At First Ecumenical Council in 325, Saint Spyridon the Wonderworker, Bishop of Tremithus (Dec 12), disputed with a Greek philosopher who was defending Arianism. The power of Saint Spyridon’s plain, direct speech showed everyone the importance of God’s wisdom before human wisdom: “Listen, philosopher, to what I tell you. There is one God Who created man from dust. He has ordered all things, both visible and invisible, by His Word and His Spirit. The Word is the Son of God, Who came down upon the earth on account of our sins. […] We believe that He is one in essence (consubstantial) with the Father, and equal to Him in authority and honor. We believe this without any sly rationalizations, for it is impossible to grasp this mystery by human reason.”
After his conversation with Saint Spyridon, the philosopher turned to his companions and said, “Listen! Until now my rivals have presented their arguments, and I was able to refute their proofs with other proofs. But instead of proofs from reason, the words of this Elder are filled with some sort of special power, and no one can refute them, since it is impossible for man to oppose God. If any of you thinks as I do now, let him believe in Christ and join me in following this man, for God Himself speaks through his lips.”
As a result of their discussion, the opponent of Christianity became the saint’s zealous defender and later received holy baptism.
As a result of their discussion, the opponent of Christianity became the saint’s zealous defender and later received holy baptism.
At the moment of his repose,
in 1836, the face of the "Joyful North Star of the Church of Christ", Saint Herman of Alaska (Dec 13/26), was radiant with light.
That same night an unusual pillar of light was seen above Spruce Island. This sight was seen by many people in various places who were unaware at the time that the Elder had just passed away. However, when the Creole Gerasim Vologdin saw the light, he told his wife Anna: “It seems that Father Herman has left us.”
When St Herman reposed, he was the only surviving member of the longest missionary journey in Christian History, taking a nearly a year to make the perilous 7,900-mile trek by land and sea from his beloved Valaam monastery in Russian to Kodiak Island, Alaska.
The holy missionary zeal of St Herman and his brother Russian monks brought the light of Christ to thousands who were baptized into the Christian Faith.
in 1836, the face of the "Joyful North Star of the Church of Christ", Saint Herman of Alaska (Dec 13/26), was radiant with light.
That same night an unusual pillar of light was seen above Spruce Island. This sight was seen by many people in various places who were unaware at the time that the Elder had just passed away. However, when the Creole Gerasim Vologdin saw the light, he told his wife Anna: “It seems that Father Herman has left us.”
When St Herman reposed, he was the only surviving member of the longest missionary journey in Christian History, taking a nearly a year to make the perilous 7,900-mile trek by land and sea from his beloved Valaam monastery in Russian to Kodiak Island, Alaska.
The holy missionary zeal of St Herman and his brother Russian monks brought the light of Christ to thousands who were baptized into the Christian Faith.
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Even with a single thought we can be raised to heaven or descend to hell! How important it is to control our thought life! Video: Father Spyridon Bailey
Full video @ https://youtu.be/gXvmM3i_Eks
Full video @ https://youtu.be/gXvmM3i_Eks
Across the northern hemisphere, Dec. 21 is the first day of winter-- and it's beautiful. #wintersolstice
Alms is not only meant to offer something material, but more valuable is to offer something spiritual. What is this spiritual charity? It's when I forgive an enemy of mine. Instead of condemning him, I am merciful, I don't blame him, I don't hate him, but I pray for him. This is the greatest charity a Christian can do. ☦️ Geronda Ephraim
Today the Virgin comes to the cave to give birth to the Eternal Word.
Hear the glad tidings and rejoice, O universe!
Glorify with the angels and the shepherds the Eternal God, who is willing to appear as a new-born child, yet is our God before all ages.
Photo: icon above the altar at the grotto of the Nativity, Bethlehem
Hear the glad tidings and rejoice, O universe!
Glorify with the angels and the shepherds the Eternal God, who is willing to appear as a new-born child, yet is our God before all ages.
Photo: icon above the altar at the grotto of the Nativity, Bethlehem
"And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn." + Luke 2:7
"Mary was of David’s seed, so she went with Joseph to register in Bethlehem. She bore in her womb the Fruit not sown by man. The time for the birth was at hand. Since there was no room at the inn, the cave became a beautiful palace for the Queen. Christ is born, raising up the image that fell of old." —Troparion, Eve of the Nativity of our Lord
"Mary was of David’s seed, so she went with Joseph to register in Bethlehem. She bore in her womb the Fruit not sown by man. The time for the birth was at hand. Since there was no room at the inn, the cave became a beautiful palace for the Queen. Christ is born, raising up the image that fell of old." —Troparion, Eve of the Nativity of our Lord
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Larg deschideţi poarta ("Open wide the gate to all souls....")
Romanian carol from the Holy Mountain
Romanian carol from the Holy Mountain
“For to us a Child is born, to us a Son is given; and the government shall be upon His shoulder, and His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over His kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this.” —Isaiah 9:6-7
He who sits at the right hand of the Father, goes without shelter at the inn, that He may for us prepare many mansions in the house of His Heavenly Father ... He was born, not in the house of His parents, but at the inn, by the wayside, because through the Mystery of the Incarnation, He has become the Way, by which He guides us to our home. ☦️ Venerable Bede (+ 735)