Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria & All Africa

Archdiocese of Good Hope

Sacred Lessons
26 March 2023
8th Sunday of Triodion – 4th Sunday of Great Lent
St John Klimakos (of the Ladder of Divine Ascent)
Apodosis of the Annunciation

By the Grace of God

Compiled, Adapted, Edited & Printed
By Marguerite Paizis
Archondissa & Teacher by Divine Grace
Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria & All Africa
Archdiocese of Good Hope
Holy Orthodox Church of the Dormition of the Mother of God
marguerite.paizis@gmail.com Resurrection Gospel 8: John 20 : 11 - 18
or download directly from
Marguerite Paizis on Scribd – www.scribd.com/writers4574
Hebrews 6 : 13 - 20
These can also be emailed directly, on request Mark 9 : 17 - 31
Re-edited & Published - 09 March 2023

24. SACRED LESSONS - 8TH TRIODION – 4TH LENT – ST JOHN KLIMAKOS

 As with the appearance of Light, Darkness retreats, so at the
Fragrance of Humility, all anger and bitterness vanishes.
Some who are prone to anger are neglectful of the Healing and Cure
of this grievous passion. But such unhappy people do not give a
R ESURREC TION G OSPEL 8: J OH N 20 : 11 - 18
thought to him who said: “… the moment of his anger is his Fall!”
Our Risen Lord Jesus speaks to St Mary Magdalene (Ecclesiasticus 10:22)
Τῷ καιρῷ ἐκείνῳ, Μαρία At that time, Mary stood outside There is a quick movement of a millstone which, in one moment,
grinds and does away with more Spiritual Grain and Fruit than
εἱστήκει πρὸς τὸ Μνημεῖον the Sepulchre weeping. another that crushes in a whole day. And so we must pay
κλαίουσα ἔξω· attention with Understanding. It is possible to have such a Blaze
Ὡς οὖν ἔκλαιε, παρέκυψεν εἰς τὸ As she wept she stooped down and of Flame, suddenly fanned by a Strong Wind, as shall ruin the Field
of the heart more than a lingering Flame!
Μνημεῖον, καὶ θεωρεῖ δύο looked into the Tomb, and saw And we ought not to forget, Beloved Brethren, that the wicked
Ἀγγέλους ἐν λευκοῖς two Angels in white sitting - one demons sometimes suddenly leave us, so that we may neglect our
καθεζομένους - ἕνα πρὸς τῇ at the head and the other at the strong, grievous passions as being of little importance, and then
κεφαλῇ, καὶ ἕνα πρὸς τοῖς feet - where the Body of Jesus we become incurably afflicted.
ποσίν, ὅπου ἔκειτο τὸ Σῶμα had lain.
An angry person is a ‘wilful epileptic,’ who, due to an involuntary
τοῦ ᾿Ιησοῦ. tendency keeps convulsing and falling down!
Καὶ λέγουσιν αὐτῇ ἐκεῖνοι· And they asked her: “Woman, why Nothing is as inappropriate to those Repenting as a spirit agitated by
“Γύναι, τί κλαίεις?” art thou weeping?” anger, because Conversion requires Great Humility, while anger is
a sign of every kind of presumption.
Λέγει αὐτοῖς· “Ὅτι ἦραν τὸν She said to them: “Because they If - even in the presence of one’s offenders - it is mark of extreme
Κύριόν μου, καὶ οὐκ οἶδα ποῦ have taken away my Lord, and I Meekness to be peacefully and lovingly disposed towards them in
ἔθηκαν Αὐτόν.” do not know where they have one’s heart, then it is certainly a mark of hot temper if we
continue to quarrel and rage against our offenders, both by words
laid Him.” and gestures, even when alone.
Καὶ ταῦτα εἰποῦσα, ἐστράφη εἰς And when she said this, she turned If God the Holy Spirit is Peace of soul, as He is in reality, and if anger
τὰ ὀπίσω, καὶ θεωρεῖ τὸν around and saw Jesus standing is disturbance of heart, as it actually is, and as it is said to be, then
nothing so prevents His Loving Presence within us (or His coming
᾿Ιησοῦν ἑστῶτα· καὶ οὐκ ᾔδει there, and did not know that it to us) as anger.
ὅτι ὁ ᾿Ιησοῦς ἐστι. was Jesus. O N F ASTING

Λέγει αὐτῇ ὁ ᾿Ιησοῦς· “Γύναι, τί We must master our stomach before it masters us, and then we are
To her Jesus said: “Woman, why
sure to control ourselves with the aid of shame. Those who fallen
κλαίεις? Τίνα ζητεῖς?” art thou weeping? Whom art into the horrible gulf know I mean.
thou seeking?” Let us curb our appetite by thoughts of the Future Fire. For some
Ἐκείνη, δοκοῦσα ὅτι ὁ Supposing Him to be the Gardener, who were enslaved by their stomach have cut their member off,
and died a double death. If we contemplate the matter, we shall
Κηπουρός ἐστι, λέγει Αὐτῷ: she said to Him: “Sir, if thou hast find that the stomach alone is the cause of all human shipwreck.
“Κύριε, εἰ σὺ ἐβάστασας Αὐτόν, carried Him away, tell me where The mind of a Faster prays soberly, but the mind of the intemperate
εἰπέ μοι ποῦ ἔθηκας Αὐτόν, thou hast laid Him, and I shall is filled with impure idols.
κἀγὼ Αὐτὸν ἀρῶ.” take Him away.” He who cherishes his appetite and hopes to overcome the spirit of
fornication is like one who tries to put out a fire with oil.
Λέγει αὐτῇ ὁ ᾿Ιησοῦς· “Μαρία!” To her Jesus said:: “Mary!” We must keep watch over ourselves early in the morning, at midday,
and for an hour before eating, and we shall realise the value of
Στραφεῖσα ἐκείνη λέγει Αὐτῷ· She turned and said to Him:
Fasting.
“Ῥαββουνί!” (ὃ λέγεται, “Rabboni!” (which is to say: When we stint our stomach, we shall lock our mouth for the tongue is
“Διδάσκαλε.”) “Teacher”). strengthened by an abundance of food. We must Struggle with all
our might against our appetite, restraining it with all sobriety, and
if we Labour a while, our Lord shall soon work with us.

2. SACRED LESSONS - 8TH TRIODION – 4TH LENT – ST JOHN KLIMAKOS SACRED LESSONS - 8TH TRIODION – 4TH LENT – ST JOHN KLIMAKOS 23.
 • In absolute Obedience to the Divine Will of our Heavenly Father, Λέγειαὐτῇ ὁ ᾿Ιησοῦς· “Μή μου To her Jesus said:: “Do not cling to
He accepted His ultimate Blood Sacrifice willingly and freely
ἅπτου· οὔπω γὰρ Ἀναβέβηκα Me, for I have not yet Ascended
because of our Triune God’s infinite Love of mankind.
πρὸς τὸν Πατέρα μου· πορεύου to My Father; but go to My
• The Passion and Crucifixion of Christ was the final and greatest
of all Blood Sacrifices for mankind’s Salvation.
δὲ πρὸς τοὺς Ἀδελφούς Μου Brethren and tell them: ‘I Am
καὶ εἰπὲ αὐτοῖς· “Ἀναβαίνω Ascending to My Father and
• Christ thereby Redeemed all mankind so that never again would
we have to offer temporary blood sacrifices for the πρὸς τὸν Πατέρα Μου καὶ your Father, and to My God
atonement of our continuous sins. Πατέρα ὑμῶν, καὶ Θεόν Μου and your God.’”
• Our New Covenant with God is καὶ Θεὸν ὑμῶν.”
1. a Bloodless Covenant. Ἔρχεται Μαρία ἡ Μαγδαληνὴ, Mary Magdalene went and told the
2. Life in Christ, whereby we fulfil the Will of our Heavenly ἀπαγγέλλουσα τοῖς Μαθηταῖς, Disciples that she had seen the
Father in all circumstances in imitation of our Divine
Saviour.
ὅτι ἑώρακε τὸν Κύριον, καὶ Lord, and that He had spoken
3. constant offering of Thanksgiving, Praise and Worship in the ταῦτα εἶπεν αὐτῇ. these things to her.
Divine Liturgy.
4. continuous Repentance R ESURREC TION G OSPEL 8: J OH N 20 : 11 – 18
5. ceaseless Striving for Spiritual Perfection while Struggling
against all temptations and grievous passions.
This is the first of four post-Resurrection Appearances or
Epiphanies of our Lord Jesus Christ as recorded by St John the
• Just like so many of us today, the Disciples did not fully Divine Evangelist and Beloved Apostle.
understand the full Truth and significance of Christ’s clear
• Our Lord Jesus also Appeared to ten of the Apostles that same
words.
evening. Eight days later He Appeared to the Eleven
• The more we seek Divine Truth with a Spiritual Yearning for a Apostles, including St Thomas, and then to seven of the
close Relationship with Almighty God, the more our Lord Apostles as they were fishing in the Sea of Galilee.
grants us Knowledge and Understanding!
• This Encounter between our Resurrected Lord Jesus Christ and
St “Mary” is reminiscent of the Song of Solomon 3: 1 – 4,
which teaches us that through His Resurrection, Christ
S T J OH N KLIMAKO S Jesus takes His New Covenant Holy Church as His Eternal
O N M EE KNE SS AND FREEDOM FROM A NGE R
Bride. Thus He is the Divine Bridegroom and His Holy
Church is His Bride.
As the gradual pouring of water on a fire completely extinguishes the
flames, so the Tears of True Mourning are able to quench every
 “… Mary stood outside the Sepulchre weeping. As she wept she
stooped down and looked into the Tomb, and saw two Angels
flame of anger and irritability.
in white sitting - one at the head and the other at the feet -
Freedom from anger is an insatiable appetite for dishonour, just as in
where the Body of Jesus had lain...”
the vainglorious there is unbounded desire for praise.
Freedom from anger is Victory over nature and insensibility to • Although this account mentions only the name “Mary,” which
insults, acquired by Struggles and sweat. could have applied to three of the eight Holy Myrrhbearers,
Meekness is an immovable state of soul, which remains unaffected, including the All Holy, Ever Blessed Mother of our Lord, and
whether in evil or good report, in dishonour or in praise. because our Lady Theotokos preferred to remain in the
The beginning of freedom from anger is silence of the lips when the background, it is accepted that St John referred to St Mary
heart is agitated. The Middle is silence of thoughts when there is a of Magdala, as did the other Evangelists.
mere disturbance of soul, and the end is an imperturbable calm • St Mary Magdalene was the first of the Faithful Disciples,
under the breath of unclean winds. (together with our Ever Blessed Lady Theotokos) to see the
Wrath is a reminder of hidden hatred – remembrance of wrongs. Risen Christ.
Wrath is a desire for the injury of those who have provoked us.
• She was a close and constant companion of our Lady, being
Irascibility is the untimely blazing up of the heart. Bitterness is a
steadfastly Pious and Faithful, and thus later became known
movement of displeasure seated in the soul.
as “the Apostle to the Apostles.”
Anger is an easily changeable movement of one’s disposition and
disfiguration of soul.

22. SACRED LESSONS - 8TH TRIODION – 4TH LENT – ST JOHN KLIMAKOS SACRED LESSONS - 8TH TRIODION – 4TH LENT – ST JOHN KLIMAKOS 3.
 • The Holy Myrrhbearers already knew that Christ’s Tomb was • Beginning with the Didache – the earliest writings of the Holy
empty and that He had Resurrected. But St Mary Magdalene Apostles – our Holy Church Fathers have taught us that both
(and possibly Theotokos) returned to the Empty Tomb the person who is in need of Healing and the person who
because she could not fully grasp what they had been told performs the Healing, must
by the Angels of God. 1. have unwavering Faith in Almighty God,
• She bent down and peered inside the Empty Tomb because she 2. constantly Pray for Divine Assistance and Grace
still could not accept the fact that our Lord no longer 3. Fast properly – especially concerning the requirements of the
Reposed there. She had to assure herself of His ‘Spiritual Fast.’
Resurrection.
 “… And they departed from there and passed through Galilee.
• The Holy Myrrhbearers wept, not only due to the extent of our And He did not want anyone to know it. For He taught His
Lord Jesus Christ’s unjustified Sufferings unto Death, but Disciples and said to them: “… For the Son of Man is being
also because they thought they would never again see our betrayed into the hands of men who shalt kill Him. And after
Beloved Lord Jesus Christ. He is dead, on the Third Day He shalt Rise.”
• According to St John’s Gospel account, there were two Angels • Our Lord needed to spend more time with His closest Apostles
of God, seated on either side of the burial slab upon which and Disciples in order to prepare them for His impending
our Divine Saviour had been laid to rest. Passion and Resurrection.
• Their radiant white garments lit up the inside of the Tomb to • Our Lord clearly warned His Faithful Apostles and Disciples that
clearly show the absence of our Resurrected Christ. “…the Son of Man is being betrayed into the hands of men
• Angels are the Holy Messengers of God who interact between who shalt kill Him…”
us and our Lord, according to the Will of our Heavenly • The Son of Man is God Incarnate – God-Man – our Lord and
Father, for the Purpose of our current Spiritual Guidance Saviour, Jesus Christ.
and Protection, and Eternal Salvation.
• Having both a Divine Nature and a human Nature, our Lord is
 “…And they asked her: ‘Woman, why art thou weeping?” She
All Knowing, for He retains all His Divine Attributes even
said to them: ‘Because they have taken away my Lord, and I
while He endured all our human conditions, with the
do not know where they have laid Him.’…”
exception of the inclination to sin.
• The Angels did not address St Mary of Magdala by name but
• Thus He was sorrowfully aware that His own Chosen People
rather by the common address “…Woman...”
were plotting to kill Him because they rejected Him as our
• They questioned her sorrowful weeping, despite the Glorious Great Divine Messiah/Saviour.
Resurrection of our Lord as He had promised and foretold.
• He also knew that as the Son of Man He would suffer
•St Mary confessed that she suspected His enemies had indescribably before dying and entering Hades.
removed and hidden His Precious Body elsewhere, and she
• However He defeated Death and the imprisonment of Hades,
was determined to find Him.
because after setting free His Righteous Faithful, He led
 The Song of Songs/Solomon 3: 1-4- “…I sought Him Whom them into Paradise.
my soul Loves. I sought Him, but did not find Him. I called
• As Son of Man – in His Incarnate Nature - He would be
Him, but He did not hear me. I shall rise now and go about
Resurrected on the Third Day.
the city. In the marketplaces and in the streets I shalt seek
Him whom my soul Loves. I sought Him but did not find Him. • The Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ and the reason He
The watchmen who do their rounds in the city found me and I revealed Himself to His Faithful Apostles and Disciples, was
said to them: “Hast thou seen Him Whom my soul Loves?” to show us that we, too, shall be Resurrected into Eternity.
Scarcely had I departed from them, when I found Him Whom • This Divine Truth ought to Encourage, Comfort and Motivate us
my soul Loves. I held Him and would not let Him go…” to fulfil our Life in Christ and thereby receive everything He
 “… The Watchmen…” signify the Holy Prophets of God, the Promised us.
Apostles of Christ and the Evangelists who proclaim the
• He revealed His approaching Death and Resurrection for a
Divine Word of God and bear witness to the Incarnate,
second time to show that He fulfilled His Passion freely and
Eternal Word and Son of God, our Lord Jesus Christ.
not according to the dictates of those seeking His
 The Holy Church of Christ highly honours and cherishes
destruction.
their Sacred Writings – the Holy Scriptures, or our Sacred
4. SACRED LESSONS - 8TH TRIODION – 4TH LENT – ST JOHN KLIMAKOS SACRED LESSONS - 8TH TRIODION – 4TH LENT – ST JOHN KLIMAKOS 21.
  Those who are being corrected must accept constructive Written Tradition, while our Sacred Verbal/Spoken
criticism or Spiritual Guidance with understanding and Tradition consists of the Teachings and Commandments
appreciation of the well intentioned Act of Love. of Christ, that are carefully preserved and passed down
• Besides that, whenever we are corrected by our fellow Disciples intact to future generations, by His Holy Apostles and
of Christ, we must ensure that we apply such corrections their successors – the unbroken lineage of the Apostolic
to our behaviour or practises. Otherwise none of us would Succession.
make any Spiritual Progress at all!  Both Sacred Traditions are inseparable and essential parts
of our priceless, Eternal Spiritual Heritage whereby we
• The Discipline of our Holy Church is based on our mutual Perfect our immortal soul in order to become worthy
correction in three expanding stages. Citizens and Co-Heirs of God’s Heavenly Kingdom of
1. Sin and correction are to remain private unless the offender Love.
stubbornly refuses to Repent and rejects correction.  “…the marketplaces and the streets…” symbolise the fallen
2. All correction of our errors is only possible when done with
world [and Spiritual Death], which consists of all the
great care and Humility, with the primary concern being
the Salvation of the offender. wrong places [and wrong means] in which to seek the Lord
3. Correction of our errors is essential so that we do not our God, because our Triune, Almighty God and Life in
draw others into sin as well. Christ can only be found in His One, Holy,
1 Corinthians 5 : 5 “... deliver such a one to Satan for the Catholic/Universal and Apostolic Church.
 As Faithful Disciples of Christ, we ‘put on Christ’ during the
destruction of the flesh, so that his spirit may be Saved in the
Holy Mystery of Baptism and then ‘Live in Christ’ while
Day of the Lord Jesus.”
striving to be Saved – striving to acquire Divine Love and
• Being in the Holy Church of Christ we are Protected from the Spiritual Perfection/Theosis/Deification.
destructive power of Satan.  This means we spend the rest of our lifespan striving to
• Should this Holy Protection be removed from us through regain our Divine Likeness and Eternal Life, which we
Excommunication, it is only in the hope that as soon as we have lost due to our inclination to sin.
experience the difference between God’s Divine and Merciful  “…And when she said this, she turned around and saw Jesus
Rule over us and the destructive, wicked and devastating standing there, and did not know that it was Jesus…”
enslavement of Satan we will quickly Repent our sins of • Once again, our Resurrected Lord was not immediately
Spiritual Disobedience and Rebellion against God and return recognised by His Faithful Disciples, due to His ‘altered’
to the Sacred Fold of Christ our Saviour. Form.
• “The flesh” (sarx) is not synonymous with our “body” (soma). •It might also have been due to the fact that women did not
• We need to eradicate and free ourselves from the lusts of the usually speak nor look directly at unfamiliar men, especially
flesh rather than to destroy our body. when there was no protective male relative present.
 Galatians 6 : 1 “Brethren: if (anyone) is overtaken in any “…To her Jesus said: “Woman, why art thou weeping? Whom art
trespass, you who are Spiritual restore such a (person) in a thou seeking?”
spirit of Gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be • Similar to St Cleopas and St Luke, our Lord wanted St Mary to
tempted.” explain her sorrow and incredulity, even though He knows
• To be able to administer correction with the Blessed Virtue of exactly our unexpressed thoughts.
Gentleness is a Spiritual Gift from God. • The term “Woman,” which our Lord Jesus used, was a Sacred
• “This kind...” of evil spirit – demonic possession that causes not Title in Holy Scripture that conveyed a deep respect and
only Spiritual Illness but also physical manifestations of the distinction, for Christ treated not only His Beloved Mother,
great Spiritual Struggle that occurs during demonic attacks – but all women with the greatest respect and honour.
is a reference to all (limited) powers of Darkness – of evil - • In those days females were regarded in general as either equal
and not simply to those that can cause a particular type of to or less significant than livestock. They were often
physical illness. bought and sold for the benefit of families through
• Exorcism requires strong, unshakable Faith, sincere and humble marriage contracts and thus were expected not only to
Prayer and both Spiritual and physical Fasting, for there is no cultivate food, fulfil all household requirements but also to
healing and no victory in spiritual warfare without all three! bear as many children as possible – preferably male
children – in order to increase and sustain the generations.

20. SACRED LESSONS - 8TH TRIODION – 4TH LENT – ST JOHN KLIMAKOS SACRED LESSONS - 8TH TRIODION – 4TH LENT – ST JOHN KLIMAKOS 5.
 • According to the New Covenant of Christ, women are to be • Laymen are strictly forbidden to confront, challenge or try to
respected, honoured and treated as equals to men, although exorcise evil spirits! We are strictly forbidden to challenge
they fulfil different roles in the family and Church. the evil one directly for many significant reasons.
 “…Supposing Him to be the Gardener, she said to Him: “Sir, if • We must pray to God, or to our Lady, Theotokos and all His
Thou hast carried Him away, tell me where Thou hast laid Holy Saints, for His Divine Intervention and their Interceding
Him, and I shall take Him away.” Prayers, for God alone has the Power to Exorcise, and His
• The Tomb of Christ was situated in a beautiful, cultivated Saints have the Spiritual Experience to deal with evil spirits.
garden, which belonged to St Joseph of Arimathea, a • We must avoid everything that encourages them or permits
wealthy, influential member of the Sanhedrin who was a them entrance into our life.
secret Disciple of our Lord. It had recently been carved out  “And the spirit cried out, convulsed him greatly, and went out of
of rock, as a burial place for St Joseph and/or his family, him. And he became as though dead, so that many said: “He is
which he immediately donated to Christ. Even the huge, dead!” Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him up, and he
heavy stone to seal the entrance, showed the significance of arose…”
the site and tomb.
• When confronted by the Divine Love and Power of Almighty
• St Mary did not know if the Precious Body of Christ has been God, the evil one and his demons are terrified, frustrated,
removed and interred elsewhere, which sometimes subdued and powerless, which is why “… the spirit cried out,
happened when a tomb was not prepared beforehand, and convulsed him greatly and went out of him.”
an unexpected death occurred.
• Their obsessive hatred of mankind is due to their jealousy of us
• St Mary of Magdala was a mature, independently wealthy and whom God Loves and for whom God makes every Provision
influential woman who had the means of doing as she said. for our Eternal Salvation. Hence their perpetual efforts to
 “…To her Jesus said:: “Mary!” She turned and said to Him: cause our Spiritual Death so that we, too, shall be Eternally
“Rabboni!” (which is to say: “Teacher”). Exiled with them to Hell – “Outer Darkness” or “The Abyss.”
• Our Resurrected Lord Jesus Christ addressed St Mary by her • The son “…became as though dead…” because he became
name, and instantly she recognised Him, addressing him unconscious after the final convulsion. Obviously, not
respectfully as “Rabboni” or “Teacher.” understanding, the people murmured “He is dead!”
• “Rabboni” is an affectionate term meaning “My Dear Teacher.” • As soon as our Lord Jesus “… took him by hand and lifted him
• When we are profoundly Blessed to Encounter our Divine Lord up…he arose.” This was not a resuscitation because the boy
and Saviour, He addresses us by our Baptismal Name, for had not died. Instead Christ our God granted him a full
every one of us is completely known to Him – all our recovery to good health.
thoughts, words and deeds!  “…And when He had gone into the house, His Disciples asked
• When we ceaselessly strive for a Close, Intimate Relationship Him privately: “Why could we not cast it out?” And He said to
with our Lord, even His Voice alone, makes us profoundly them: “This kind can come out by nothing but Prayer and
Joyful and filled with overwhelming Love and the deepest Fasting.”
Yearning to remain with Him forever. • Although our Lord Jesus defended the abilities of His Disciples
• During the long periods between Holy Prophets of God, the and Apostles before the gathered multitude, He later
“Rabbi” or “Teacher” of the Faith was highly respected by rebuked them in private for their weak Faith and trust in
the Old Covenant Faithful, for these Holy Fathers continued the Divine Mercy and Power of Almighty God.
to prepare and guide the Chosen People of God towards • Christ thereby teaches us that
their ultimate Goal.  when we correct others, we must neither humiliate nor
• Those who were unable to participate in communal Prayers and embarrass them, especially before witnesses who may
Worship at the Great Temple in Jerusalem gathered not understand one’s concern or loving motivation for
together, especially on Sabbath Days, in Synagogues where correcting those who are Stumbling or who have already
the Sacred Prayers and Scriptures were taught, studied and Fallen.
read.  Everything we do to encourage, assist, guide or teach others
must be done with Agape – unconditional Love.
• Together with the New Covenant Israel, the Faithful People of
God shall all be Saved according to the Will of God the

6. SACRED LESSONS - 8TH TRIODION – 4TH LENT – ST JOHN KLIMAKOS SACRED LESSONS - 8TH TRIODION – 4TH LENT – ST JOHN KLIMAKOS 19.
 Our Lord “…Jesus said to him: ‘If you can believe, all things are Father, through the Teachings and Commandments of
possible to those who believe.’ And immediately the father of Christ, by the Grace and Power and Energy of God the Holy
the child cried out with tears: ‘Lord, I believe! Help my Spirit.
unbelief!” • St John the Baptist was the last and greatest Holy Prophet of
• In response to the father’s pleadings our Lord Jesus teaches God for he was the Forerunner of Christ who taught the
him – and every one of us – to have Absolute, Steadfast Faith People to Repent their sins in order to make good Spiritual
in our Loving, Benevolent and All Merciful Lord God. Progress according to the Old Covenant that Christ fulfilled
and then according to the New Covenant of Love that He
• We ought to trust God implicitly! Without God, we cannot
has taught and commanded us to fulfil.
achieve anything that is good, worthy and beneficial to all of
us. Our abilities are powerless, limited and restricted. • St John the Baptised announced the Coming of the Great
Messiah to those held captive in Hades. So when Christ
• The sincere response of the father has become a Fervent
smashed open the Gates of Hades, the Righteous were set
Prayer to those who yearn to be closer to God yet still harbour
free and led to the reopened Paradise to Repose in Peace
deep seated fears and doubts: “O Lord, I Believe! Help my
until the General Resurrection on the Eighth Day, when the
unbelief!”
Final Judgement shall occur.
• These words conveyed the deep anguish and Hope of the  “…To her Jesus said: “Do not cling to Me, for I have not yet
desperate father. Ascended to My Father; but go to My Brethren and tell them:
• Our Lord is very clear and concise that when we truly believe, ‘I Am Ascending to My Father and your Father, and to My
nothing is impossible, because God works through us, or God and your God.’”
uses various circumstances to achieve His Divine Miracles. • Our Lord did not rebuke St Mary Magdalene for a lack of Faith
• The father’s heartfelt Confession and Prayer worked together as He did with His other Apostles and Disciples. He always
with our Lord to Heal and Restore his son. treated women with kindness, gentleness, honour and
• Because of our inherent pride, stubbornness and/or lack of respect, which was vastly different to the attitude of men
Faith, it is extremely difficult for some of us to surrender our then and even now.
free will totally to the Divine Will of our Lord God. But once • “…do not cling to Me…” did not mean that our Lord Jesus
we are able to do so, we Experience a Glorious, Joyful Christ prohibited St Mary Magdalene or His Beloved Mother
Freedom that has no limitations! We become Peaceful, to touch His Resurrected Flesh, for He even invited St
Humble and Obedient to the Will of our Heavenly Father and Thomas to touch Him and inspect His crucifixion Wounds.
are no longer shackled by doubts or fears that are • During the Holy Mystery of Communion/Eucharist, we actually
recognisable temptations of the evil one. Partake of His Glorified, Life-giving Body and Blood, which
 “…Seeing that the people approached, running together, Jesus Cleanses us and grants us Eternal Life in His Heavenly
rebuked the unclean spirits, saying to it: ‘Deaf and dumb Kingdom of Love.
spirit: I Command you, come out of him, and enter him no
• In this instance, our Resurrected Lord Jesus Christ instructed
more!’…”
St Mary Magdalene to understand and accept that His Life is
• Before a greater multitude could witness this Divine Miracle, our not merely continuing in the same State as before.
Lord exorcised the demon, because He never ‘performed for
• He shall not remain with us as He did in the past in His
the crowd,’ in order to convince them or persuade them to
Incarnate, human Nature and Form, physically and visibly
believe in Him, as devious charlatans always do.
Living in our midst while He taught us about Divine Love.
• Salvation and all kinds of Healing, whether physical or spiritual,
• He was about to Ascend to His Heavenly Father, where in His
involves a process whereby both the Healer and the one
Glorified State as the Eternal Word and Son of God and as
being Healed need to fully participate and co-operate.
the Incarnate Son of Man, He is Enthroned at the right hand
• Only our Lord Jesus Christ can directly address the evil spirits side of God our Heavenly Father.
and command them to go out of those whom they possess.
• Being the Glorified Second Person of the Holy Trinity – of the
• Orthodox Exorcisms are strictly performed in the Name of our One Godhead – our Lord Jesus Christ is Enthroned in the
Triune Lord God – Father, Son and Holy Spirit – by an Most Honourable Position, being seated at the right hand
Orthodox Ordained and Spiritually Prepared Bishop or Priest. side of our Heavenly Father.

18. SACRED LESSONS - 8TH TRIODION – 4TH LENT – ST JOHN KLIMAKOS SACRED LESSONS - 8TH TRIODION – 4TH LENT – ST JOHN KLIMAKOS 7.
 • By stating “…My Father and your Father … My God and your • Unshakable Faith in the Love and Mercy of Almighty God
God…” our Lord affirms and assures us that we share the enables us to endure, to strengthen and to recover, according
same Almighty God and Heavenly Father through our to the Will of our Heavenly Father.
Sacred Allegiance to Christ our Divine Saviour and Lord • In our weakest state, we are able to draw close to our Lord God,
God. Who carries us through the worst times of our Journey to
• During the Holy Mysteries of Baptism and Chrismation, we Eternity.
become the Adopted Children of God and Co-Heirs with  “...And He asked his father: “How long has this been happening
Christ of His Heavenly Kingdom of Love. to him?” He said: “Since childhood. And often it has thrown
• However, as our sinful state is merely in remission and we are him both into the fire and into the water to destroy him. But
still inclined to commit sins, our Salvation is an ongoing if Thou can do anything, Help us and have Compassion on
Sacred Endeavour until we take our final breath. us.”
• Throughout our lifespan we are Blessed with Spiritual Life • Our Lord Jesus already knew how long the man’s son had been
when we Live in Christ and Repent our habitual sins, but we suffering, but He asked the father this question in order to
also continuously fall into Spiritual Death when we make him think about it and to acknowledge something
surrender to temptations or our personal grievous passions. significant in their past that had brought on this affliction.
• The Divine Purpose for our own unique lifespan is to regain • We need to understand that there are consequences for every
our lost Divine Likeness - to become “Christ-like” in one of our thoughts, words and deeds. They are like stones
thought, word and deed! being thrown into still waters – the ripples spread forth,
affecting so many other aspects, of which we are unaware,
• This is only possible when we ceaselessly Struggle against all
but for which we shall be held accountable at our Final
temptations and reject sin, while Striving to acquire Divine
Judgement.
Love by seeking and attaining the essential Holy Virtues
through Life in Christ. • No matter what the demons try to do to us, they cannot kill us.
• Life in Christ means that we humbly and willingly obey all the • They use all their wicked influence to stir up and inflame our
Teachings and Commandments of our Lord Jesus Christ. own weaknesses and grievous passions in order to cause us
to harm ourselves or others by doing their filthy work for
• This can only be accomplished when we are Humble and
them.
Obedient to all the Teachings and practises of His Holy
Church, consisting of both Written and Verbal Sacred • All our enemies, visible and invisible, use our own weaknesses
Tradition. and grievous passions against us, unless we prevent this
 “…Mary Magdalene went and told the Disciples that she had from happening by means of constant self-examination and
seen the Lord, and that He had spoken these things to her...” Repentance, as well as ceaseless Prayers, Fasting (self-
denial/discipline) and a determined Striving to Live
• Being a more mature and confident woman, St Mary of Magdala according to the Teachings and Commandments of our Lord
was not afraid nor wary of proclaiming the Resurrection, God.
the Appearance and the Message of our Lord to His
Disciples. • The father’s words “… if Thou can do anything….” clearly
indicated that - at that stage - he regarded our Lord Jesus as
• The other Holy Myrrhbearers knew their Experience at the being mere a Great Teacher and Healer, rather than the long-
Empty Tomb and the Proclamation of the Glorious awaited Messiah Whose infinite Blessings and Salvation are
Resurrection would be received with scepticism and Eternal.
outright scorn so they had either kept silent or had only
told their closest relatives. • The father beseeched Christ to “…Help us and have Compassion
on us.” However, our Loving and Benevolent Lord God is
• St Simon Peter and St John the Beloved Disciple of Christ were forever Compassionate, and Merciful, for He ceaselessly
the only two Apostles who immediately believed the Holy Helps us in ways we all too often take for granted, overlook
Myrrhbearers and rushed to the Empty Tomb to personally or ignore. Instead of complaining about whatever we think
witness the Truth of their words. we want or need, we ought to ceaselessly offer our profound
Gratitude and Thanksgiving to God for His infinite Blessings
that Sustain and Protect us every moment of our short
lifespan.

8. SACRED LESSONS - 8TH TRIODION – 4TH LENT – ST JOHN KLIMAKOS SACRED LESSONS - 8TH TRIODION – 4TH LENT – ST JOHN KLIMAKOS 17.
 • This Event occurred shortly after the Transfiguration of our
Lord Jesus Christ on Mount Tabor, which was witnessed by
His three most trustworthy Apostles, St John the Beloved
Disciple, St Simon Peter and St James ‘Adelphotheos.’
T H E E PISTLE OF S T P AUL TO TH E H EBRE WS 6 : 13 - 20
• According to St Matthew’s account of this incident, the Our Merciful High Priest & Qualification for the Eternal, Holy Priesthood
desperate father of the epileptic boy had knelt down before
our Lord Jesus Christ, which revealed his Humility and Ἀδελφοί, …τῷ Ἀβραὰμ Brethren: ... when God made a
submission to the Will of God. Ἐπαγγειλάμενος ὁ Θεός, ἐπεὶ Promise to Abraham, because He
• Although .he obviously regarded our Lord Jesus as a powerful κατʼ οὐδενὸς εἶχε μείζονος could Swear by no one greater,
Teacher and Holy Person, he lacked personal Faith in God. ὀμόσαι, ὤμοσε καθʼ Ἐαυτοῦ, He Swore by Himself, saying:
• The Epileptic seizures were caused by the demonic attacks and λέγων· “Ἠ μὴν Εὐλογῶν ‘Surely Blessing I shalt Bless
not simply due to a debilitating affliction, which is proved by Εὐλογήσω Σε καὶ πληθύνων Thee, and multiplying I shalt
Christ’s words shortly thereafter. πληθυνῶ Σε·” multiply Thee.’
• The inability of the Disciples to Heal the son also proved the
stubbornness and determination of the evil spirit.
Καὶ οὕτω, μακροθυμήσας ἐπέτυχε And so, having patiently endured,
 “...He answered him and said: “O faithless generation! How long
τῆς Ἐπαγγελίας. he obtained the Promise.
shall I be with you? How long shall I bear with you? Bring Ἄνθρωποι μὲν γὰρ κατὰ τοῦ For mankind swears by the greater,
him to Me.” And they brought him to Him…” μείζονος ὀμνύουσι, καὶ πάσης and for them an Oath of
• Our Lord Jesus Christ rebuked His Apostles, all those who αὐτοῖς ἀντιλογίας πέρας εἰς Confirmation is an end of all
witnessed the incident, as well as the father, for their lack of βεβαίωσιν ὁ ὅρκος· dispute.
Faith, which had prevented the Exorcism and Healing of his
son. Ἐν ᾧ περισσότερον βουλόμενος ὁ Determining to show more
• These Words expressed the frustration of our Lord Who had to Θεὸς ἐπιδεῖξαι τοῖς abundantly to the Heir of
continuously contend with so many who were faithless, who Κληρονόμοις τῆςἘπαγγελίας τὸ Promise the immutability of His
doubted or who failed to grasp His Divine Truth. ἀμετάθετον τῆς βουλῆς αὐτοῦ, Counsel, God Confirmed It by an
• According to St John Chrysostom this Rebuke of Christ was ἐμεσίτευσεν ὅρκῳ, ἵνα διὰ δύο Oath, so that by two Immutable
actually directed at the nine Disciples who could not cast out πραγμάτων ἀμεταθέτων, ἐν οἷς
the demon that caused the young boy’s epileptic fits, Things, in which it is impossible
whereas the ‘Pillars of Faith,’ St Peter, St James and St John,
ἀδύνατον ψεύσασθαι Θεόν, for God to lie, we, who have fled
were not included in the Rebuke, since they had been on ἰσχυρὰν Παράκλησιν ἔχωμεν οἱ for Refuge, might have strong
Mount Tabor with our Lord Jesus Christ, where they had καταφυγόντες κρατῆσαι τῆς Consolation, to lay hold of the
witnessed His Glorious Transfiguration. προκειμένης Ἐλπίδος, ἣν ὡς Hope set before us, as an Anchor
 “...And beholding Him, immediately the spirit convulsed him, and ἄγκυραν ἔχομεν τῆς ψυχῆς of the soul, both sure and
he fell, wallowing on the ground, foaming at the mouth...” ἀσφαλῆ τε καὶ βεβαίαν, καὶ steadfast, which also enters the
• The evil spirit immediately recognised and feared Christ so he εἰσερχομένην εἰς τὸ Ἐσώτερον Presence behind the Veil, where
tried yet again to harm or shame the epileptic son and his τοῦ καταπετάσματος, ὅπου the Forerunner has entered for
father. Πρόδρομος ὑπὲρ ἡμῶν εἰσῆλθεν us - Jesus, having become -
• The evil one uses fear, superstition and Spiritual Weakness to Ἰησοῦς, κατὰ τὴν τάξιν according to the Order of
convince people of his evil power and thereby to enslave Μελχισεδέκ, Ἀρχιερεὺς
them. Melchizedek - High Priest
γενόμενος εἰς τὸν αἰῶνα. forever.
• The obsessive jealousy and pride of the evil spirit caused it to
react to the Divine Presence of Christ, Who immediately
identified it.
• Although epilepsy is a medical condition, the evil one often uses
our afflictions to ensnare us into a state of fear, despair and
desperation.
16. SACRED LESSONS - 8TH TRIODION – 4TH LENT – ST JOHN KLIMAKOS SACRED LESSONS - 8TH TRIODION – 4TH LENT – ST JOHN KLIMAKOS 9.
 “…when God made a Promise to Abraham, because He could
And he became as though dead, so
Swear by no one greater, He Swore by Himself, saying: Καὶ ἐγένετο ὡσεὶ νεκρός, ὥστε
‘Surely Blessing I shalt Bless Thee, and multiplying I shalt πολλοὺς λέγειν: “Ὄτι that many said: “He is dead!”
multiply Thee.’ …” ἀπέθανεν!”
• Just before St Paul spoke these words, He had reminded the Ὁ δὲ Ἰησοῦς κρατήσας αὐτὸν τῆς Jesus took him by the hand and
Hebrews about all those who had preceded them in the Old
χειρὸς ἤγειρεν αὐτόν, καὶ lifted him up, and he arose.
Covenant Faith – who, despite the many obstacles they had
to endure and overcome, their Faith in God never weakened ἀνέστη.
nor abandoned them. Καὶ εἰσελθόντα Αὐτὸν εἰς οἶκον οἱ And when He had gone into the
• The Promise that God made to St Abraham concerned a son Μαθηταὶ Αὐτοῦ ἐπηρώτων house, His Disciples asked Him
who would be born to him and his equally elderly and Αὐτόν κατʼ ἰδίαν: “Ὄτι ἡμεῖς privately: “Why could we not cast
barren wife, St Sarah. οὐκ ἠδυνήθημεν ἐκβαλεῖν it out?”
• St Isaac was the legal heir through whom God would greatly αὐτό?”
multiply his entire family.
 “…And so, having patiently endured, he obtained the Promise.
Καὶ εἶπεν αὐτοῖς: “Τοῦτο τὸ And He said to them: “This kind
For mankind swears by the greater, and for them an Oath of γένος ἐν οὐδενὶ δύναται can come out by nothing but
Confirmation is an end of all dispute…” ἐξελθεῖν εἰ μὴ ἐν Προσευχῇ καὶ Prayer and Fasting.”
• The ancient Patriarch, St Abraham, did indeed, obtain God’s Νηστείᾳ.”
Promise for everything He Promised throughout the ages, Καὶ ἐκεῖθεν ἐξελθόντες And they departed from there and
has truly been Fulfilled, and shall be Fulfilled until the Ages
of ages – until Eternity begins. παρεπορεύοντο διὰ τῆς passed through Galilee.
Γαλιλαίας.
• Faith in God requires profound belief, confidence, trust,
patience and endurance. Καὶ οὐκ ἤθελεν ἵνα τις γνῷ· And He did not want anyone to
• Faith in God is our never-ending Hope of fulfilment. know it.
• When we patiently endure, like St Abraham, we, too, will obtain Ἐδίδασκε γὰρ τοὺς Μαθητὰς For He taught His Disciples and
all Divine Promises. Αὐτοῦ καὶ ἔλεγεν αὐτοῖς: “Ὂτι said to them: “… For the Son of
• Our Lord Jesus Christ repeatedly encouraged us to have Ὁ Υἱὸς τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου Man is being betrayed into the
Patience, which enables us to endure whatever confronts παραδίδοται εἰς χεῖρας hands of men who shalt kill
and challenges us.
ἀνθρώπων, καὶ ἀποκτενοῦσιν Him.
• With Patient Endurance we acquire Spiritual Strength. αὐτόν.
• St Paul understood the essential Holy Virtue of Patience, and
thus urged the Hebrews to be encouraged by the history of
“Καὶ ἀποκτανθεὶς τῇ Τρίτῃ “And after He is dead, on the
their Forefathers who had suffered far worse and Ἡμέρᾳ Ἀναστήσεται. Third Day He shalt Rise.”
frightening circumstances than them.  This passage is always read on the Fourth Sunday of Great Lent –
• Likewise, we ought to be far more Faithful to God since we Sunday of St John Klimakos, who wrote “The Ladder of Divine
have all the verbal and written history of our Forefathers to Ascent,” which teaches us about the Acquisition of Spiritual
Enlighten, to Guide and to Spiritual Assure us of His Divine Perfection. Like a Divine Ladder reaching to Heaven, it comprises
Love and Truth. 30 Steps, and although intended for the Monastic Life, we, too, can
• Sacred Vows or Oaths are sworn by something that is far Benefit from his Spiritual Wisdom according to our individual
greater and more Precious, Powerful or Priceless than abilities and Spiritual Experience.
ourselves, which is why Sacred Vows or Oaths can never  “…a man went to our Lord Jesus Christ and said: “Teacher, I
be broken without dire, Eternal Consequences. brought Thee my son who has a mute spirit. And wherever it
seizes him, it throws him down; he foams at the mouth,
• Just as God “…Swore by Himself…” whatever Sacred Vow we
gnashes his teeth, and becomes rigid. So I spoke to Thy
swear, it is an “… Oath of Confirmation…” that must be
Disciples, that they could cast it out, but they could not.”
absolutely Truthful, sincere and honest.

10. SACRED LESSONS - 8TH TRIODION – 4TH LENT – ST JOHN KLIMAKOS SACRED LESSONS - 8TH TRIODION – 4TH LENT – ST JOHN KLIMAKOS 15.
 ἴσχυσαν.” • We recall the admonishment to “…Let your ‘yes’ be yes, and
your ‘no’ be no.’” This means that others can implicitly
Ὁ δὲ ἀποκριθεὶς αὐτῷ λέγει· “Ὦ He answered him and said: “O trust our words as being honest, sincere and Truthful.
γενεὰ ἄπιστος! Ἔως πότε πρὸς faithless generation! How long
• No thought, word or deed shall escape the Divine Scrutiny of
ὑμᾶς ἔσομαι? Ἔως πότε shall I be with you? How long Almighty God and His vast Heavenly Hosts and Clouds of
ἀνέξομαι ὑμῶν? Φέρετε αὐτὸν shall I bear with you? Bring Witnesses, upon which depends our ultimate, irrevocable
πρός Με.” him to Me.” Eternal Judgement!
Καὶ ἤνεγκαν αὐτὸν πρὸς Αὐτόν. And they brought him to Him. • Therefore, as St Paul so clearly emphasised “… an Oath of
Confirmation is an end of all dispute!”
Καὶ ἰδὼν Αὐτὸν εὐθέως τὸ πνεῦμα And beholding Him, immediately • Sadly, dishonesty, deception and wickedness have made our
ἐσπάραξεν αὐτόν. Καὶ πεσὼν the spirit convulsed him, and he spoken words, Sacred Vows and Oaths, suspect, unreliable,
ἐπὶ τῆς γῆς ἐκυλίετο ἀφρίζων. fell, wallowing on the ground, distorted, devious and untrustworthy.
foaming at the mouth. • Far too many of us either overlook, ignore or refute the Most
Καὶ ἐπηρώτησε τὸν Πατέρα αὐτοῦ· And He asked his father: “How Sacred Vows of Allegiance we make to our Lord God during
the Holy Mystery of Baptism and Chrismation, which is
“Πόσος χρόνος ἐστὶν ὡς τοῦτο long has this been happening to tragic indeed and the reason for our Holy Fathers exhorting
γέγονεν αὐτῷ?” him?” us to “Remember your Baptism!” as well as “Remember
Ὁ δὲ εἶπε· “Παιδιόθεν. Καὶ He said: “Since childhood. And your Death!”
πολλάκις αὐτὸν καὶ εἰς πῦρ often it has thrown him both into • Every sin we commit, whether by thought, word or deed, is a
ἔβαλε καὶ εἰς ὕδατα, ἵνα denial or rejection of our Sacred Vows of Allegiance to our
the fire and into the water to
Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ – to our Triune, Almighty,
ἀπολέσῃ αὐτόν· Ἀλλʼ εἴ τι destroy him. But if Thou can do Lord God!
δύνασαι, Βοήθησον ἡμῖν anything, Help us and have • Every sin we commit drags us away from the very Likeness of
Σπλαγχνισθεὶς ἐφʼ ἡμᾶς. Compassion on us.” Christ in Whose Image and Likeness He created us.
Ὁ δὲ Ἰησοῦς εἶπεν αὐτῷ· “Τὸ εἰ Jesus said to him: “If you can • The New Covenant of Love grants us every opportunity and
δύνασαι Πιστεῦσαι, πάντα believe, all things are possible means to regain our Divine Likeness to our Lord Jesus
δυνατὰ τῷ Πιστεύοντι.” Christ, Who as “Perfect Man” and “Son of Man,” showed us
to those who believe.”
by His own Good Example how to think, speak and act,
Καὶ εὐθέως κράξας ὁ πατὴρ τοῦ And immediately the father of the despite all the temptations of this fallen world in which we
child cried out with tears: “Lord, currently sojourn.
παιδίου μετὰ δακρύων ἔλεγε·
“Πιστεύω, Κύριε· βοήθει μου τῇ I believe! Help my unbelief!”  “…Determining to show more abundantly to the Heir of Promise
the immutability of His Counsel, God Confirmed It by an
ἀπιστίᾳ!” Oath, so that by two Immutable Things, in which it is
Ἰδὼν δὲ ὁ Ἰησοῦς ὅτι ἐπισυντρέχει Seeing that the people approached, impossible for God to lie, we, who have fled for Refuge, might
have strong Consolation, to lay hold of the Hope set before
ὄχλος ἐπετίμησε τῷ πνεύματι τῷ running together, Jesus rebuked
us, as an Anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, which
ἀκαθάρτῳ λέγων αὐτῷ· “Τὸ the unclean spirits, saying to it:
also enters the Presence behind the Veil, where the
πνεῦμα τὸ ἄλαλον καὶ κωφὸν, “Deaf and dumb spirit: I Forerunner has entered for us - Jesus, having become -
ἐγὼ σοι ἐπιτάσσω, ἔξελθε ἐξ command you, come out of according to the Order of Melchizedek - High Priest forever
αὐτοῦ καὶ μηκέτι εἰσέλθῃς εἰς him, and enter him no more!” • The fact that “…God confirmed It by an Oath…” shows how
αὐτόν!” much our Lord God understands our weak, flawed human
nature.
Καὶ κράξαν καὶ πολλὰ σπαράξαν And the spirit cried out, convulsed
• God IS unconditional Love and Absolute Truth, so He did not
αὐτόν ἐξῆλθε. him greatly, and went out of
need to make a Vow nor swear an Oath to prove His
him. Promises would be Fulfilled, but mankind is deceptive and
sinful, so requires assurance.

14. SACRED LESSONS - 8TH TRIODION – 4TH LENT – ST JOHN KLIMAKOS SACRED LESSONS - 8TH TRIODION – 4TH LENT – ST JOHN KLIMAKOS 11.
 • When we fully understand the Infinite Love of God our • Our Almighty Lord God is forever Enthroned upon the Holy
Heavenly Father, and embrace our Orthodox Faith sincerely, Altar, so being aware thereof, we bow and make the Sign of
with Love, Joy and Peace, we truly “… have strong the Cross whenever we stand or move before the Holy Altar,
Consolation…” and unshakable Faith in our Triune, Lord God. and when we enter or depart from the church.
• Furthermore, as our Lord Jesus Christ had Promised us, God • “.. the Forerunner has entered for us, even Jesus, having become
the Holy Spirit is our constant Divine “Consolation,” for He High Priest forever....” means that our Lord Jesus Christ, as
Enlightens, Guides and Enables us to make Spiritual our Eternal High Priest, effects everything that all the Old
Progress in our quest for the Acquisition of Divine Likeness. Covenant Sacrifices could not accomplish.
• It is natural to be Good – to be Virtuous and Loving in all • His New Covenant of Love includes all His Saints throughout
circumstances. the ages – beginning with Adam and Eve - who departed this
• The evil one invented all grievous passions and sins, which are short lifespan in Hope and Faith, so that they, too, are able
unnatural to God and His Divine Nature and Attributes. to enter the Very Presence of God, as they had been
They are also unnatural to mankind who is created in Divine Promised.
Likeness and Image. • Our Lord Jesus Christ Ascended visibly and physically as Man
• The “two immutable Things” refer to God’s Divine Promise and into Heaven, thereby elevating our human Nature to the
God’s Divine Oath. greatest Most Sacred Heights.
• An Oath is and always should be absolutely sincere, • He is therefore our Forerunner because He Ascended into His
trustworthy and totally dependable, because It is a Vow or Heavenly Kingdom in His Incarnate Nature – He is the First
Promise that is absolutely Holy or Sacred. (Refer to previous Fruit of Spiritually Perfected mankind to enter the Eternal
notes.) Kingdom of God.
• As Orthodox Christians we never swear Oaths or make Vows • He is also our one and only Most High Priest of the Eternal Holy
unless we intend to uphold them at all costs, even unto Priesthood according to the Order of Melchizedek – an
death! ancient King and Priest of the Old Covenant whose Holy
Priesthood was equally Eternal.
• Our Faith and Hope is indeed, most surely and steadfastly
“…an Anchor of the soul…” to our Lord God and His Holy • Only after Christ’s Harrowing of Hades, were the Old Covenant
Covenant, for otherwise we drift away, being easily lured Righteous set free to rest in Peace in God’s re-opened
into sin and Spiritual Death. Paradise, together with all His New Covenant Saints,
Righteous and Faithful, until the Eighth Day – the Day of the
• Through our Lord Jesus we are able to Enter the Holy of Holies General Resurrection of all mankind and Final Judgement
– to approach and to encounter the Very Presence of our Day of all Creation.
Lord God in the Holy Sanctuary, during the Holy Services,
throughout the week, and especially on Sundays.
• The term “...behind the Veil...” is a reference to the Heavenly
T H E H OLY G OSPEL ACCO RD ING TO S T M ARK 9 : 17 - 31
Altar, which is served by our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. The Power and Spiritual Benefits of Faith, Prayer and Fasting
It refers to God’s Eternal, Heavenly Kingdom of Love.
Τῷ καιρῷ ἐκείνῳ, ἄνθρωπός τις At that time, a man went to our
• Through our Lord Jesus we are able to “… enter the Presence
behind the Veil…” which means we may enter the Holy προσῆλθε τῷ Ἰησοῦ γονυπετῶν Lord Jesus Christ and said:
Sanctuary - the Holy of Holies – in order to approach and to αὐτῷ καὶ λέγων· “Διδάσκαλε, “Teacher, I brought Thee my son
encounter the Very Presence of our Lord God Enthroned on ἤνεγκα τὸν υἱόν μου πρὸς Σέ, who has a mute spirit. And
the Holy Altar. ἔχοντα πνεῦμα ἄλαλον. Καὶ wherever it seizes him, it throws
• It is a Divine Promise of Eternal Life after our Resurrection ὅπου ἂν αὐτὸν καταλάβῃ, ῥήσσει him down; he foams at the
from the dead – depending, of course, on our Spiritual αὐτόν, καὶ ἀφρίζει καὶ τρίζει τοὺς mouth, gnashes his teeth, and
Condition.
ὀδόντας αὐτοῦ, καὶ ξηραίνεται· becomes rigid. So I spoke to Thy
• The Artoforion, which is kept on the Holy Altar, contains the Καὶ εἶπον τοῖς Μαθηταῖς Σου ἵνα Disciples, that they could cast it
Presanctified Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ,
which means He is always present with us in the Divine
αὐτὸ ἐκβάλωσι, καὶ οὐκ out, but they could not.”
Mystery of Holy Eucharist.
12. SACRED LESSONS - 8TH TRIODION – 4TH LENT – ST JOHN KLIMAKOS SACRED LESSONS - 8TH TRIODION – 4TH LENT – ST JOHN KLIMAKOS 13.