 The man from whom the demons had departed had begged Him to

stay with Him. Jesus sent him away, saying: “Return to thine
own house, and tell them what great Things God has done for
thee.” And he proclaimed throughout the city what Great
Things had done for him by Jesus.” Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria & All Africa
• The former Gadarene Demoniac was utterly Transformed and
overwhelmed by the Divine Love and Great Mercy he had
Experienced from his Encounter with Christ our Divine Saviour.
Archdiocese of Good Hope
• He had “…begged …” our Lord to permit him to remain with Him,
for the Gadarene’s only desire was to remain in Christ’s Divine
Presence.
• However, our Lord Jesus “… sent him away…” having commanded
him to fulfil a Sacred Mission - to open the hearts and minds
of the obstinate, Spiritually Dead citizens of Gadara - beginning
with his own household – “…Return to thine own house and tell
Sacred Lessons
them what Great Things God has done for thee.”
• Our Lord Jesus Christ never sought mankind’s Praises, Honour
and Glory for Himself but always pointed us to Glorify, Honour
22 October 2023
and Worship God our Heavenly Father and Almighty God Who 21 st
Sunday After Pentecost – 5th Sunday of St Luke
is the One, Triune Godhead. The Gadarene Demoniac
• Everything Good is according to the Divine Will of God our The 7 Holy Youths of Ephesos – St Averkios of Hieropolis
Heavenly Father.
• Although the Restored Gadarene man wished to remain with our
Divine Saviour, he was instructed to spread the Good News
concerning God’s Love and Great Mercy.
• All Divine Miracles are never simply for one person alone but
concern the Faith of many others as well.
• When we have received Divine Grace, we ought to share the Good
Tidings with others so as to Encourage and Teach them Divine
Truth as a Reality – not a ‘myth’,’ delusion’ nor ‘fantasy’ as
some try to convince us!
• As the Gadarene man’s Faith and Knowledge of God increased
with his sincere Gratitude and Love for God, “…he proclaimed
throughout the city what Great Things had done for him by
Jesus…”
• He was naturally compelled to share his personal Experience and
Marvellous Encounter with Christ our Lord with those who
sought Divine Truth, Mercy and Love.
Resurrection Gospel 9: John 20 : 19 - 31
By the Grace of God Galatians 1 : 11 - 19
Compiled, Adapted, Edited & Printed Luke 8 : 26 - 39
By Marguerite Paizis
download directly from
Marguerite Paizis on Scribd – www.scribd.com/writers4574
Re-edited & Published - 02 October 2023

24. 5TH ST LUKE – GADARENE DEMONIAC – SACRED LESSONS 22 OCT 2023

 • They wanted nothing to do with our Lord God, preferring to
Resurrection Gospel 9 - John 20 : 19 – 31 indulge their own selfish desires – exactly like our
contemporary, “modern,” society, and corrupted world view.
Our Risen Lord Bestows His Authority To Forgive Sins Upon His Apostles
 “…Those who had seen it, told them by what means he who had
Οὔσης ὀψίας τῇ ἡμέρᾳ ἐκείνῃ τῇ The same day in the evening, been demon possessed was Healed. And the whole multitude of
μιᾷ τῶν Σαββάτων, καὶ τῶν being the first day after the the region of the Gadarenes besought Him to depart from them,
for they were seized with great fear…”
θυρῶν κεκλεισμένων ὅπου ἦσαν Sabbath, and when the doors
• Although most of the Gadarenes were likely to be extremely
οἱ Μαθηταὶ συνηγμένοι διὰ τὸν were shut where the Disciples
superstitious, the magnitude of those large herds of swine and
φόβον τῶν Ἰουδαίων, ἦλθεν ὁ were assembled - for fear of the the people’s deepest concern for the immense economic loss,
Ἰησοῦς καὶ ἔστη εἰς τὸ μέσον, Judeans - Jesus came and stood overwhelmed and frightened them far more than any other
καὶ λέγει αὐτοῖς· “Εἰρήνη ὑμῖν!” in their midst, and said to them: aspect.
“Peace be with you!” • They ignored the great Divine Miracle that had occurred to one of
Καὶ τοῦτο εἰπὼν ἔδειξεν αὐτοῖς τὰς And having said this, He showed their own people, and the relief they should have felt from
such a daily threat to their safety and gratitude for their fellow
Χεῖρας καὶ τὴν Πλευρὰν Αὐτοῦ· them His Wrists and His Side. citizen having been restored to good health and sanity.
Ἐχάρησαν οὖν οἱ μαθηταὶ ἰδόντες The Disciples were glad to see the • This clearly revealed the Spiritual Death of the Gadarenes who had
τὸν Κύριον. Lord. no compassion nor care for one of their own, because they
grieved over the material aspects that would merely ‘benefit’
Εἶπεν οὖν αὐτοῖς ὁ Ἰησοῦς πάλιν· Jesus said to them again: “Peace be them for a very short time.
“Εἰρήνη ὑμῖν, καθὼς with you! As the Father has • Sadly, our fallen, corrupt world consists mostly of similar
ἀπέσταλκέ με ὁ Πατήρ, κᾀγὼ sent Me, I also send you.” Spiritually Stubborn and Spiritually Dead people who
πέμπω ὑμᾶς.” completely disregard their everlasting Spiritual Welfare.
Καὶ τοῦτο εἰπὼν ἐνεφύσησε καὶ And He breathed upon them, and  “…He got into the boat and returned…”
λέγει αὐτοῖς· “Λάβετε Πνεῦμα said to them: “Receive the Holy
• When we reject our Lord God to any degree, He shall leave us
Ἅγιον. Ἄν τινων ἀφῆτε τὰς Spirit. If you forgive the sins of alone for He never forces His Divine Will and Presence upon us.
ἁμαρτίας, ἀφιένται αὐτοῖς, ἄν any, they are forgiven them; if • Yet He waits infinitely Patiently for us to return to Him, to call
τινων κρατῆτε, κεκράτηνται.” you retain the sins of any, they upon His Divine Love and Great Mercy, for despite the depths
are retained.” of sin we have fallen into, He is always ready to Save us.
Θωμᾶς δέ, εἷς ἐκ τῶν Δώδεκα, ὁ Thomas, one of the Twelve, who • Having accomplished His Divine Purpose concerning that one
Gadarene man, our Lord returned with His Holy Apostles and
λεγόμενος ‘Δίδυμος,’ οὐκ ἦν was called ‘the Twin’ 1 was not
Disciples, to Capernaum, which was 5 miles distant.
μετ' αὐτῶν ὅτε ἦλθεν Ἰησοῦς· with them when Jesus came.
• God knows whether or not we shall eventually seek His Divine
Ἔλεγον οὖν αὐτῷ οἱ ἄλλοι The other Disciples therefore told Love and Great Mercy.
Μαθηταί· “Ἑωράκαμεν τὸν him: “We have seen the Lord!” • Those who remain unrepentant and stubbornly rebellious are self-
Κύριον.” condemned and, unless they change themselves by sincerely
Ὁ δὲ εἶπεν αὐτοῖς· “Ἐὰν μὴ ἴδω ἐν He said to them: “Unless I see in His acknowledging and Repenting their sins, they shall remain in
that state of Spiritual Death, caused by their wilful
ταῖς Χερσὶν Αὐτοῦ τὸν τύπον τῶν Wrists the print of the nails, and
unrepentance, forever!
ἥλων, καὶ βάλω τὸν δάκτυλόν put my finger into the print of
• Our Divine Lord and Saviour never argues nor tries to convince or
μου εἰς τὸν τύπον τῶν ἥλων, καὶ the nails, and put my hand into persuade anyone to accept His Divine Truth, yet He waits with
infinite Love and Patience for us to return to Him like the
1
Repentant Prodigal Son.
St Thomas had been nick-named “the twin” because he was always in two minds
about things – he debated and analysed everythigng. Hence also the • Our Lord God never abandons nor forsakes us. We reject and
expression “doubting thomas” although he did not doubt but was abandon Him through our sinful, wilful and selfish choices.
incredulous/unconvinced.

2. 5TH ST LUKE – GADARENE DEMONIAC – SACRED LESSONS 22 OCT 2023 5TH OF ST LUKE – THE GADARENE DEMONIAC –22 OCT 2023 23.
 • The immediate crazed stampede of the wretched animals shows βάλω τὴν χεῖρά μου εἰς τὴν His Side, I will not believe.”
the destructive force and consequences of evil. Πλευρὰν Αὐτοῦ, οὐ μὴ
• The tragic destruction of the huge herds of illicit swine clearly πιστεύσω.”
showed that the Gadarene man had in fact been protected by
God and had not perished due to demonic influence.
Καὶ μεθ' ἡμέρας ὀκτὼ πάλιν ἦσαν And after eight days His Disciples
ἔσω οἱ Μαθηταὶ Αὐτοῦ, καὶ
• Divine Grace and Love had prevented the wretched demoniac from were again inside, and Thomas
self-destruction, for although demons cannot kill us, they can Θωμᾶς μετ' αὐτῶν.
with them.
drive us to various types of self-destruction or suicide – a most Ἔρχεται ὁ Ἰησοῦς τῶν θυρῶν Jesus came, the doors being shut,
grievous sin against God and ourselves – and especially against κεκλεισμένων, καὶ ἔστη εἰς τὸ
those who Love us. and stood in their midst, and
μέσον καὶ εἶπεν· “Εἰρήνη ὑμῖν!”
• This frightening Event emphasised the incomparable value of said: “Peace be with you!”
human beings whose Salvation is worth every sacrifice, for Εἶτα λέγει τῷ Θωμᾶ· “Φέρε τὸν
Then He said to Thomas: “Reach
while animals are a venerable part of Creation, mankind is of δάκτυλόν σου ᾧδε, καὶ ἴδε τὰς
your finger here, and look at
far greater value and significance. Χεῖράς Μου. Καὶ φέρε τὴν
My Wrists; and reach your hand
• A source of an abomination according to Old Covenant Law was χεῖρά σου καὶ βάλε εἰς τὴν
eradicated from the region, which some might have realised as here, and put it into My Side,
Πλευράν Μου, καὶ μὴ γίνου
being an “Act of God” for the sake of their Eternal Salvation. and do not be unbelieving, but
ἄπιστος ἀλλὰ Πιστός!”
• Perhaps the people would then learn to humbly Obey the Will of Believe!””
God rather than to indulge their own desires that could Καὶ ἀπεκρίθη ὁ Θωμᾶς, καὶ εἶπεν
Αὐτῷ· “Ὁ Κύριός μου καὶ ὁ And Thomas answered and said to
potentially harm them.
Θεός μου!” Him: “My Lord and my God!”
 “...Seeing what had happened, the herdsmen fled and told it in the
city and in the country. They went out to see what had Λέγει αὐτῷ ὁ Ἰησοῦς· “Ὅτι Jesus said to him: “Thomas,
happened, and went to Jesus, and found the man from whom ἑώρακάς Με πεπίστευκας,
the demons had departed, sitting, clothed and in his right mind, because you have seen Me, you
at the Feet of Jesus. And they were afraid…. Μακάριοι οἱ μὴ ἰδόντες, καὶ
Believe. Blessed are those who
As soon as they recovered from the shock of seeing all those
Πιστεύσαντες.”
• have not seen and yet Believe.”
swine going crazy, stampeding and self-destructing, “… the Πολλὰ μὲν οὖν καὶ ἄλλα Σημεῖα Jesus did many other Signs in the
herdsmen fled…” They needed to report the matter to the ἐποίησεν ὁ Ἰησοῦς ἐνώπιον τῶν
owners of the herds so that they would not themselves be presence of His Disciples, which
Μαθητῶν Αὐτοῦ, ἃ οὐκ ἔστιν
punished for their negligence. are not written in this book.
γεγραμμένα ἐν τῷ βιβλίῳ τούτῳ·
• Of course, seeing is believing, so everyone rushed out “… to see
what had happened…” although not one pig remained there. Ταῦτα δὲ γέγραπται ἵνα πιστεύσητε
ὅτι ὁ Ἰησοῦς ἐστιν ὁ Χριστὸς ὁ
These are written that you may
• Instead they beheld a most peaceful scene with our Lord Jesus, His Believe that Jesus is the Christ,
Holy Apostles and “… the man from whom the demons had Υἱὸς τοῦ Θεοῦ, καὶ ἵνα
departed, sitting - clothed and in his right mind - at the Feet of Πιστεύοντες, Ζωὴν ἔχητε ἐν τῷ the Son of God, and that,
Jesus…” Ὀνόματι Αὐτοῦ. Believing, you may have Life in
• The Gadarenes neither Rejoiced nor Praised God for His Great His Name.
Mercy because one of their fellow citizens was Spiritually
Cleansed and Healed – Restored to health and sanity. This Resurrection Gospel is also read on the Second Sunday of Holy Pascha –
• Instead “…they were afraid…” of our Lord Jesus Christ and His Sunday of “the Incredulity of St Thomas” or “the Belief of St Thomas.”
obvious Divine Power that wreaked havoc on their economic
wealth and livelihood.  “The same day in the evening, being the first day after the
• The loss of their herds of swine meant far more to them than any Sabbath, and when the doors were shut where the Disciples
Spiritual Restoration, Compassion, Kindness, Empathy or were assembled - for fear of the Judeans …”
Eternal Salvation. • “…The same day in the evening, being the first day after the
Sabbath…” refers to Sunday, the first day of the week.

22. 5TH ST LUKE – GADARENE DEMONIAC – SACRED LESSONS 22 OCT 2023 5TH OF ST LUKE – THE GADARENE DEMONIAC –22 OCT 2023 3.
 • After Reposing in His Tomb, on Saturday, which is the Sabbath Although their spiteful malice against mankind is often overwhelming
Day of Rest, our Lord was Resurrected on Sunday - “The Lord’s and unbearable, Satan and his demons can do nothing at all
Day” – which is dedicated to the Worship of our Lord God with against the Divine Will of Almighty God.
private and communal Prayers and Worship. The demons are powerless to do whatever they desire against
mankind for their temptations are only as wickedly effective as
• Instead of our usual daily labours, we ought to fulfil Good Deeds God permits to test and to strengthen our Faith.
of Love after attending the Holy Services. (Refer to the explanatory Temptations have several stages before we fall into sin. When we
notes of the previous Resurrection Gospel.) understand and fully comprehend this Truth, we can resist, reject
• “…the doors were shut where the Disciples were assembled - for and deny them before falling into sin and Spiritual Death.
fear of the Judeans…” because the Judean authorities wanted  “...And they begged Him not to command them to go out into the
to arrest everyone associated with our Lord Jesus Christ. Abyss. A herd of many swine was grazing there on the
• The Judean authorities were influenced and misguided by the High mountain, so they begged Him to permit them to enter them.
Priests and other leaders whose motives were driven by And He permitted them…”
jealousy, ignorance and their desire to protect their social • The Abyss is “...Outer Darkness...” as mentioned by Christ (Hell or
status and wealth, rather than justifiable Old Covenant Laws. Gehenna) – a Spiritual Black Hole of Eternal Exile and Spiritual
• Some of them, like Saul, who later became St Paul, the great Banishment from God – as far as possible away from His Divine
“Apostle to the Gentiles,” sincerely believed they were Light, infinite Love and Goodness.
righteously eradicating a ‘blasphemous cult’ and thereby • It has been prepared for the demons and all those who disobey or
fulfilling the Divine Will of Almighty God. reject the Lord our God or who refuse to Repent their sins – all
• The Judeans were oppressed under the Roman Empire Authorities, those who have Condemn themselves to permanent Spiritual
who had little or no concept of the Old Covenant Laws, so the Death!
enemies of Christ used their lack of knowledge to accomplish • The demons “…begged Him…” not to send them there yet because
and incite the persecution of our Lord Jesus Christ and His they fully understand that it is their Eternal Destiny since they
Disciples by making false accusations against them. rebelled against our Heavenly Father, and had been cast out of
 Our Lord “…Jesus came and stood in their midst, and said to them: the Heavenly Realm forever.
“Peace be with you!” And having said this, He showed them His • Only God knows what is to happen and when it shall occur - so
Wrists and His Side…” whenever confronted by our Lord Jesus Christ Who is the
• Our Lord Jesus Christ is both God and Man, so He can Appear Divine Merciful Judge of all Creation, they panic.
wherever He wants to be. Nothing can prevent His Appearance • The fact that there was “... a herd of many swine...” shows that the
if He so Wills, even in His Resurrected Form, which is both Gadarenes were wealthy and sustained by their large herds of
visible and physical. swine.
• He immediately greeted His Disciples with His familiar salutation • According to the Old Covenant Laws, the Hebrew Nation was
and Blessing, thereby identifying Himself as our Resurrected strictly forbidden from eating pork and farming with pigs, due
Saviour. to serious health risks in those days.
• By showing the Disciples His Wrists/Hands and Side that had been • The Gadarenes might have been mostly Gentiles who owned the
pierced by nails and spear, He confirmed His Identity and His large herds of swine, but if they were Judeans, they
Resurrection from the dead as He had told them before His contravened their Sacred Law.
Passion.
• The fact that our Lord Jesus Christ “...permitted ...” the demons to
• Although our Lord is so often depicted on Icons with pierced enter the swine shows several noteworthy aspects:
hands rather than wrists, in fact, the Romans crucified their
victims by nailing them by the wrists, which could support the • Several aspects are noteworthy:
weight of the body for a very long, excruciatingly painful time. 1. the demons can do nothing without Divine Permission
This is evident from the Bloodstained Image on the Shroud, 2. they still served a purpose for mankind’s Eternal Salvation.
which also clearly shows the inward contraction of the thumbs. 3. God is Merciful even to the worst of sinners!
The nails pierced the wrists and feet without damaging the  “...The demons went out of the man, entered the swine, which
numerous small bones. frantically stampeded down the incline, into the lake and
• The Greek word for “”wrists” is the same for “hands,” as is the drowned…”
word for “feet” and “legs,” which explains the confusion.

4. 5TH ST LUKE – GADARENE DEMONIAC – SACRED LESSONS 22 OCT 2023 5TH OF ST LUKE – THE GADARENE DEMONIAC –22 OCT 2023 21.
 • Our Lord Jesus Christ “... had commanded the unclean spirits...” as  “…The Disciples were glad to see our Lord…”
only He could do, because He is indeed the Lord of all Creation • As soon as they had recovered from their shock at His sudden
– everything that is visible and invisible. Appearance and realised that He was certainly not a phantom
• The evil one and his demons are all unclean spirits who behave nor ghost, the Faithful Disciples were overwhelmed by
unnaturally against God’s Beauty, Love and Goodness. incredible relief and Joy, which we could not possibly
comprehend.
• Sin and death are unnatural to God’s Creation because it distorts,
disfigures and corrupts.  Our Lord “…Jesus said to them again: ‘Peace be with you! As the
Father has sent Me, I also send you.’ ..”
• All Creation – even the evil one and his invented sin and death – is
under the Divine Authority of God. • Again, Our Lord Blessed His Faithful Disciples with His Divine
Peace, before announcing that they were to continue His
✶ “...For they often seized him, and he had been kept under
Divine, Salvific Mission to all mankind.
guard, bound with chains and shackles. And he had broken the
bonds and was driven by the demons into the wilderness…” • Christ our Divine Saviour had been sent by our Heavenly Father to
Save His “…Lost Sheep of the House of Israel…” - the Old
• This information regarding the Demoniac was obviously provided
Covenant Chosen People of God - by Teaching them His Divine
later by the man himself or the other Gadarene citizens,
Truth, which is firmly rooted in the Divine Love of God Who
although our Lord God already knew every detail concerning
Personifies Infinite, Eternal and Unconditional Love.
him.
• God is Love. He is not the ‘fearsome’, ‘vengeful’ and ‘frightening’
• Initially, when the demonic possessions had begun, he had been
Almighty God as depicted and implied by the ancient Holy
“… kept under guard, bound with chains and shackles…”
Prophets to the Old Covenant Flock, who would never have
because of the violence of his behaviour which they feared
accepted nor comprehended an infinitely Loving, Merciful and
more and more, the worse he became.
Benevolent God.
• The Gadarene Demoniac had not only “…broken the bonds…” that
• The ancient the most powerful Rulers who were merciless, cruel
shackled and chained him physically, but which had also
and vengeful, forcibly dominated and controlled people and
connected him to reality.
Nations by means of terror and fear. So our Lord allowed His
• As the terrifying rage of the demons increased within him, he had Holy Prophets’ interpretations of such an ‘Awesome God’
also broken loose from his natural, free-willed, human state Whom they all had to really fear in order to become Humble
into an unnatural demonic possession, enslavement and and Obedient to His Divine Will.
Spiritual Death.
• This erroneous concept did help to prepare the Old Covenant
 “…Jesus asked him, saying: “What is your name?” He said: People of God for the Advent of our Lord Jesus Christ, Who
“Legion.” For many demons had entered him…” revealed the True Loving, Merciful and Benevolent Nature of
• This significant question: “What is your name?” required our Heavenly Father.
identification and acknowledgement. • God always gives us as much as we can manage to accept and to
• A name not only identifies a person but also reveals several other understand. Everything we receive from Him – especially
facts - such as family and birthplace as well as personal Divine Knowledge - is according to our personal Spiritual
characteristics - (if one has a nick-name.) Development and Experience.
• Our Lord Jesus knew that the Gadarene man had lost his own • “… as the Father has sent Me, I also send you…” is a reference to
identity. the Divine Will of our Heavenly Father, which is fulfilled by our
• He addressed the demons who had taken complete possession of Lord Jesus Christ with absolute Love, Humility and Obedience.
the man’s body and soul – a complete state of Spiritual Death • Likewise, we need to fulfil the Will of our Heavenly Father in all
that had isolated the man from his natural human state. circumstances, thereby imitating Christ so as to regain our lost
• Being unable to lie or deceive our Lord God, the demons Divine Likeness with which He created us.
immediately answered: “...’Legion,’ for many demons had • Our Lord Jesus, having fulfilled all requirements and Purposes of
entered him...” the Old Covenant, sent forth His Apostles to accomplish the
• A ‘Legion’ consisted of between 3,000 – 6,000 armed forces – in Salvific Mission of the New Covenant of Love throughout the
this case, demons - so this wretched Gadarene was indeed, known world.
completely possessed, extremely violent and terrifying.

20. 5TH ST LUKE – GADARENE DEMONIAC – SACRED LESSONS 22 OCT 2023 5TH OF ST LUKE – THE GADARENE DEMONIAC –22 OCT 2023 5.
 • It was the perfect time for spreading God’s New Covenant of Love • The Gadarene Demoniac was completely abandoned and destitute
to all mankind throughout the known world because – both physically and spiritually.
1. Greek was a common language that most people could • He was naked - shamed, humiliated and degraded.
understand and speak.
2. after the Descent of God the Holy Spirit, the Gift of Tongues • By all known social laws, it was forbidden to take anyone’s tunic
made communication even more possible. and cloak, for often that was all people possessed with which
3. the vast Roman Empire had established garrisons everywhere to cover themselves.
and constructed very good roads that made it relatively • To leave anyone exposed and naked was regarded as a serious sin
easier, more safe and far quicker to travel to the various so either the man had cast off his clothing, or it had eventually
regions. become tattered and torn after so many years.
• Once Christian Communities were established and the Bishops • Thus the demonic possession had not only stripped the Demoniac
and Priests were ordained from each Ethnic Nation, of his clothing and home, but also his sanity, dignity and
communication in the local dialect and language replaced the humanity.
need for “…speaking in Tongues…” • He was forced to shelter from the harsh elements and hide from
• The Divine Gift of “… speaking in Tongues…” is the Miraculous the frightened and abusive people, among the dead.
ability to verbally communicate so that the New Covenant • The Gadarene Demoniac was terrified and terrifying because he
Teachings and Worship could be clearly understood by “… all was Spiritually Dead - a danger to himself and to others.
Nations…” and ethnicities. [It also means that two people
communicating in different languages can fully understand each other as
 “...When he saw Jesus, he cried out, fell down before Him, and
with a loud voice said: “What have I to do with Thee, Jesus,
though speaking a common language.]
Son of God the Most High? I beg Thee, do not torment me!”
• Christ Commissioned His Disciples to continue His Divine Salvific
• Demons (fallen angels) immediately recognise and acknowledge
Mission, by also granting them the ability to receive the Divine
our Lord Jesus Christ as the Eternal Son of our Heavenly
Grace of God the Holy Spirit and the Power to Forgive or retain
Father.
sins.
• They have no concept of time so when they see Him or hear His
• Our Lord Jesus bestowed upon His Holy Apostles His Divine
Divine Name, they are terrified of being Eternally Exiled to
Authority or Right to forgive to retain sins, which is received by
“...the Abyss...” or “... the Outer Darkness...” (Hell) which has
us through the Holy Mystery of Repentance-Confession, as
been set aside for them and all those who have Condemned
often as is necessary.
themselves, at the Final Judgement of all Creation on “.. the
• These Words of Christ are among the Scriptural foundations of the Eighth Day...”
Holy Mysteries of Holy Orders such as Ordination in the Holy
• At present, they serve the Will of our Heavenly Father by tempting
Priesthood, and Repentance-Confession.
us and testing our Spiritual Strength.
• Through the Empowerment and Consecration of the Holy Apostles
• They cannot operate according to their own hideous desires and
by our Lord Jesus Christ, and through their Ordination of
have no actual power at all! They use our weaknesses and
others to continue their Apostolic Mission, Christ’s own Holy
grievous passions against us, and receive power over us when
Priesthood is communicated to the Bishops and Priests of His
we surrender to their temptations.
Holy Church. (This is unbroken Sacred Lineage of the Apostolic
Succession of Christ’s Holy Church.)
 “...For He had commanded the unclean spirits to come out of the
man…”
 “…And He breathed upon them, and said to them: “Receive the
• St Luke did not write a detailed account of the Gadarene
Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven
Demoniac’s exorcism - whether verbally performed or not -
them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.”
but simply mentioned that it had happened.
• The very Breath of God instils Sacred Life, Love and Truth into us:
• All our Lord’s Divine Miracles serve several Purposes. They are
1. When Christ our Divine Creator heaped the clay of the Earth
always Spiritually Beneficial not only to those who are involved
into a mound, He breathed Life into Adam.
but also to those who witness and those who later hear and
2. At the precise moment of our biological conception, there is a
perceive the infinite Love, Grace and Mercy of Almighty God.
flash of Light that scientists cannot logically explain.

6. 5TH ST LUKE – GADARENE DEMONIAC – SACRED LESSONS 22 OCT 2023 5TH OF ST LUKE – THE GADARENE DEMONIAC –22 OCT 2023 19.
 However, it is the exact moment when God the All Holy Life-
Γαδαρηνῶν ἀπελθεῖν ἀπʼ αὐτῶν, besought Him to depart from
giving Spirit breathes Life into the cells that immediately
ὅτι φόβῳ μεγάλῳ συνείχοντο· them, for they were seized with begin to become a mortal body and an immortal soul.
great fear. Consequently, our immortal soul retains that Breath of God
Αὐτὸς δὲ ἐμβὰς εἰς τὸ πλοῖον He got into the boat and returned. within us forever, which is truly, “…the Spirit of Truth…”
ὑπέστρεψεν. that Enables us to Strive for Spiritual Perfection in the
Likeness of our Lord Jesus Christ, while ceaselessly
Ἐδέετο δὲ αὐτοῦ ὁ ἀνήρ, ἀφʼ οὗ The man from whom the demons yearning to return to God whence we originated.
ἐξεληλύθει τὰ δαιμόνια, εἶναι had departed had begged Him to 3. At the beginning of the Holy Mystery of Baptism and
σὺν Αὐτῷ· stay with Him. Chrismation, the celebrant Priest makes the Sign of the
Cross on us by breathing upon us, thereby Enlisting us into
Ἀπέλυσε δὲ αὐτὸν ὁ Ἰησοῦς λέγων· Jesus sent him away, saying: Our Lord’s “… Church Militant...”
“Ὑπόστρεφε εἰς τὸν οἶκόν σου “Return to thine own house, and 4. Through the Holy Mystery of Ordination, Christ’s Holy
καὶ διηγοῦ ὅσα ἐποίησέ σοι ὁ tell them what great Things God Priesthood – like His Holy Apostles - is able to “…forgive
Θεός.” has done for thee.” the sins … [or to] … retain the sins …” of the Disciples of
Christ who have Repented and Confessed their sins
Καὶ ἀπῆλθε καθʼ ὅλην τὴν πόλιν And he proclaimed throughout the sincerely.
κηρύσσων ὅσα ἐποίησεν αὐτῷ ὁ city what Great Things had done  “Thomas, one of the Twelve, who was called ‘the Twin’ was not
Ἰησοῦς. for him by Jesus. with them when Jesus came. The other Disciples therefore told
him: ‘We have seen the Lord!’
• St Thomas had been nick-named “the Twin,” due to being
“...At that time when they went to the country of the Gadarenes,
“…double-minded…” – always pondering and seeking
they met a certain man from the city who had demons for a
confirmation about certain matters before accepting them as
long time. And he wore no clothes, nor did he live in a house
Truth.
but in the tombs…”
•The expression “Doubting Thomas” is unjustified and incorrect for
• Gadara was an ancient city that was situated to the South of the
St Thomas did not doubt that our Lord Jesus Christ would be
Sea of Galilee, East of the Jordan and Yarmouk River, on a
Resurrected, but he was incredulous or unconvinced until he
hillside that was 378 metres or 1240 feet above sea level,
personally witnessed it for himself.
overlooking the Yarmouk River gorge, with views of the Golan
The profound Faith or Belief of St Thomas was unshakable and
Heights to the North. Although accessible from the eastern
steadfast, so when he confirmed something as being
side, it was protected by steep slopes of the other three sides,
Truthful, the other Apostles were also convinced.
with access to the Ain Qais spring and cisterns. During the
Hellenistic and Roman periods, Gadara was a centre of Greek  “…He said to them: ‘Unless I see in His Wrists the imprint of the
culture in the region. Being regarded as one of the most nails, and put my finger into the imprint of the nails, and put
Hellenised regions, it held special political and religious status. my hand into His Side, I shall not believe.’
After the demise of King Herod in 4BC Gadara became a region • St Thomas was incredulous rather than doubtful or disbelieving
of the Roman Province of Syria. when he heard about the sudden Appearance of our
• Only God knew how long he had been a social outcast and feared Resurrected Lord Jesus, because he wanted affirmation of such
because of his violent, degrading and miserable state. an Extraordinary Divine Miracle as foretold by Christ Himself.
Many years later, due to those Faithful and Truth-seeking
• Demon possession and all evil is directly opposed to God’s Love
characteristics of St Thomas, he was also the one who, three
and Goodness and thrives on fear, anger, hatred and everything
days after our Lady, Theotokos had been entombed in
negative.
Jerusalem after Her Dormition, confirmed Her physical
• Without Love, Mercy and Compassion, we become Spiritually Ascension and empty tomb, leaving behind only Her Sash
Bereft, which is motivated and caused by the evil one’s hatred [Belt or Cincture] and Her Robe.
of God and mankind.
• The absence of St Thomas at these highly significant Events,
• St Luke described the depths of depravity and madness into which serves to confirm the Divine Truth of each Occasion, to which
the wretched demoniac had been plunged - “...he wore no he, himself, reliably witnessed and testified afterwards.
clothes, nor did he live in a house, but in tombs...”

18. 5TH ST LUKE – GADARENE DEMONIAC – SACRED LESSONS 22 OCT 2023 5TH OF ST LUKE – THE GADARENE DEMONIAC –22 OCT 2023 7.
 “…And after eight days His Disciples were again inside, and καὶ πέδαις φυλασσόμενος. bound with chains and shackles.
Thomas with them. Jesus came, the doors being shut, and stood
in their midst, and said: “Peace be with you!” Καὶ διαῤῥήσσων τὰ δεσμὰ And he had broken the bonds and

• “…The Eighth Day…” also signifies the end of the ages/time when ἠλαύνετο ὑπὸ τοῦ δαίμονος εἰς was driven by the demons into
our Lord Jesus Christ shall Reappear in all His Divine Glory to τὰς ἐρήμους. the wilderness.
Mercifully Judge the Living and the Dead at our Final or Last Ἐπηρώτησε δὲ αὐτὸν ὁ Ἰησοῦς Jesus asked him, saying: “What is
Judgement.
λέγων· “Τί σοί ἐστιν ὄνομα?” your name?”
• Once again, although “… the doors being shut…” in fear of the
Judeans who sought to persecute the Faithful Disciples of Ὁ δὲ εἶπε· “Λεγεών·” Ὅτι He said: “Legion.” For many
Christ, when St Thomas was also present, our Lord Jesus δαιμόνια πολλὰ εἰσῆλθεν εἰς demons had entered him.
suddenly “… stood in their midst…” and greeted them with His αὐτόν·
Divine Blessing “… Peace be with you.”
Καὶ παρεκάλει Αὐτὸν ἵνα μὴ And they begged Him not to
• This Divine Blessing is repeated several times throughout our Holy
Services, for it grants us Divine Grace and Comfort so that we
ἐπιτάξῃ αὐτοῖς εἰς τὴν Ἄβυσσον command them to go out into
can fully concentrate on our Worship and Thanksgiving to God. ἀπελθεῖν. the Abyss.
• Without Peace we cannot fulfil the requirements of our Life in Ἦν δὲ ἐκεῖ ἀγέλη χοίρων ἱκανῶν A herd of many swine was grazing
Christ due to the disturbing, threatening and harmful βοσκομένη ἐν τῷ ὄρει· καὶ there on the mountain, so they
distractions that would overwhelm us. Thus we constantly παρεκάλουν αὐτὸν ἵνα ἐπιτρέψῃ begged Him to permit them to
pray for God’s Divine Peace that soothes and sustains us.
αὐτοῖς εἰς ἐκείνους εἰσελθεῖν· enter them.
“…Then He said to Thomas: ‘Reach your finger here, and look at
My Wrists; and reach your hand here, and put it into My Side, Καὶ ἐπέτρεψεν αὐτοῖς. And He permitted them.
and do not be unbelieving, but Believe!’ Ἐξελθόντα δὲ τὰ δαιμόνια ἀπὸ τοῦ The demons went out of the man,
Although our Lord Jesus had cautioned His Beloved Mother and St ἀνθρώπου εἰσῆλθον εἰς τοὺς
Mary of Magdala not to touch Him nor embrace Him because He entered the swine, and
had not yet Ascended into Heaven, He dealt in a different manner
χοίρους, καὶ ὥρμησεν ἡ ἀγέλη frantically stampeded down the
with His Faithful Apostles. κατὰ τοῦ κρημνοῦ εἰς τὴν incline, into the lake and
Our Lord Jesus, being our Omnipresent and All Knowing Lord God, λίμνην καὶ ἀπεπνίγη. drowned.
knew exactly what St Thomas had thought and spoken regarding
His Resurrection from the dead.
Ἰδόντες δὲ οἱ βόσκοντες τὸ Seeing what had happened, the
We must never forget that God alone fully knows every hidden γεγενημένον ἔφυγον, καὶ herdsmen fled and told it in the
thought in our mind and soul, even better than we know them and ἀπήγγειλαν εἰς τὴν πόλιν καὶ εἰς city and in the country.
understand them ourselves! τοὺς ἀγρούς.
In answer to the innermost thoughts and outspoken words of St
Thomas He instructed him to “… reach thy finger here… look at
Ἐξῆλθον δὲ ἰδεῖν τὸ γεγονός, καὶ They went out to see what had
My Writs… reach your hand here… put it into My Side…” because ἦλθον πρὸς τὸν Ἰησοῦν, καὶ happened, and went to Jesus,
although He was Resurrected, His Body still showed His Wounds εὗρον καθήμενον τὸν ἄνθρωπον, and found the man from whom
clearly for His Apostles to see for themselves. ἀφʼ οὗ τὰ δαιμόνια ἐξεληλύθει, the demons had departed,
Our Lord God permits us to see whatever is essential to our Faith and ἱματισμένον καὶ σωφρονοῦντα sitting, clothed and in his right
Eternal Salvation. Everything He says and does is for a specific
Purpose, for our Spiritual Benefit.
παρὰ τοὺς Πόδας τοῦ Ἰησοῦ. mind, at the Feet of Jesus.

 “…And Thomas answered and said to Him: “My Lord and my Καὶ ἐφοβήθησαν. And they were afraid.
God!” Ἀπήγγειλαν δὲ αὐτοῖς οἱ ἰδόντες Those who had seen it, told them
• Despite our Lord Jesus Christ’s invitation to examine His Crucified πῶς ἐσώθη ὁ δαιμονισθείς. by what means he who had been
and Resurrected Body, St Thomas, did not actually touch Him demon possessed was Healed.
nor examine His Wounds.
Καὶ ἠρώτησαν αὐτὸν ἅπαν τὸ And the whole multitude of the
πλῆθος τῆς περιχώρου τῶν region of the Gadarenes

8. 5TH ST LUKE – GADARENE DEMONIAC – SACRED LESSONS 22 OCT 2023 5TH OF ST LUKE – THE GADARENE DEMONIAC –22 OCT 2023 17.
 • St James/Iakovos/Jacob was also known as ‘... James the • Instead his heartfelt, Joyful, magnificent and spontaneous
Just...’ He was elected the First Bishop of Jerusalem and was Confession testified both to the Lordship and Deity of our Lord
author his Universal Epistle. Jesus Christ Who indeed is “My Lord and my God!”
• He was eventually martyred at an advanced age, by fanatical • Those of us who have been so immensely Blessed to Experience
Judeans who had lured him to the high roof of the Temple the Presence of, or had an Encounter with our Lord God,
before throwing him down. Seeing St James was still alive, likewise spontaneously react with all our being – body and soul
someone then beat him to death with a branch of a Sycamore - Rejoicing with overwhelming, all consuming Love, Joy and
tree. Peace that is far beyond any verbal description!
• According to Judaic Law, the Betrothal of our Lady, Theotokos, to • These are always absolutely Spiritually Transforming!
St Joseph the Betrothed, made him Her Trustworthy and  Our Lord “…Jesus said to him: ‘Thomas, because thou hast seen Me,
Righteous Guardian and Protector. thou Believe. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet
• Consequently, his children, who were her cousins, and older than Believe.”
Her, were also regarded Her ‘Children.’ • St Thomas required direct, personal Proof and confirmation of our
• The term ‘Brother’ often referred to a cousin or uncle or close Lord’s Glorious Resurrection, whereas a Blessed Faith is one
male relative. Likewise, a ‘Sister’ was not always a biological that believes and implicitly trusts in our Lord Jesus Christ
sibling, but could refer to any close female relative or friend. without any proof - with absolute conviction of heart and
soul!
• According to Old Covenant Judaic Law, adopted children were
supposed to have equal rights to Paternal inheritances, but • Our Steadfast Faith and complete Confidence in Almighty God
often this proved problematic due to human greed or other should not depend on any ‘Signs or Wonders’ but arise from
motivations. our immortal soul who KNOWS God and responds with
compelling and utter Love and Devotion, seeking only to
The Holy Gospel According to St Luke 8 : 26 – 39 
fulfil His Divine Will in all circumstances.
Our Lord “…Jesus did many other Signs in the presence of His
Disciples, which are not written in this book …”
Τῷ καιρῷ ἐκείνῳ, ἐλθόντι τῷ At that time when they went to the
Ἰησοῦ εἰς τὴν χὠραν τῶν country of the Gadarenes, they • St John - who is known by many worthy Titles such as “…the
Beloved Disciple of Christ…” “…the Divine Theologian…” and
Γαδαρηνῶν, ὑπήντησεν αὐτῷ met a certain man from the city
“…Evangelist…” - referred to the innumerable Divine Miracles
ἀνήρ τις ἐκ τῆς πόλεως, ὃς εἶχε who had demons for a long time. or Good Works of our Lord Jesus, only some of which were
δαιμόνια ἐκ χρόνων ἱκανῶν. recorded in the Holy Gospels of St John and the other Holy
Apostles of Christ.
Καὶ ἱμάτιον οὐκ ἐνεδιδύσκετο, καὶ And he wore no clothes, nor did he
ἐν οἰκίᾳ οὐκ ἔμενεν, ἀλλʼ ἐν τοῖς • St John was the closest relative [according to our Lord’s Incarnation,]
live in a house but in the tombs.
and constant Companion, who had accompanied our Lord
μνήμασιν. Jesus for most of His three-year long public Ministry.
Ἰδὼν δὲ τὸν Ἰησοῦν καὶ ἀνακράξας When he saw Jesus, he cried out, • Consequently, St John had would have received far more Divine
προσέπεσεν αὐτῷ καὶ φωνῇ fell down before Him, and with a Revelations and Teachings from Christ than the other Holy
μεγάλῃ εἶπε· “Τί ἐμοὶ καὶ Σοί, loud voice said: “What have I to Apostles, several of whom were also related to Him through
Ἰησοῦ Υἱὲ τοῦ Θεοῦ τοῦ Theotokos.
do with Thee, Jesus, Son of God
Ὑψίστου?; Δέομαί Σου, μή με  “These are written that you may Believe that Jesus is the Christ,
the Most High? I beg Thee, do
βασανίσῃς!” the Son of God, and that, Believing, you may have Life in His
not torment me!” Name.”
Παρήγγειλε γὰρ τῷ πνεύματι τῷ For He had commanded the • The main purpose of St John in writing his Holy Gospel was to
ἀκαθάρτῳ ἐξελθεῖν ἀπὸ τοῦ unclean spirits to come out of lead people to Faith in our Lord Jesus as the Christ and Eternal
ἀνθρώπου. the man. Son of God so that we all may receive Eternal Life in His Divine
Πολλοῖς γὰρ χρόνοις συνηρπάκει For they often seized him, and he
Name.
αὐτόν, καὶ ἐδεσμεῖτο ἁλύσεσι • Only by ‘putting on Christ’ at our Baptism and then by ‘Living in
had been kept under guard, Christ’ as we Struggle against temptations while Striving for

16. 5TH ST LUKE – GADARENE DEMONIAC – SACRED LESSONS 22 OCT 2023 5TH OF ST LUKE – THE GADARENE DEMONIAC –22 OCT 2023 9.
 Spiritual Perfection, can we eventually become worthy Citizens • In that brief moment, we are truly Transported into the Great Bliss
and Co-Heirs of God’s Heavenly Kingdom of Love. and Love of Eternal Life!
• The Divine Will of God our Heavenly Father can only be • St Paul “... returned again to Damascus...” where - according to our
accomplished and Fulfilled through Unconditional Love, Lord Jesus Christ’s Instructions - he was Baptised by St
Humility and Obedience to the Teachings and Commandments Ananias.
of God the Eternal Word and Only Begotten Son of God - our
Lord Jesus Christ - by means of the Gracious Power and Energy • He had accepted and fully understood the amazing implications of
of God the Holy Spirit. His Divine Calling.
• We therefore need to pay attention to and fulfil the Teachings • After his Holy Baptism, St Paul began his Life in Christ,
and Spiritual Guidance of His Holy Apostles’ Successors – subsequently converting so many souls into our New Covenant
those Ordained into the Holy Priesthood, as well as those with God as His ‘New Israel’ – God’s New Chosen People who
Called by Divine Grace to Teach and Guide His Holy Flock. had become Faithful Disciples of Christ.
 “... After three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and
remained with him for fifteen days. The other Apostles I did not
T H E E PISTLE OF S T P AUL TO TH E G AL ATIANS 1: 11 – 19 see, except James, the Brother of our Lord.”

Ἀδελφοί, γνωρίζω ὑμῖν τὸ Brethren, I make known to you that • It took St Paul “…three years…” to fully appreciate his mind-
boggling, life-changing Transformation before he went to
Εὐαγγέλιον τὸ εὐαγγελισθὲν ὑπʼ the Gospel, which was preached Jerusalem “… to see Peter...” who would have examined him
ἐμοῦ ὅτι οὐκ ἔστιν κατὰ by me is not according to man. very thoroughly indeed.
ἄνθρωπον· • As a True Apostle of Christ, St Paul submitted himself to the
Οὐδὲ γὰρ ἐγὼ παρὰ ἀνθρώπου For I neither received it from man, Church and Her Holy Apostles rather than elevating himself by
παρέλαβον αὐτό, οὔτε acting independently and according to his own desires,
nor was I taught it, but it came
ἐδιδάχθην, ἀλλὰ διʼ concepts or actions as so many do these days.
through the Revelation of Jesus
ἀποκαλύψεως Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ. • St Paul knew that his Encounter with our Lord Jesus Christ, his
Christ.
Instruction in the Holy Gospel and his Call to Apostleship were
'Ηκούσατε γὰρ τὴν ἐμὴν For you have heard of my former extraordinary and unique.
ἀναστροφήν ποτε ἐν τῷ conduct in Judaism, how I • In all private Revelations, the only other Witness is Almighty God
Ἰουδαϊσμῷ, ὅτι καθʼ ὑπερβολὴν persecuted the Church of God Himself.
ἐδίωκον τὴν ἐκκλησίαν τοῦ beyond measure and tried to • The Fruits of our Sacred Labours of Love speak volumes – proving
Θεοῦ καὶ ἐπόρθουν αὐτήν. destroy it. their authenticity and Truth.
Καὶ προέκοπτον ἐν τῷ Ἰουδαϊσμῷ And I advanced in Judaism beyond • St Paul knew - having confirmed with St Peter - that he taught the
ὑπὲρ πολλοὺς συνηλικιώτας ἐν exact same Holy Gospel as the other Apostles of Christ.
many of my contemporaries in
τῷ γένει μου, περισσοτέρως • St Paul did not see “… the other Apostles … except James, the
my own Nation, being more Brother of our Lord...” which certainly confirmed that St Paul
ζηλωτὴς ὑπάρχων τῶν πατρικῶν exceedingly zealous for the had not been influenced nor taught by any of the other Holy
μου παραδόσεων. Traditions of my Fathers. Apostles who had already dispersed throughout the known
world, fulfilling their Divine Mission.
Ὅτε δὲ εὐδόκησεν ὁ Θεός, ὁ When it pleased God, Who
ἀφορίσας με ἐκ κοιλίας μητρός • St James was the eldest son of St Joseph the Betrothed and his
separated me from my mother’s
late wife, Salome (a sister of St Anna, the mother of the Blessed
μου καὶ καλέσας διὰ τῆς womb and called me through His Virgin) and therefore a cousin of our Lady, Theotokos and our
Χάριτος αὐτοῦ ἀποκαλύψαι τὸν Grace, to reveal His Son in me, Lord Jesus Christ.
υἱὸν αὐτοῦ ἐν ἐμοὶ, ἵνα that I might preach Him among • St James’ deep Love for and devotion to our Lord Jesus since His
εὐαγγελίζωμαι αὐτὸν ἐν τοῖς the Gentiles, I did not Birth, is the reason for his honourable title as “... Brother of our
Ἔθνεσιν, εὐθέως οὐ immediately confer with flesh Lord...” – ‘Adelphotheos.’ St James, (who was the eldest son of
προσανεθέμην σαρκὶ καὶ αἵματι, St Joseph the Betrothed and his late wife, Salome,) was the
and blood, nor did I go up to
first to be willing to share his paternal inheritance with Christ
οὐδὲ ἀνῆλθον εἰς Ἱεροσόλυμα Jerusalem to those who were from the moment He was born.

10. 5TH ST LUKE – GADARENE DEMONIAC – SACRED LESSONS 22 OCT 2023 5TH OF ST LUKE – THE GADARENE DEMONIAC –22 OCT 2023 15.
 • Thus, every human being is conceived and born at a specific time, πρὸς τοὺς πρὸ ἐμοῦ Apostles before me, but went to
granted a particular lifespan during which to Struggle and ἀποστόλους, ἀλλὰ ἀπῆλθον εἰς Arabia, and returned again to
Strive to acquire Spiritual Perfection before finally Reposing
until our Resurrection and Final Judgement. Ἀραβίαν, καὶ πάλιν ὑπέστρεψα Damascus.
εἰς Δαμασκόν.
• Our entire existence – from the moment of our conception - is
according to the Love, Wisdom and Grace of God. ῎Επειτα μετὰ τρία ἔτη ἀνῆλθον εἰς After three years I went up to
• Each and every human being serves a specific and essential Ἱεροσόλυμα ἱστορῆσαι Πέτρον, Jerusalem to see Peter, and
Purpose! καὶ ἐπέμεινα πρὸς αὐτὸν ἡμέρας remained with him fifteen days.
• “... Separated me from my mother’s womb...” refers not only to St δεκαπέντε·
Paul’s physical birth but also to God’s Call to Apostolic
Ministry - even before he was born.
Ἔτερον δὲ τῶν Ἀποστόλων οὐκ None of the other Apostles I saw
εἶδον, εἰ μὴ Ἰάκωβον τὸν except James, the Brother of our
• As with St Paul, God’s Intentions for each of us may remain
hidden for many years.
Ἀδελφὸν τοῦ Κυρίου. Lord.

• Those who are Called to serve our Lord God are granted full
This Epistle of St Paul to the Christian Community of Galatia concerns the True
Knowledge and Understanding of His Divine Truth. Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ verses the false gospel of His
• By the Grace of God that Knowledge is – and, indeed, must be – opponents.
taught to others, especially those who are in Spiritual Darkness Initially many Disciples of Christ in Galatia had believed in the Holy Gospel of our
because they are utterly unenlightened with the Divine Truth Lord Jesus Christ as being a Divine Gift of God, but they had been persuaded
to follow the teachings of the Jewish legalisers, who insisted on the Old
concerning our Triune God.
Covenant Laws being strictly implemented.
• More often than not, those who are Called directly by our Lord St Paul Called them back to the Divine Grace of Christ our Lord God and Divine
Jesus Christ, are persecuted to varying degrees but must never Saviour, and His New Covenant of Love.
become discouraged.
• Just as the Twelve Apostles  “Brethren, I make known to you that the Gospel, which was
1. were Called by Christ, so was St Paul. preached by me is not according to man…”
2. received the Holy Gospel directly from Christ, so did St Paul. • The Epistles of St Paul were always addressed to his
3. Stood together as one, “…Brethren…” thereby reminding us that we are all Brothers
likewise St Paul entered their Apostolic Unity in consensus and and Sisters in Christ Jesus since our Holy Baptism and
mutual submission. Chrismation when we became the adopted Children of our
• We are Called to serve God by His Divine Grace -.not according to Heavenly Father and Co-Heirs with Christ of His Eternal,
our former or present conduct – whether good or bad. Kingdom of Love.
 “…I did not immediately confer with flesh and blood, nor did I go • The Holy Gospel - the Divine Truth of our Lord Jesus Christ - is
up to Jerusalem to those who were Apostles before me; but I NOT according to mankind’s limited and flawed version of
went to Arabia, and returned again to Damascus..”....” ‘Truth.’
• This shows how profoundly a Divine Calling affects and • St Paul’s preaching and teaching of the Holy Gospel of Christ was
Transforms us. not his own opinion or interpretation of Divine Truth.
• A Divine Encounter is so wonderfully astounding – truly stunning! • Sadly, these days, due to innumerable errors in translation and
- that we need time to contemplate, to Glorify and to give comprehension, the Divine Truth has become distorted,
Thanks to God for His Great Mercy and infinite Love. erroneous and even blasphemous.
• When we are completely Transformed by our Divine Calling or • These errors continue to misguide others because rather than
Encounter our heart and soul is overwhelmed by and fulfilling the Divine Will of God our Heavenly Father, they are
overflows with such an extreme intensity of Divine Love, Peace according to the sinful, egocentric and self-serving desires of
and Joy, as well as so much Divine Knowledge and Truth, it is mankind.
utterly impossible to express or describe. “…For I neither received it from man, nor was I taught it, but it
• Our only desire is to be very quiet and still so that we can remain came through the Revelation of Jesus Christ…”
in that incredibly Marvellous Divine Presence – an all-
consuming Divine Love for which we will perpetually yearn.

14. 5TH ST LUKE – GADARENE DEMONIAC – SACRED LESSONS 22 OCT 2023 5TH OF ST LUKE – THE GADARENE DEMONIAC –22 OCT 2023 11.
• Those who have been Blessed to receive the Knowledge, Wisdom • Just as our Lord Jesus Christ taught His Holy Apostles and
and Truth of God from our Lord Himself – by the Grace of God Disciples directly, according to the Will of our Heavenly Father,
the Holy Spirit – reject any self-glorification by always making so, too, does He continue to do with those whom He Calls to
it very clear that the Glory, Honour and Worship is ascribed to His Holy Service. These Faithful Disciples are then Empowered
God alone. and Enabled by the Divine Grace of God the Holy Spirit to fulfil
• The True, Holy Gospel is taught to us by the Holy Apostles of our His Divine Will.
Lord Jesus Christ and their Ordained Successors according to ✶ “...You have heard of my former conduct in Judaism – how I
the Apostolic Succession: persecuted the Church of God beyond measure, and tried to
1. Having been Called by God to “… make Disciples of all destroy Her. And I advanced in Judaism beyond many of my
Nations…” contemporaries in my own Nation, being more exceedingly
2. Having learnt the Divine Truth and Knowledge of God by the zealous for the Traditions of my Fathers…”
Divine Revelations and direct Teaching/Instruction of our • This is St Paul’s public Repentance-Confession concerning his sins
Lord Jesus Christ Who is the Eternal Word and Son of God against God and against his fellow Judeans.
3. Having been taught either directly by Christ Himself or by the • St Paul had been a most zealous Old Covenant believer who was
Holy Apostolic Tradition – by our Holy Fathers, Bishops, convinced by his Priests and Teachers that he was fulfilling the
Priests, Spiritual Fathers and Teachers by Divine Grace, Will of God by destroying God’s New Covenant Faith and the
through the ages. Disciples of our Lord Jesus Christ.
4. Having been Called and Empowered by Divine Grace - not
according to personal works/efforts, lineage or ‘proper’ • It had been prophesised that some Judeans would persecute our
credentials. Lord Jesus Christ and His Holy Church, thinking that they were
5. Who Glorify, Honour and Worship our Triune Lord God fulfilling the Divine Will of our Heavenly Father.
exclusively, not motivated by egoism nor pride. • St Paul (Saul the tentmaker) had held the cloaks of the Judeans
6. Who form One Church Government, confessing the same True who had stoned St Stephen the Archdeacon and Protomartyr to
Doctrine of Christ, and working in Sacred Harmony and death.
Unity by agreement reached in Council. • Although he did not participate in the brutal execution, he
7. Who stand firm and steadfast in matters of conscience and are observed St Stephen’s martyrdom, which he might have
correctable when mistaken. instigated or encouraged.
• St Paul, who had been a devout and extremely zealous Old • “...being more exceedingly zealous for the Traditions of my
Covenant Hebrew Judean, preached the New Covenant Holy Fathers...” Implies border-line religious fanaticism.
Gospel of Christ to God’s Chosen People as well as to the
Gentiles, most of whom had been pagan idol-worshippers and • St Paul had believed that he was protecting the Judean Old
non-believers. This is the New Covenant Nation of Israel. Covenant Faith from wicked apostatisers, blasphemers and
pagans who performed the evil one’s work that was against
• Apostolic Tradition is grounded in Divine Revelation from the God’s Divine Laws.
Eternal Son of God
• According to Old Covenant Law any Judean who worshipped other
• According to the Will of our Heavenly Father, and by the Grace of ‘gods’ and committed blasphemy, was to be cast out, stoned to
God, St Paul received the Divine Truth directly from our Lord death or executed by other means.
Jesus Christ.
 “…When it pleased God, Who separated me from my mother’s
• He was then Empowered and Enabled by God the Holy Spirit to womb, and Called me through His Grace, to reveal His Son in
correctly preach that same Divine Truth to others who me, so that I might preach Him among the Gentiles,
Spiritually Hungered and Thirsted, while seeking the Kingdom
• St Paul was completely Faithful to God, which is why our
of God.
(Resurrected and Ascended) Lord Jesus Christ confronted St
• Divine Revelation is never exclusive – never for one person only - Paul along the road to Damascus when he and his fellow
It must be shared with everyone else as well. Judeans were about to persecute the Faithful Disciples in
• This is how God’s Divine Truth was able to spread so quickly Damascus.
throughout the known world by comparatively few Faithful • “... When it pleased God...” shows that St Paul understood perfectly
Disciples of Christ. well that everything is according to the Divine Will of our
• Divine Truth is Eternal, Perfect and Absolute – enduring forever. Heavenly Father Who alone knows when we shall Benefit the
most.

12. 5TH ST LUKE – GADARENE DEMONIAC – SACRED LESSONS 22 OCT 2023 5TH OF ST LUKE – THE GADARENE DEMONIAC –22 OCT 2023 13.