Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria & All Africa

Archdiocese of Good Hope

Sacred Lessons
11 June 2023
By the Grace of God st
1st Sunday After Pentecost - Sunday of All Saints
1 Sunday of St Matthew – The Calling of the Holy Apostles
Compiled, Adapted, Edited & Printed
By
Marguerite Paizis
Archondissa & Teacher by Divine Grace
Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria & All Africa
Po Box 28348
Sunridge Park
6008
Republic of South Africa
marguerite.paizis@gmail.com
or download directly from
Marguerite Paizis on Scribd – www.scribd.com/writers4574

Re-edited & Published - 08 June 2023

Resurrection Gospel 1 : Matthew 28 : 16 – 20

Hebrews 11 : 33 – 12 : 2
Matthew 10 : 32 – 33; 37 – 38 & 19: 27 – 30

20, S A C R E D L E S S O N S – 1 S T A P - 1 S T S T M A T T H E W – G R E A T C O M M I S S I O N –1 1 J U N E 2 0 2 3
  St David, the Royal Psalmist, in one of his Psalms, described the
Praise offered to God by His entire Creation. [Psalm 104]
St David mentioned the Heavenly Angels and all the Invisible Powers,
but he also descended to Earth and included wild animals, cattle,
birds and reptiles. All of them, he believed, Worship our Divine
Creator and sing His Praises, for it is God’s Will that everything
RESURRECTION GOSPEL 1: MATTHEW 28 : 16 - 20 He has made should Glorify Him.
How then can those who may be compared to the gold of Ophir, allow
The Great Commission of Christ
themselves to be sluggish or apathetic when singing the Praises of
Τῷ καιρῷ ἐκείνῳ, οἱ Ἔνδεκα At that time the Eleven Disciples our Lord God? [1 Kings 10 : 11]
Μαθηταὶ ἐπορεύθησαν εἰς τὴν went away into Galilee, to the
 If we give in and are defeated when a swarm of evil thoughts rises up
Γαλιλαίαν, εἰς τὸ Ὄρος οὗ Mountain that Jesus had
against us in our mind, we know that for a time we have been cut
ἐτάξατο αὐτοῖς ὁ ᾿Ιησοῦς. appointed for them. off from the Grace of God, and by His Just Sentence abandoned to
Καὶ ἰδόντες Αὐτὸν, Προσεκύνησαν And beholding Him, they our fate.
We must make every effort then, never to be deprived of Divine
Αὐτῷ, οἱ δὲ ἐδίστασαν. Worshipped Him, although some
Grace due to our own negligence. – not even for a moment!
doubted. If we manage to avoid Falling, if we succeed in leaping over the
Καὶ προσελθὼν ὁ ᾿Ιησοῦς, And Jesus went and spoke to them, barrier formed by impassioned thoughts, and if we overcome the
unclean provocations that our enemy in his ingenuity continually
ἐλάλησεν αὐτοῖς λέγων: saying:
suggests to us, we must never ignore the Divine Gift conferred
“Ἐδόθη Μοι πᾶσα ἐξουσία ἐν “All Authority has been given to on us from Above.
Οὐρανῷ καὶ ἐπὶ Γῆς. Me in Heaven and on Earth. “It was not I but the Grace of God that was with me,” which wins
these Victories, Raising us above the impure thoughts that
“Πορευθέντες οὖν Μαθητεύσατε “Go, therefore, and make Disciples assailed us. [1 Corinthians 15:10]
πάντα τὰ Ἔθνη. of all Nations. It is His Divine Grace that “…Delivered me from ‘the wicked man’…” –
that is, from the devil and from the “…old man…” within us. [Psalm
Βαπτίζοντες αὐτοὺς  εἰς τὸ Baptise them  in the Name of the 18:48 LXX; Romans 6:6]
Ὄνομα τοῦ Πατρὸς καὶ τοῦ Father, and of the Son, and of Lifted up by the Wings of the Holy Spirit and Freed from the weight of
Υἱοῦ καὶ τοῦ ῾Αγίου the Holy Spirit. our body, we are able to soar above the predatory demons, who
Πνεύματος. catch our intellect with the bird-lime of sensual indulgence,
tempting us in a forcible and violent manner.
Διδάσκοντες αὐτοὺς τηρεῖν πάντα Teach them to observe all things It is God Who brings us “…out of the Land of Egypt…” – that is, from
ὅσα ἐνετειλάμην ὑμῖν· that I have commanded you; the soul destructiveness of the world.
It is God Who fights on our behalf, and with His Unseen Hand, “…puts
Καὶ ἰδοὺ! Ἐγὼ μεθ᾿ ὑμῶν εἰμι And behold! I Am with you all the
Amalek to flight…” thus giving us cause to Hope that He shall
πάσας τὰς ἡμέρας, ἕως τῆς days - even to the end of Ages. also drive out the other tribes of impure passions before us.
συντελείας τοῦ αἰῶνος. [Exodus 17:8 – 16]
Amen”
Ἀμήν.” He is our God, and shall grant us “…Wisdom and Power…” for some
have received Wisdom but not the Power of the Holy Spirit to
The Holy Gospel according to St Matthew was written by St Matthew defeat their enemies. [Daniel 2:23]
either as early as the 50th year of our Lord, but more likely, after He shall “…life up [our] head above [our] enemies…” [Psalm 27:6]
the Fall of Jerusalem in 70, during a period when he resided in the He shall “… grant us wings of a dove…” so that we can “… fly away
city of Antioch, where a Christian Community of Hebrews and and be at rest…” with God. [Psalm 55:6]
Gentiles was firmly established and flourishing. It is to the Lord our God we ascribe the Divine Grace of Purity, for He
St Ignatios, Bishop of Antioch is one of the earliest witnesses to the does not surrender us to the desires of our flesh and blood, nor to
existence of this Holy Gospel. the impure spirits that trouble and corrupt us, but He has
Although written in Greek, the Holy Gospel of St Matthew is Guarded us with His Right Hand…
distinctly Judean/Hebraic, which is evident in its Aramaic

2, S A C R E D L E S S O N S – 1 S T A P - 1 S T S T M A T T H E W – G R E A T C O M M I S S I O N –1 1 J U N E 2 0 2 3 S A C R E D L E S S O N S – 1 S T A P - 1 S T S T M A T T H E W – G R E A T C O M M I S S I O N –1 1 J U N E 2 0 2 3 19.
 We cannot acquire natural Humility without having passed through expressions and forms, as well as in the use of numerous Old
the first type of Humility caused by physical weakness, adversity Covenant quotations.
and afflictions, for, unless God’s Divine Grace begins to soften our Furthermore, St Matthew detailed many Old Covenant religious
stubborn free will, by testing our soul through the assaults of the observances and used a Judean style and technique of argument
grievous passions, we cannot receive the Spiritual Riches of to emphasise the Divine Teachings of Christ. [Adapted from the
natural Humility. Orthodox Study Bible mp]
Those who love the pleasure of this present life, pass from evil This is the first of the Eleven Resurrection Gospels that are read
thoughts to actual sin. sequentially during Sunday Matins throughout the Liturgical Year.
Since we lack discrimination, we turn almost all our sinful thoughts Each account concerns the most significant Appearances of our
into wicked words and/or unholy deeds. Resurrected Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, Who was seen by
On the contrary, those who are trying to pursue an Ascetic Life, many other people, besides His Faithful Disciples during the 40
Struggle first against external sins and then go on to Struggle day period before His [physical] Ascension into Heaven.
against evil thoughts and malicious words.
So when the demons find such people cheerfully abusing others, This passage from the Holy Gospel according to St Matthew relates
indulging in idle and inept talk, laughing at the wrong time, the Great Divine Commission of our Lord Jesus Christ, which all
uncontrollably angry, or desiring vain and empty glory, they join His Faithful Disciples Strive to fulfil to varying degrees.
forces to attack them. Every Faithful Disciple of Christ contributes to the Divine Salvific
Using love of praise in particular, as a pretext for their evil schemes, Mission of our Lord Jesus Christ by means of our Orthodox
the demons slip into our soul, as though through a window at thoughts, words and deeds, according to our Sacred Life in Christ.
night, and despoil it. The Ordained, Orthodox Bishops and Priest fulfil the requirements of
So those who wish to Live Virtuously, should not hanker after praise, their Sacred Offices, such as performing all aspects of the
be involved with too many people, keep going out, or abusing essential, Life-giving Holy Mysteries, while the laity assist them by
others – no matter how much they may deserve it – nor talk fulfilling a proper, Faithful Life in Christ.
excessively, even if they can speak well on every subject.
Too much talk radically dissipates our intellect, not only making it
lazy in Spiritual Work, but also handing it over to the demon of
listlessness, who first enervates it completely, and then passes it  “At that time, the Eleven Disciples went away into Galilee, to the
on to the demons of dejection and anger. mountain that Jesus had appointed for them...”
The intellect should therefore devote itself continually to keeping the • The words “… at that time…” are used at the beginning of the
Holy Commandments, and to deep mindfulness of our Lord of Reading of the Holy Gospel, reminding us of the Divine Truth
Glory. and Reality of our Lord Jesus Christ, which was subsequently,
For it is written: “…whoever keeps the Commandments shall know no meticulously preserved and taught to all generations of
evil thing…” [Ecclesiastes 8:5 LXX] Faithful Disciples by His Holy Apostles and their Ordained
In other words, we shall not be diverted to base thoughts or words. Successors throughout the ages.
• Although referred to as being “… at that time…” EVERYTHING
our Lord taught His Holy Apostles and Disciples applies to our
St John of Karpathos own thoughts, words and deeds NOW AND FOREVER!
 The King of all Reigns forever, and there is neither beginning nor end • Our Lord Jesus Christ has clearly and precisely taught us
to His Heavenly Kingdom. everything necessary for our Spiritual Perfection and Eternal
To those, then, who choose to serve Him and who for His sake Strive Life,
to attain Holiness, He grants a Reward infinitely greater that that • It depends entirely upon ourselves whether or not we shall apply
given by any earthly Ruler. these to our thoughts, words and deeds, thereby regaining our
The honours of this present, temporary life, no matter how splendid, Divine Likeness with which He created us.
always come to an end when we die, but the Honours bestowed by
• “… the Eleven Disciples…” refers to the eleven Faithful, Holy
Almighty God on those whom He regards as worthy, are
Apostles of Christ, including St Simon Peter. [St Matthew Levi
incorruptible and so endure forever.
was later elected to replace Judas Iscariot.]
• Both terms ‘Disciple’ and ‘Apostle’ applied to the Chosen Holy
Apostles.

18, S A C R E D L E S S O N S – 1 S T A P - 1 S T S T M A T T H E W – G R E A T C O M M I S S I O N –1 1 J U N E 2 0 2 3 S A C R E D L E S S O N S – 1 S T A P - 1 S T S T M A T T H E W – G R E A T C O M M I S S I O N –1 1 J U N E 2 0 2 3 3.
 • To be a ‘Disciple of Christ’ means we voluntarily accept being • In other words, our Reward far exceeds anything we could
under the Divine Authority and Discipline of our Lord Jesus possibly imagine or sacrifice in this short, temporary
Christ Who teaches us everything that is essential for our existence.
Spiritual Welfare, Progress and ultimate Perfection. • As Faithful Disciples of Christ, we gain Spiritual Fathers and
• We also thereby accept the Holy Authority and Discipline of His Mothers of the Holy Church as well as all our Brethren –
Holy Church. The Ordained Orthodox Bishops and Priests are Brothers and Sisters in Christ, and the Divine Houses of
our Spiritual Fathers whom we ought to likewise respect and Worship and Holy Fellowship.
Humbly Obey. • Everything we do to and for others – especially when motivated
• The Holy Apostles were especially chosen by Christ Who by Agape – unconditional, Holy Love – is multiplied and
Instructed them according to the Divine Will of God our returned to us even in this life, in so many different ways.
Heavenly Father, before they were “…sent forth…” to Fulfil His  “…many who are first shall be last, and the last first…”
Great, Sacred Commission as detailed by St Matthew.
• All souls shall be treated the same, whether they were Faithful
• After the Descent of God the Holy Spirit on Pentecost Sunday [fifty forever or had only recently become Faithful.
days after Christ’s Resurrection and ten days after His
• Consequently, according to the Abiding Love of God, even those
Ascension], they became fully Enlightened, Empowered and
who have recently converted, shall be Judged alongside and
Enabled to do so, even to the point of indescribable suffering
equally to those who have been Disciples of Christ for their
and Martyrdom for the Love of Christ and the New Covenant
entire lifespan.
Faith.
• The Eleven Holy Apostles “… went away into Galilee…” travelling
from Jerusalem, which was in Judea, through Samaria, to
Galilee, a journey that would take quite a few days.
St Diadochos of Photiki
• Although not specified by St Matthew, they went “… to the  Humility is difficult to acquire, and the deeper it is, the greater the
mountain that [our Lord] Jesus had appointed for them…” Struggle needed to gain it.
which might have been Mount Tabor where the Transfiguration There are two ways whereby Humility comes to those who share in
of Christ had been witnessed by St Simon Peter, St John the Divine Knowledge.
Beloved Disciple and St James, three of His closest Apostles The self-will of those who have advanced halfway along the Path of
before His Passion in Jerusalem. [Luke 9: 28 – 36] Spiritual Experience, is Humbled either by bodily weakness, or by
gratuitous hostility and evil thoughts towards those who pursue
• St Matthew did not record for what Purpose or reason why the
Righteousness
Eleven Apostles went to the appointed mountain, but only
But when the intellect fully and consciously senses the Illumination of
noted that they did so in Obedience to our Lord’s earlier
God’s Grace, the soul possesses a Humility that is natural.
instructions.
Wholly filled with Divine Blessedness, the soul can no longer be
 “…And when they saw Him, they worshipped Him; but some puffed up with its own vainglory, for even if it carries out God’s
doubted….” Commandments ceaselessly, it still considers itself more Humble
• After our Resurrected Lord Jesus Christ had “… breathed upon than all other souls because it shares His Divine Forbearance.
them…” they were able to receive the Divine Truth, Wisdom The first type of Humility [caused by bodily weakness, hostility and evil
and Enlightenment from God the Holy Spirit. thoughts of others] is usually marked by remorse and
• At the beginning of the Holy Mystery of Baptism, at the “ Making despondency, while the second type [natural Humility] is marked by
of a Catechumen,” the Priest breathes the Sign of the Holy Life- Joy and an Enlightened Reverence.
giving Cross upon the Candidate, thereby making him/her able Hence, the first type of Humility is found in those who are halfway
to receive the Divine Adoption as a Child of God, a Child of the along the Spiritual Path, while the second type of natural Humility
Divine Light, which Enables and Empowers him/her to also is granted to those who are nearing Spiritual Perfection.
receive the Divine Gifts of God the Holy Spirit that make it That is why the first type of Humility is often undermined by material
possible for us to regain our Divine Likeness after a lifetime of prosperity, while the second type – natural Humility – even if
Struggle and Striving. offered all the kingdoms of this world, is not elated, and is proof
• Although St Matthew did not explain the time or place to which against the arrows of sin.
Being wholly Spiritual, natural Humility is completely indifferent to
these words apply, St Luke and St Mark provided more details.
all material glory.
4, S A C R E D L E S S O N S – 1 S T A P - 1 S T S T M A T T H E W – G R E A T C O M M I S S I O N –1 1 J U N E 2 0 2 3 S A C R E D L E S S O N S – 1 S T A P - 1 S T S T M A T T H E W – G R E A T C O M M I S S I O N –1 1 J U N E 2 0 2 3 17.
 • Divine Grace makes us Righteous, for Righteousness is both a  Luke 24: 44 – 49
Divine Gift and our ultimate Goal – a present Reality and a  Mark 16: 14 – 18
Promise we strive to receive.
• The Holy Gospels were written records of the most significant
• If we profess ourselves as being “Christian” – i.e. Faithful Events, Divine Miracles, Teachings and Revelations of our Lord
Disciples of Christ – we ought to Love God with all our being, Jesus Christ’s three year public Ministry to the “Lost Sheep of
by striving to fulfil ALL His Teachings and Commandments to the House of Israel...”
the very best of our ability – NO MATTER WHAT THE
• Although each Holy Gospel might not record everything in the
CIRCUMSTANCES!!
exact same sequence or detail, they do Enlighten, Guide and
 “…in the Regeneration - when the Son of Man sits on the Throne of Teach us the most important facts that are essential to our
His Glory - you who have followed Me wilshall also sit on Twelve Spiritual Journey and Life in Christ.
Thrones, judging the Twelve Tribes of Israel…”
• Each Holy Gospel serves a Sacred Purpose and provides us with
• St Ambrose of Milan explained: “...Christ Judges by Discerning different Testimonies of the Holy Apostles and Faithful
our heart and soul, and not by examining our deeds. So, also, Disciples who witnessed so much in such a short period, which
the Apostles were being shaped to exercise Spiritual Judgement has impacted the entire world throughout mankind’s history.
concerning Faith, and in rebuking error with Virtue...”
 “…And Jesus went and spoke to them, saying: “All Authority has
• The Apostles shall thus Judge, not with an earthly type of been given to Me in Heaven and on Earth…”
judgement, but by the Witness of their own Life in Christ.
• Our Lord Jesus Christ confirms His Divine Identity as the Eternal
• Since God’s Heavenly Kingdom began with the Resurrection of our Son of God, Who is also the Incarnate Son of Mankind.
Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, the Authority of Judgement has
already been granted to His Holy Apostles and their successors • Being the Divine Son of God our Heavenly Father, our Lord Jesus
in the Journey and Mission of His earthly Church. Christ certainly does have “… all Authority... in Heaven and on
This is the reason for the unbroken Apostolic Succession of our Earth…”
Bishops and Presbyters being of utmost importance! • As His Apostles were beginning to grasp the fact that our Lord
In the Eastern Orthodox Church the line of succession of our Jesus Christ is not simply ‘a great, Divinely Inspired Holy
Ordained Bishops can be traced all the way back to our Lord’s Prophet of God’ but truly the Eternal, Only Begotten Word and
Holy Apostles, and thus to Christ Himself. Son of God our Heavenly Father, He declared the Almighty
Without the unbroken Apostolic Succession, self-appointed clergy Divine Authority of the One Godhead, which was His due to His
have no True, Divine Authority to perform any of our Lord Divine Nature, and which is also now His in His Glorified
Jesus Christ’s Holy Mysteries nor to forgive or retain our sins Incarnate/Human Nature.
on His behalf! mp •According to His Glorified Human Nature, He smashed the Gates
 "... everyone who has left houses, or Brothers or Sisters, or Father of Hades, conquered Death by His own Death, set the
or Mother, or Wife or Children, or lands, for My Name’s sake, Righteous souls free from the imprisonment of Death and
shall receive a hundredfold, and inherit Eternal Life…” Victoriously led them to the reopened Paradise where they
• It is important to understand that our Lord Jesus Christ certainly shall Repose in Peace until the Eighth Day – the General
does not command us to divorce our spouses nor to abandon Resurrection and Final Judgement of all Creation.
our children for the sake of our Faith!!  1 Corinthians 15 : 20 – 28: “…Christ is Risen from the dead,
and has become the First Fruits of those who have Fallen Asleep.
• St John Chrysostom explained that these words refer to keeping
For since by mankind came Death, by Man also came the
our Faith when we are persecuted and we lose our beloved
Resurrection of the dead. For, as in Adam, all die, even so in
family and friends.
Christ all shall be made Alive. But each on in his own order –
• It also means that we ought to accept the pain and sorrow caused Christ the First Fruits, afterwards those who are Christ’s, at His
by unbelieving, heretical or pagan family and friends who Coming. Then comes the end, when He Delivers the Kingdom to
may cut their ties with us due to our Faith. God the Father, when He puts an end to all ‘Rule’ and all
• Our Lord Jesus Christ assured His Apostles - and us - that ‘Authority’ and ‘Power.’ For He must Reign until He has put all
everything we sacrifice for His sake shall be returned to us enemies under His Feet. The last enemy that shall be destroyed
“…a hundredfold…” - many times more, and we shall also “... is Death. For He has ‘… put all things under His Feet…” But
inherit Eternal Life.” when He says “… all things are put under Him,” it is evident
that He Who put all things under Him is excepted. Now, when
16, S A C R E D L E S S O N S – 1 S T A P - 1 S T S T M A T T H E W – G R E A T C O M M I S S I O N –1 1 J U N E 2 0 2 3 S A C R E D L E S S O N S – 1 S T A P - 1 S T S T M A T T H E W – G R E A T C O M M I S S I O N –1 1 J U N E 2 0 2 3 5.
 all things are made subject to Him, then the Son Himself shalt • Our Lord Jesus Christ states His Divine Truth and Revelations very
also be subject to Him Who put all things under Him, that God plainly and specifically. Therefore, we have no excuse when
may be all in all…” we disobey or reject His Truth.
• According to the Old Covenant, the “First Fruits” were • He repeatedly cautions us that whatever we think, say or do shall
Consecrated and offered to God as the representative and have Eternal Consequences for us.
Promise of later “Fruits.” This applied to the first crops
that were harvested as well as to the first born sons. • We should never be ashamed to Confess our Faith in God either
verbally or through our actions such as making the Sign of
 Exodus 23: 16 : “… none shalt appear before Me empty-
the Cross (our Declaration of Faith in God) or by fulfilling our
handed.) The Feast of Harvest, the first fruits of your labours
Sacred Tasks without fear, shame nor embarrassment.
you sowed in the field, and the Feast of Ingathering at the end of
the year, when you gather in the fruit of your labours from the  “…He who loves Father or Mother more than Me … he who loves
field….” son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me…”
• None of us must dare to stand before the Lord our God without • We must Love God more than anyone or anything else.
having helped others – having fulfilled various good deeds • If we Love God with all our being, we shall also Love each other.
whenever the opportunity is presented before us, because • God is Love and His Love thus pervades us and those whom we
unless we are loving, merciful, kind, generous and helpful to Love.
others, we cannot expect to receive Great Mercy and Blessings
from our Lord God. • This entire lifespan is for the acquisition of Agape – that Divine
Love that supersedes all other types of ‘love.’
• St John Chrysostom urged us: “When you appear before God,
• The Acquisition of Agape draws everything that is Good and
do not appear before Him empty-handed. This applies to
Blessed to us, which is clearly evident in the Holy Life of those
Almsgiving, for when you enter before God to implore His
who are Spiritually Perfected.
Mercy, you must first show Mercy. Make God your Debtor,
then offer your Prayers. Lent to Him, then ask for a Return,  "... he who does not take his Cross and follow Me is not worthy of
and you shall receive it with interest.” Me...”
• Likewise the Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ from the • This refers to those who love anyone or anything more that our
dead is the First Offering of the Resurrection of all those who Lord God or who choose to follow their own path, independent
are His Faithful Disciples. of Almighty God.
• Being the Eternal Son of God and the Incarnate Son of Man[kind] • In order to carry our “Cross,” as True Disciples of Christ, we ought
our Lord Jesus Christ has Divine Authority over His entire to always be ready to sacrifice anything in order to follow our
Creation. Lord Jesus Christ to His Heavenly Kingdom – even when
necessary, having to sacrifice our friendships or relationships
• Everything is according to the Divine Will of our Loving and if they impede or destroy our Spiritual Welfare and Progress.
Benevolent God the Heavenly Father, through His Eternal Son,
our Lord Jesus Christ, by the Divine Power and Energy of God • This is the Spiritual Struggle between our old, sinful state and our
the Holy Life-giving Spirit. Renewal in Christ.
• If we choose to Humbly and Obediently Strive to Fulfil the Will of • The continuous process of our Spiritual Growth requires our
our Heavenly Father, by applying Christ’s Teachings to our voluntary commitment to Live in Christ – a Life of
thoughts, words and deeds, God the Holy Spirit Enables us to Righteousness and Holiness, for as His adopted Children of
do so. Light, we can no longer live in the Darkness of sin.
• Only thereby shall we be able to acquire Theosis, Deification or • A change of our lifestyle is possible because of our Holy Baptism
Spiritual Perfection, which means acquiring or regaining our when we “...put on Christ...”
Divine Likeness to Christ our God Who created us in His Divine • Having abandoned our old, wicked nature, we have been granted a
Likeness and Image. Renewed Nature – we have been Regenerated and Illumined
• Through our own wilful and habitual sins, we fall into Spiritual with Divine Truth and Love.
Death, but, knowing our weaknesses, our Loving God provides • Consequently, it is necessary to learn everything we can about our
us with every Sacred Means that Restores us to Spiritual Life, Lord’s Divine Truth and apply It to every aspect of our daily
because He wants all His People to be Saved so as to become life, thereby growing closer and closer to our Saviour with each
small step.
6, S A C R E D L E S S O N S – 1 S T A P - 1 S T S T M A T T H E W – G R E A T C O M M I S S I O N –1 1 J U N E 2 0 2 3 S A C R E D L E S S O N S – 1 S T A P - 1 S T S T M A T T H E W – G R E A T C O M M I S S I O N –1 1 J U N E 2 0 2 3 15.
 worthy Heirs and Citizens of His Eternal Heavenly Kingdom of
“ Ὁ φιλῶν πατέρα ἢ μητέρα ὑπὲρ “...He who loves Father or Mother
Love.
ἐμὲ οὐκ ἔστι Μου ἄξιος· Καὶ ὁ more than Me is not worthy of
• All mankind shares the same human nature, but as the Sanctified
φιλῶν υἱὸν ἢ θυγατέρα ὑπὲρ Me. And he who loves son or and Adopted Children of God, we have two Father – first Adam,
ἐμὲ οὐκ ἔστι Μου ἄξιος· daughter more than Me is not the Father of mortality and earthly life, and now our Lord Jesus
worthy of Me. Christ Who is our Divine Father of Immortality and Spiritual
Life.
“Καὶ ὃς οὐ λαμβάνει τὸν Σταυρὸν “And he who does not take his
• “… then comes the end…” means the Consummation of the
αὐτοῦ καὶ ἀκολουθεῖ Ὀπίσω Cross and follow after Me, is
Heavenly Kingdom when Christ’s Lordship over all shall be
Μου, οὐκ ἔστι μου ἄξιος.” not worthy of Me...” fulfilled and He shall offer Creation to God the Father. [Romans
Ἀποκριθεὶς δὲ ὁ Πέτρος εἶπεν Peter said to Him: “Behold: we have 8:19 – 23 & 32 – 39]
Αὐτῷ· “Ἰδοὺ ἡμεῖς ἀφήκαμεν left all and followed Thee. • Although the Eternal Son of God shares the same Divine Nature
πάντα καὶ ἠκολουθήσαμέν σοι· Therefore what shall we have?” and Dignity as God our Heavenly Father, He is subject to His
Τί ἄρα ἔσται ἡμῖν?” Father because only the Divine Father is the Source of Divinity.
• God being “… all in all…” refers to the common Lordship of the
Ὁ δὲ Ἰησοῦς εἶπεν αὐτοῖς· “Ἀμὴν Jesus said to them: “Truly, I say to Holy Trinity over all things, not to pantheism.
λέγω ὑμῖν ὅτι ὑμεῖς οἱ you, that in the Regeneration -  “…Go, therefore, and make Disciples of all the Nations…”
ἀκολουθήσαντές Μοι, ἐν τῇ when the Son of Man sits on the • This is the Great Divine Commission of our Lord Jesus Christ,
παλιγγενεσίᾳ, ὅταν καθίσῃ ὁ Throne of His Glory - you who which is His Final Divine Commandment given to His Apostles,
Υἱὸς τοῦ Ἀνθρώπου ἐπὶ Θρόνου have followed Me will also sit to their successors, and to each and every Faithful Disciple of
Δόξης Αὐτοῦ, καθίσεσθε καὶ on Twelve Thrones, judging the Christ.
ὑμεῖς ἐπὶ Δώδεκα Θρόνους Twelve Tribes of Israel. • This is the Divine Purpose/Plan/Aim of our Lord God’s
Κρίνοντες τὰς Δώδεκα Φυλὰς Incarnation, Living in our midst and personally Teaching His
τοῦ Ἰσραήλ. Apostles and Faithful Disciples His Divine Truth and
Unconditional, Divine Love.
“Καὶ πᾶς ὅς ἀφῆκεν οἰκίας ἢ “And everyone who has left
• Christ has Fulfilled His Old Covenant, having offered Divine
Ἀδελφοὺς ἢ Ἀδελφὰς ἢ πατέρα houses or Brothers or Sisters or Salvation and Eternal Life to the old Nation of Israel, especially
ἢ μητέρα ἢ γυναίκα ἢ τέκνα ἢ Father or Mother or Wife or to ‘… the Lost Sheep of the House of Israel…”
ἀγροὺς ἕνεκεν τοῦ Ὀνόματός Children or lands for My • His New Covenant of Love and Salvation, concerns the New Israel
Μου, ἑκατονταπλασίονα Name’s sake, shall receive a – the Faithful “…Disciples of all Nations…” consisting of
λήψεται καὶ Ζωὴν Αἰώνιον hundredfold, and inherit Judeans/Hebrews and Gentiles – all mankind - throughout the
Κληρονομήσει. Eternal Life. world.
The New Covenant of Love includes all mankind without
“Πολλοὶ δὲ ἔσονται πρῶτοι “Many who are first shalt be last, •
exception or restriction.
ἔσχατοι καὶ ἔσχατοι πρῶτοι.” and the last [shalt be] first.”
• By fulfilling this Divine Commission, we not only invite others to
fully Partake of the infinite Love, Joy and Peace that we receive
 “…Whoever Confesses Me before men, him shalt also Confess from God in all Reality and Truth, but we thereby also enrich
before My Father Who art in Heaven. Whoever denies Me before and reaffirm our own Sacred Life in Christ Jesus.
men, him shalt I also deny before My Father Who art in • We, too, by Striving for our own exemplary Life, can encourage
Heaven...” others to become Faithful Disciples of Christ.
• Our Divine Creator knows every thought, word and deed of His  “…Baptising them in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of
creatures, so nothing is hidden from Him! the Holy Spirit…”
• We shall receive either His Blessings for our Faith in Him or His • The Holy Mystery of Baptism and Chrismation is essential to our
Condemnation, which has Eternal Consequences for us. Life in Christ.
• Only through the Holy Mystery of Baptism and Chrismation can
we become the adopted Children and Co-Heirs of God our
14, S A C R E D L E S S O N S – 1 S T A P - 1 S T S T M A T T H E W – G R E A T C O M M I S S I O N –1 1 J U N E 2 0 2 3 SACRED LESSONS–1 AP-1
ST
S T M A T T H E W – G R E A T C O M M I S S I O N –1 1 J U N E 2 0 2 3 7.
ST
 Heavenly Father, through Life according to the Divine Truth of • All those who are Spiritually Righteous and/or Perfected Rest in
our Lord Jesus Christ, by the Power and Energy of God the Peace in Paradise until the General Resurrection on the Eighth
Holy, Life-giving Spirit Who Enables and Empowers us with His Day.
Divine Gifts whereby we Strive for and acquire the Holy Virtues “… we are surrounded by so great a Cloud of Witnesses … lay aside
that are vital for our Spiritual Perfection. every weight, and the sin that so easily ensnares us … run with
• The Holy Mystery of Baptism consists of many profound Sacred Endurance the Race … looking unto the Author and Finisher of
Aspects that need to be fully understood and remembered our Faith, Jesus…”
throughout our short, preparatory lifespan. • All the Saints and Righteous who have preceded us are the great
• Our Holy Fathers urge us to “Remember your Baptism” and to “… Cloud of Witnesses…” who continue to watch over us and
“Remember your Death!” for our Sacred Baptism and our intercede on our behalf to our Lord for His Great Mercy.
inevitable Repose ought to encourage us to Fulfil the Will of • Their Testimonies and intercessory Prayers encourage us to strive
our Heavenly Father in all circumstances. ceaselessly for our own Spiritual Perfection in Christ.
• Holy Baptism is the first of seven Holy Mysteries that are • St Paul urged us to continuously Repent our sins, and correct and
absolutely essential to our Life in Christ. strengthen ourselves so that our Faith is firmly established in
• All Holy Mysteries, Holy Services and Prayers are Partaken of and Christ and His Divine Truth.
offered by addressing and Invoking the Most Sacred and Divine • Our Journey towards Eternity is Endured and maintained by the
Names of our Triune, Almighty Lord God: our Heavenly Father, Holy Virtues and Sustained by our Life in Christ.
the Eternal, Only Begotten Son and the All Holy Life-giving
Spirit. • Our New Covenant with God Enlightens us with His Divine Truth
whereby we are able to Ascend to His Eternal Kingdom in our
 “…teaching them to observe all things that I have Commanded
proper Worship, Prayers and Life in Christ.
you…”
• We are able to experience a foretaste of this Heavenly Dimension
• This third article of our Lord Jesus Christ’s Great Divine
in the Divine Liturgy and the other Holy Services, as well as by
Commission is all too often overlooked these days.
means of the Holy Mysteries that are essential to our Spiritual
• Far too many Baptisms fail to bring forth Good Fruit for the Welfare and progress.
Glory, Honour and Worship of our Lord God, because the
• We ought to be eager and willing to fulfil all our Sacred Tasks - no
Catechumens and Neophytes have not been thoroughly
matter what our circumstances may be – while focussing our
taught, guided or instructed so that they fully understand
attention on Christ by striving to fulfil everything He has
what it means to “…Put on Christ…” and to “Live in Christ”
taught us to do.
from our Holy Baptism until our Repose.
• Without thorough and proper Orthodox Teaching, many people HOLY GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST MATTHEW 10 32 – 33; 37 – 38
continue as they were before, returning to their “…old & 19 : 27 – 30
man/nature…” and usual sinful practises instead of becoming 1st Sunday After Pentecost – 1st Sunday of St Matthew – All Saints
True Disciples of Christ who Faithfully Struggle and Strive for
Εἶπεν ὁ Κύριος τοῖς ἑαυτοῦ At that time, our Lord Jesus said to
Spiritual Perfection.
Μαθηταῖς· His Disciples:
• Having received the Holy Mystery of Baptism and Chrismation, we
ought to be focussed on our Spiritual Welfare by making every “Πᾶς ὅστις Ὁμολογήσει ἐν Ἐμοὶ “... Whoever Confesses Me before
effort to regularly Partake of the other essential Divine ἔμπροσθεν τῶν ἀνθρώπων, men, him will I also Confess
Mysteries and our Life in Christ, which is only available from Ὁμολογήσω κἀγὼ ἐν αὐτῷ before My Father Who art in
within His Holy, Orthodox Church.
ἔμπροσθεν τοῦ Πατρός Μου Heaven...
• Christ’s One, Holy, Universal, Orthodox Church refers His Sacred τοῦ ἐν Οὐρανοῖς·
Body and all its Members - to all of us who are His sincere,
Faithful Orthodox Disciples - who ceaselessly Strive to Live in “Ὅστις δʼ ἂν ἀρνήσηταί με “Whoever denies Me before men,
Humble Obedience to the Will of God our Heavenly Father, until ἔμπροσθεν τῶν ἀνθρώπων, him will I also deny before My
Christ our Lord Reappears on the Eighth Day in all His Divine ἀρνήσομαι αὐτὸν κἀγὼ Father Who art in Heaven...
Glory to Judge all His Creation. ἔμπροσθεν τοῦ Πατρός Μου
• The Ordained, Orthodox Bishops and Priests are our Spiritual τοῦ ἐν Οὐρανοῖς.
Fathers who watch over us by Guiding, Teaching and
8, S A C R E D L E S S O N S – 1 S T A P - 1 S T S T M A T T H E W – G R E A T C O M M I S S I O N –1 1 J U N E 2 0 2 3 S A C R E D L E S S O N S – 1 S T A P - 1 S T S T M A T T H E W – G R E A T C O M M I S S I O N –1 1 J U N E 2 0 2 3 13.
 • St Paul listed all the trials, tribulations and sufferings of the Counselling [advising] us. Therefore we must respect them and
ancient Saints so that his contemporaries and all who hear his be Humbly Obedient to them, and need to keep them in our
words - who lived relatively comfortably - would appreciate Prayers.
their own circumstances even more and be grateful to God for • The Power of the Victorious Resurrection is not only for our Lord
His Great Mercy. Jesus Christ Himself, but is granted to all Faithful for our Life
• St Isaiah, the great Holy Prophet of God, was “…sawn in two…” by in Christ and our Sacred Mission.
Manasseh the King of Judah. • Life in Christ is neither ‘a sprint’ nor ‘a solo effort.” We are one
• We can never judge anyone’s Spiritual State for many Righteous Universal and Sacred Family who share each other’s Joys
and Holy people might be materially destitute, yet possess the and Sorrows. We thus ought to Love one another
greatest Spiritual Wealth – the strongest of Faith and many, if unconditionally, encourage, assist and nurture each other as we
not all, Holy Virtues. Journey altogether towards Eternity.
• The fallen state of the world was and is unworthy of having such  “…and behold! I Am with you always, even to the end of the age…”
Saintly, Pious and Faithful people in our sin-darkened • Christ Himself is ever Present in His Holy Church and in each
communities. Faithful Believer, both Personally and “in the Holy Spirit,” for
• The Saints and Holy Martyrs who were - and are - despised by the neither can be separated from the other.
unenlightened, ungodly people are certainly worthy, • “… to the end of the age…” does not by any means imply that we
honourable Citizens of God’s Heavenly Kingdom. shall be separated from Him at the end of time, because He is
 “…all of these Witnesses - through Faith having obtained a Good with us now, forever, and “…unto the Ages of ages…” – in
Testimony – did not receive the Promise - God having provided Eternal Life in His Heavenly Kingdom of Love.
something better for us so that they should not be made Perfect • When we develop a close Relationship with the Lord our God by
apart from us…”3q Struggling against temptations and our own grievous passions,
• All Saints, having been Spiritually Perfected, are Witnesses to our while Striving to acquire the Holy Virtues that lead us to
Lord’s Truth and Reality. Spiritual Perfection, we shall indeed be Blessed by His Very
Presence and Divine Grace.
• Although they did not have as much Spiritual Knowledge and
Experience as we are so Blessed to have received, they trusted • Life in Christ means that we Love God and each other with all
God implicitly. our mind, with all our heart, with all our strength and with all
As Orthodox Christians, we are most Blessed to have received not only the our soul - just as profoundly as God our Heavenly Father
Written Holy Tradition (the New Covenant Sacred Writings of the Holy Loves us.
Apostles of Christ after His Holy Church was established) but also all the • Our Lord Jesus Christ is Truly the Truth, the Way and the Life.
carefully and correctly preserved Verbal Holy Tradition – the Teachings and
He never forsakes us, and He always Fulfils all His Divine
Commandments of our Lord Jesus Christ - that were passed down to us by
our Lord’s Holy Apostles and their successors - the Bishops, Presbyters and Promises and Teachings.
innumerable Spiritual Fathers of the Holy Orthodox Church of Christ. • We must likewise never forsake our Lord God and always fulfil
all our promises and good intentions, both to our Lord and to
• Our Lord Jesus Christ’s ultimately Superior Blood Sacrifice, one another.
effected everything that the blood sacrifices of the Old • By applying the Divine Commandments and Teachings to our
Covenant could not do. thoughts, words and deeds, our Life becomes far easier and
• His Blood Sacrifice for all mankind’s sins forever, included those less complicated.
of the ancient Saints and Holy Martyrs so that they, too, could • By surrendering our free will to God and implicitly Trusting in His
enter into the Divine Presence of God as they had been Divine Love and Wisdom, we shall find Love, Peace and Joy that
Promised by our Lord God. surpasses all human understanding.
• Their Faith was eventually Rewarded when our Lord Jesus Christ T H E E PISTLE OF S T P AUL TO TH E H EBRE WS : 11 : 33 - 12: 2
descended into Hades and led them to re-opened Paradise.
Ἀδελφοί, οἱ Ἅγιοι πάντες διὰ Brethren: all the Saints, through
• Due to their immensely strong Faith, the Old Covenant Saints and
Martyrs participate together with us in His Glorious πίστεως κατηγωνίσαντο Faith - subdued Kingdoms,
Resurrection and His Heavenly Kingdom – Eternal Life. βασιλείας, εἰργάσαντο worked Righteousness, obtained
δικαιοσύνην, ἐπέτυχον Promises, stopped the mouths of

12, S A C R E D L E S S O N S – 1 S T A P - 1 S T S T M A T T H E W – G R E A T C O M M I S S I O N –1 1 J U N E 2 0 2 3 S A C R E D L E S S O N S – 1 S T A P - 1 S T S T M A T T H E W – G R E A T C O M M I S S I O N –1 1 J U N E 2 0 2 3 9.
 ἐπαγγελιῶν, ἔφραξαν στόματα lions, quenched the violence of ἁμαρτίαν, διʼ ὑπομονῆς easily ensnares us - and let us
λεόντων, ἔσβεσαν δύναμιν fire, escaped the edge of the τρέχωμεν τὸν προκείμενον ἡμῖν run with Endurance the Race
πυρός, ἔφυγον στόματα sword. ἀγῶνα, ἀφορῶντες εἰς τὸν τῆς that is set before us, looking
μαχαίρας, πίστεως ἀρχηγὸν καὶ τελειωτὴν unto the Author and Finisher of
Ἐνεδυναμώθησαν ἀπὸ ἀσθενείας, Out of weakness (they) were made Ἰησοῦν. our Faith, Jesus.
ἐγενήθησαν ἰσχυροὶ ἐν πολέμῳ, strong, became valiant in battle,  “...all the Saints, through Faith, subdued Kingdoms, worked
παρεμβολὰς ἔκλιναν ἀλλοτρίων· turned to flight the armies of the Righteousness, obtained Promises, stopped the mouths of lions,
quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword…”
aliens.
• St Paul reminds us of the incredible strength of Faith of the Old
Ἔλαβον γυναῖκες ἐξ ἀναστάσεως Women received their dead Raised Covenant Saints and Holy Martyrs.
τοὺς νεκροὺς αὐτῶν· to life again. • He mentioned so many of their great Spiritual Feats and heroic
Ἄλλοι δὲ ἐτυμπανίσθησαν, οὐ Others were tortured - not accomplishments that were only possible due to their
προσδεξάμενοι τὴν accepting Deliverance, so that unwavering trust, confidence and Faith in Almighty God Who
makes everything that is impossible for us, truly and absolutely
ἀπολύτρωσιν, ἵνα Κρείττονος they might obtain a better possible.
ἀναστάσεως τύχωσιν· Resurrection.
• No matter what these ancient Saints and Holy Martyrs were forced
Ἔτεροι δὲ ἐμπαιγμῶν καὶ Others had trials of mockings and to endure, they remained Steadfast in their Faith in the One,
μαστίγων πεῖραν ἔλαβον, ἔτι δὲ scourgings, of chains and True, Living and Almighty God.
δεσμῶν καὶ φυλακῆς· imprisonment.  “…Out of weakness (they) were made strong… valiant in battle,
turned to flight the armies …. Women received their dead
Ἐλιθάσθησαν, ἐπρίσθησαν, They were stoned, they were sawn Raised …. Others were tortured - not accepting Deliverance, so
ἐπειράσθησαν, ἐν φόνῳ in two, tempted, slain with the that they might obtain a better Resurrection… trials of
μαχαίρας ἀπέθανον. sword. mockings and scourgings, of chains and imprisonment…”
Περιῆλθον ἐν μηλωταῖς, ἐν They wandered about in
• By the Grace of God they were Mystically Strengthened so as to
αἰγείοις δέρμασιν, endure and overcome insurmountable battles and
sheepskins and goatskins, being persecutions.
ὑστερούμενοι, θλιβόμενοι, destitute, afflicted, tormented – • The Power of their Faith made them extraordinarily strong and
κακουχούμενοι, ὧν οὐκ ἦν ἄξιος of whom the world was not unwavering when confronted by such great adversity.
ὁ κόσμος. worthy. • St Paul thus urges us to remember all this whenever we are
Ἐν ἐρημίαις πλανώμενοι καὶ ὄρεσι They wandered in deserts and confronted by any degree of adversity or difficulties.
καὶ σπηλαίοις καὶ ταῖς ὀπαῖς τῆς mountain, in dens and caves of • The Saints never rejected God or their Faith for temporary relief
Γῆς. the Earth. but accepted everything because they knew so clearly that they
would be Resurrected into Eternal Life with all God’s Blissful
Καὶ οὗτοι πάντες Μαρτυρηθέντες And all these Witnesses, through Benefits
διὰ τῆς πίστεως οὐκ ἐκομίσαντο Faith, having obtained a Good • The Saints understood that
τὴν Ἐπαγγελίαν, τοῦ Θεοῦ περὶ Testimony, did not receive the 1. everything in this life is temporary
ἡμῶν κρεῖττόν τι Promise - God having provided 2. there are far greater Blessings to come
προβλεψαμένου, ἵνα μὴ χωρὶς something better for us so that
3. God never forsakes us nor fails us
ἡμῶν τελειωθῶσι. 4. Divine Miracles occur according to God’s Will
they should not be made Perfect 5. we will be Eternally Resurrected
apart from us.  “…They were stoned… sawn in two, tempted, slain with the sword…
Τοιγαροῦν καὶ ἡμεῖς, τοσοῦτον Therefore we also - since we are wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins… destitute,
ἔχοντες περικείμενον ἡμῖν νέφος afflicted, tormented – of whom the world was not worthy. They
surrounded by so great a Cloud
wandered in deserts and mountain, in dens and caves of the
μαρτύρων, ὄγκον ἀποθέμενοι of Witnesses - let us lay aside Earth…”
πάντα καὶ τὴν εὐπερίστατον every weight, and the sin that so
10, S A C R E D L E S S O N S – 1 S T A P - 1 S T S T M A T T H E W – G R E A T C O M M I S S I O N –1 1 J U N E 2 0 2 3 S A C R E D L E S S O N S – 1 S T A P - 1 S T S T M A T T H E W – G R E A T C O M M I S S I O N –1 1 J U N E 2 0 2 3 11.