In 1981, two walkways collapsed at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Kansas City, killing 114 people and injuring many. It also caused a paralyzing back injury to a young Orthodox woman, who is now a nun at Exaltation of the Holy Cross Monastery, Thebes, Greece
"I remember that I was crushed - bent over with my face between my knees ... there were sixty tons [of concrete and debris] on top of me. My knees broke my ribs. ... Then, at some point, I spoke to my guardian angel: "Where are you?" I felt my right hand clasped, without pulling, and then I was out. I was lying on my back, totally free of the rubble. Someone I did not recognize was holding me and told me that I would be OK. No one remembers seeing this person." - Sister Aemiliane
"I remember that I was crushed - bent over with my face between my knees ... there were sixty tons [of concrete and debris] on top of me. My knees broke my ribs. ... Then, at some point, I spoke to my guardian angel: "Where are you?" I felt my right hand clasped, without pulling, and then I was out. I was lying on my back, totally free of the rubble. Someone I did not recognize was holding me and told me that I would be OK. No one remembers seeing this person." - Sister Aemiliane
“Be doers of the word, and not just hearers, deceiving yourselves" (James 1:22).
The Apostle James, Brother of the Lord (Oct 23/ Nov 5) was holy from his mother's womb to his last breath at his violent martyrdom.
“For his God-pleasing life he was chosen first bishop in the Church at Jerusalem. Saint James presided over the Council of the Apostles at Jerusalem, and his word was decisive (Acts 15). In his thirty years as bishop the Apostle James converted many of the Jews to Christianity. Annoyed by this, the Pharisees and the Scribes plotted together to kill Saint James. Having led the saint up on the roof of the Jerusalem Temple, they demanded that he renounce the Saviour of the world. But the holy Apostle James instead began to bear witness, that Christ is the True Messiah. Then the Jewish teachers shoved him off downwards. The saint did not die immediately, but gathering his final strength, he prayed to the Lord for his enemies, who at this while were stoning him.”
—Synaxarion
The Apostle James, Brother of the Lord (Oct 23/ Nov 5) was holy from his mother's womb to his last breath at his violent martyrdom.
“For his God-pleasing life he was chosen first bishop in the Church at Jerusalem. Saint James presided over the Council of the Apostles at Jerusalem, and his word was decisive (Acts 15). In his thirty years as bishop the Apostle James converted many of the Jews to Christianity. Annoyed by this, the Pharisees and the Scribes plotted together to kill Saint James. Having led the saint up on the roof of the Jerusalem Temple, they demanded that he renounce the Saviour of the world. But the holy Apostle James instead began to bear witness, that Christ is the True Messiah. Then the Jewish teachers shoved him off downwards. The saint did not die immediately, but gathering his final strength, he prayed to the Lord for his enemies, who at this while were stoning him.”
—Synaxarion
“The difficulties faced each day by worldly people serve as their 'monastic rule', and it is by them that they are purified. Such difficulties do far more good for people than any easy, worldly life, which does not help them either to get closer to God or to amass a heavenly reward. This is why people must accept such difficulties as gifts from God." ✝️ St Paisios
The relics of the Holy and Glorious Greatmartyr Demetrius (Oct 26/Nov 8), were once thought to be lost, but later appeared in Thessalonica, and were determined to be genuine after they started emitting a liquid and strong scented myrrh. This gave St Demetrius the epithet Μυροβλήτης, or "Myrrh-streamer."
As a commander in the Roman army, he earned the crown of martyrdom by refusing Emperor Maximian's orders to persecute Christians. Instead, Demetrius openly confessed and preached Christ at Thessalonica.
St Demetrius, the first recognized patron and protector of Thessalonica, has many times saved the city from calamity. Russians also consider Demetrius as the protector of Siberia.
Holy Demetrius, entreat Christ God to grant us great mercy!
As a commander in the Roman army, he earned the crown of martyrdom by refusing Emperor Maximian's orders to persecute Christians. Instead, Demetrius openly confessed and preached Christ at Thessalonica.
St Demetrius, the first recognized patron and protector of Thessalonica, has many times saved the city from calamity. Russians also consider Demetrius as the protector of Siberia.
Holy Demetrius, entreat Christ God to grant us great mercy!
When difficulties and humiliations come our way, we must embrace them as from God. The Lord knows what we need, and if we are to acquire true humility like our Lord Jesus Christ demonstrated during His Incarnation, we must trust that the Lord gives us that which we need for salvation. Just as a loving father does not spoil his child, so does the Lord allow periods of struggle, that we might be purified, and made whole. Let us thank Him for everything, and draw near to Him for comfort amidst the pains of life. We can make it through this humbling veil of tears to paradise if we persevere in faith, hope, and love.
—Abbot Tryphon
—Abbot Tryphon