, and deacons, there was no room for the real criminals—murderers, thieves and robbers. After his release, Nicholas attended the Council of Nicaea in AD 325. He died December 6, AD 343 in Myra and was buried in his cathedral church, where a unique relic, called manna, formed in his grave. This liquid substance, said to have healing powers, fostered the growth of devotion to Nicholas. The anniversary of his death became a day of celebration.
Through the centuries many stories and legends have been told of St. Nicholas' life and deeds. These accounts help us understand his extraordinary character and why he is so beloved and revered as protector and helper of those in need.

St. Nicholas in prison Artist: Elisabeth Jvanovsky

St. Nicholas giving dowry gold Artist: Elisabeth Jvanovsky

One story tells of a poor man with three daughters. In those days a young woman's father had to offer prospective husbands something of value—a dowry. The larger the dowry, the better the chance that a young woman would find a good husband. Without a dowry, a woman was unlikely to marry. This poor man's daughters, without dowries, were therefore destined to be sold into slavery. Mysteriously, on three different occasions, a bag of gold appeared in their home-providing the needed dowries. The bags of gold, tossed through an open window, are said to have landed in stockings or shoes left before the fire to dry. This led to the custom of children hanging stockings or putting out shoes, eagerly awaiting gifts from Saint Nicholas. Sometimes the story is told with gold balls instead of bags of gold. That is why three gold balls, sometimes represented as oranges, are one of the symbols for St. Nicholas. And so St. Nicholas is a gift-giver.
One of the oldest stories showing St. Nicholas as a protector of children takes place long after his death. The townspeople of Myra were celebrating the good saint on the eve of his feast day when a band of Arab pirates from Crete came into the district. They stole treasures from the Church of Saint Nicholas to take away as booty. As they were leaving town, they snatched a young boy, Basilios, to make into a slave. The emir, or ruler, selected Basilios to be his personal cupbearer, as not knowing the language, Basilios would not understand what the king said to those around him. So, for the next year Basilios waited on the king, bringing his wine in a beautiful golden cup. For Basilios' parents, devastated at the loss of their only child, the year passed slowly, filled with grief. As the next St. Nicholas' feast day approached, Basilios' mother would not join in the festivity, as it was now a day of tragedy. However, she was persuaded to have a simple observance at home—with quiet prayers for Basilios' safekeeping. Meanwhile, as Basilios was fulfilling his tasks serving the emir, he was suddenly whisked up and away. St. Nicholas appeared to the terrified boy, blessed him, and set him down at his home back in Myra. Imagine the joy and wonderment when Basilios amazingly appeared before his parents, still holding the king's golden cup. This is the first story told of St. Nicholas protecting children—which became his primary role in the West.

St. Nicholas rescuing murdered children Artist: Elisabeth Jvanovsky

St. Nicholas' prayer calming seas Artist: Elisabeth Jvanovsky

Another story tells of three theological students, traveling on their way to study in Athens. A wicked innkeeper robbed and murdered them, hiding their remains in a large pickling tub. It so happened that Bishop Nicholas, traveling along the same route, stopped at this very inn. In the night he dreamed of the crime, got up, and summoned the innkeeper. As Nicholas prayed earnestly to God the three boys were restored to life and wholeness. In France the story is told of three small children, wandering in their play until lost, lured, and captured by an evil butcher. St. Nicholas appears and appeals to God to return them to life and to their families. And so St. Nicholas is the patron and protector of children.

St. Nicholas providing food during famine Artist: Elisabeth Jvanovsky

St. Nicholas saving innocents Artist: Elisabeth Jvanovsky

Several stories tell of Nicholas and the sea. When he was young, Nicholas sought the holy by making a pilgrimage to the Holy Land. There as he walked where Jesus walked, he sought to more deeply experience Jesus' life, passion, and resurrection. Returning by sea, a mighty storm threatened to wreck the ship. Nicholas calmly prayed. The terrified sailors were amazed when the wind and waves suddenly calmed, sparing them all. And so St. Nicholas is the patron of sailors and voyagers.
Other stories tell of Nicholas saving his people from famine, sparing the lives of those innocently accused, and much more. He did many kind and generous deeds in secret, expecting nothing in return. Within a century of his death he was celebrated as a saint. Today he is venerated in the East as wonder, or miracle worker and in the West as patron of a great variety of persons-children, mariners, bankers, pawn-brokers, scholars, orphans, laborers, travelers, merchants, judges, paupers, marriageable maidens, students, children, sailors, victims of judicial mistakes, captives, perfumers, even thieves and murderers! He is known as the friend and protector of all in trouble or need.

St. Nicholas blessing ships Artist: Elisabeth Jvanovsky

Saint Nicholas Artist: Elisabeth Jvanovsky

Sailors, claiming St. Nicholas as patron, carried stories of his favor and protection far and wide. St. Nicholas chapels were built in many seaports. As his popularity spread during the Middle Ages, he became the patron saint of Apulia (Italy), Sicily, Greece, and Lorraine (France), and many cities in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, Russia, Belgium, and the Netherlands (see list). Following his baptism, Grand Prince Vladimir I brought St. Nicholas' stories and devotion to St. Nicholas to his homeland where Nicholas became the most beloved saint. Nicholas was so widely revered that thousands of churches were named for him, including three hundred in Belgium, thirty-four in Rome, twenty-three in the Netherlands and more than four hundred in England.

St. Nicholas' death Artist: Elisabeth Jvanovsky

St. Nicholas bringing gifts Artist: Elisabeth Jvanovsky

Nicholas' tomb in Myra became a popular place of pilgrimage. Because of the many wars and attacks in the region, some Christians were concerned that access to the tomb might become difficult. For both the religious and commercial advantages of a major pilgrimage site, the Italian cities of Venice and Bari vied to get the Nicholas relics. In the spring of 1087, sailors from Bari succeeded in spiriting away the bones, bringing them to Bari, a seaport on the southeast coast of Italy. An impressive church was built over St. Nicholas' crypt and many faithful journeyed to honor the saint who had rescued children, prisoners, sailors, famine victims, and many others through his compassion, generosity, and the countless miracles attributed to his intercession. The Nicholas shrine in Bari was one of medieval Europe's great pilgrimage centers and Nicholas became known as "Saint in Bari." To this day pilgrims and tourists visit Bari's great Basilica di San Nicola.
Through the centuries St. Nicholas has continued to be venerated by Catholics and Orthodox and honored by Protestants. By his example of generosity to those in need, especially children, St. Nicholas continues to be a model for the compassionate life.

Celebrating St. Nicholas Artist: Elisabeth Jvanovsky

Celebrating St. Nicholas Artist: Elisabeth Jvanovsky

Widely celebrated in Europe, St. Nicholas' feast day, December 6th, kept alive the stories of his goodness and generosity. In Germany and Poland, boys dressed as bishops begged alms for the poor—and sometimes for themselves! In the Netherlands and Belgium, St. Nicholas arrived on a steamship from Spain to ride a white horse on his gift-giving rounds. December 6th is still the main day for gift giving and merrymaking in much of Europe. For example, in the Netherlands St. Nicholas is celebrated on the 5th, the eve of the day, by sharing candies (thrown in the door), chocolate initial letters, small gifts, and riddles. Dutch children leave carrots and hay in their shoes for the saint's horse, hoping St. Nicholas will exchange them for small gifts. Simple gift-giving in early Advent helps preserve a Christmas Day focus on the Christ Child.

Bishop Jerome's visit to the Southern Region

We will be hosting Bishop Jerome's visit to the Southern Region at our church in Pelion, SC, on November 10th (Saturday) and 11th (Sunday). During the Bishop's visit, God willing, we will have a couple men being ordained on both Saturday and Sunday with several visiting clergy from other States in the Southern Region concelebrating with us. Please join us to celebrate these ordinations and meet our Bishop from New York. On Saturday we will also be receiving a couple families into the Orthodox Christian faith via Baptism and Chrismation. We are also please to announce there will be a professional 4-part choir led by Fr. Thomas from New York.

An Appeal from Metropolitan Hilarion to all of the Faithful of the Eastern American Diocese in Connection with Hurricane Sandy

October 27, 2012
An Appeal from Metropolitan Hilarion to all of the Faithful of the Eastern American Diocese in connection with Hurricane Sandy 

Reverend fathers, dear in the Lord brothers and sisters,

As hurricane Sandy approaches the East Coast of the USA, many of the parishes in our diocese lay in its direct course. I call upon all of the faithful of the Eastern American Diocese to unite in prayer for the deliverance of our land from natural disasters. As Orthodox Christians we have nothing to fear, but must always remember the words of Apostle Paul – “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God,” (Philippians 4:6).

On Sunday, October 28^th, all rectors of the Eastern American Diocese are instructed to read special petitions at the Great Litany, and read the following prayer during the Liturgy after the Augmented Litany. If your parish suffers harm during the hurricane, please notify the diocesan administration at eadiocese@gmail.com. By the prayers of our Most Holy Lady Theotokos, may the All-Merciful Lord God preserve and have mercy on us all.

+HILARION
Metropolitan of Eastern America & NY
First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad

A Prayer at the Threat from Malevolent Winds and Sea Storms

O Master, Lord our God, Who by Thy Consubstantial and Unoriginate Word, and Thy Life-Giving Spirit Who is equal in honor, hast brought all things out of nothingness into being; Who hast established the sand as bounds to the sea, and weighed the mountains and the valleys in a balance; Who hast measured the skies and holdest the water in the palm of Thy hand; Who hast given to this visible world of the senses its laws and rules, its harmony and order; Who hast appointed changes to the weather and variations in the orbit of the sun; Who, through the mingling of the elements, holdest all things together by Thine inexpressible power, and keepest them free from harm and intact: Do Thou Thyself, O All-Good King, extending to us Thine innate and customary love and goodness, visit the work of Thy hands. Do not deprive us of Thy mercies and Thy compassion, and do not destroy Thine inheritance, for Thou hast ineffably created us in Thine own image. Thou hast given Thine only-begotten Son as a ransom for us, and through the mystical communion of Thy Spirit hast made us share in Thine own divinity; forgive, we pray, the multitude of our sins in the far greater multitude of Thy mercies. O Thou Who washed away the sins of humanity through the Cross and the Blood of Thy Son, restore the world of nature, which has been grievously disturbed into an unnatural state because of the unruliness and disorderliness of our lawless and corrupt behavior, and bring it back to its natural harmony and order: make the great ocean return to its usual calmness, and bring to end the tempest and the disturbance of the elements that threaten us. Order the winds to blow once more with gentleness and moderation: rebuke the raging of the sea and the unnatural violence of the gales; let the Spirit of the storm be stilled and the tempest return to tranquility, that those who cross the sea in boats and work on the many waters may again see Thy deeds and wonders. Set them in order, O Master, Lover of mankind, through Thine unapproachable love for mankind, Thou Who didst deign to allow Thine only-begotten Son and our Lord Jesus Christ, through Thy good will and the cooperation of Thy Holy Spirit, to become man and sail together with His holy disciples and apostles, and rebuke the stormy winds, and command the waves of the sea to be still. Do Thou Thyself now also bestill every hostile wind, tame the billows, assuage the tempests, and raise up exact and acceptable seasons and winds, being everywhere a Ruler and Helper to Thy servants, directing them to the harbor of salvation: for they call upon Thy name alone, they know none other god besides Thee, and they look always to Thy help, through the intercessions of the most blessed Lady Theotokos, of the God-seeing Angels and all the Saints, and through the good pleasure and love of Thine only-begotten Son with whom Thou art blessed, together with Thy Most-Holy and Good and Life-Creating Spirit, now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.

Petitions on the Great Litany:

That He will not destroy us with His angry threatening on account of our sins and transgressions, but will remember His mercies and compassions from the ages, and have mercy on us, let us pray to the Lord.

That He will remember His covenant which He made with Noah, and will not despoil the land and His needy people with grievous wetness, dark, malevolent skies and gloomy fog, but will mercifully spare His inheritance and will command the sun to shine on the earth with fruit-bearing rays and abundant warmth, let us pray to the Lord.

That He will command the clouds to cease from destroying rain, that the darkness be smitten, and that the sun shine with brightness, let us pray to the Lord.

That He will spare the people and animals and all of this land, and not despoil it with the downpour of destructive rain, let us pray to the Lord.