Living the evangelical life of Orthodox monasticism in witness to the salvific truth of the Gospels of Our Lord, God, and Saviour, Jesus Christ.

Glory to Jesus Christ! Glory to Him forever!

The Morning Offering
Thursday, December 31/ 18 (Church Calendar)

Saints of the Day:

December 18 / 31. Martyr Sebastian at Rome and his companions: Martyrs Nicostratus, Zoe, Castorius, Tranquillinus, Marcellinus,Mark, Claudius, Symphorian, Victorinus, Tiburtius, and Castulus. St. Modestus, Archbishop of Jerusalem. St. Florus, Bishop ofAmisus. St. Micahel the Confessor at Constantinople. Martyr Eubotius at Cyzicus. St. Sebastian, abbot of Poshekhonye Monastery (Vologda). Righteous Simeon, Wonderworker of Verkhoturye. (Greek Calendar: Hieromartyr Zacchaeus the Deacon and St. Alphaeus the Reader, of Caesarea. St. Sophia the Wonderworker.)

Photo of the Day:

 Hieromonk Paul and Nun Photini, chanting Matins. (Click on photo to enlarge.)

Quote of the Day:

St. Seraphim of Sarov offered this advice to abbots:

   Let every abbot become and remain always in his relation to those
subject to him as a wise mother. A mother who loves her children lives not
to satisfy herself, but to satisfy her children. The infirmities of her
children she bears with love; those who have fallen into filth she cleans,
washes them calmly, clothes them in new white garments, puts their shoes on,
warms them, looks after them, comforts them and from all sides strives to
pacify their spirits so that she never hears the slightest cry from them;
and such children are well disposed to their mother. Thus should every abbot
live not to satisfy himself, but to satisfy those subject to him揺e should
be condescending to their weaknesses; bear with love the infirmities of the
infirm; heal their sinful diseases with the plaster of mercifulness; raise
with kindness those who have fallen into transgressions; quietly cleanse
those who have become sullied with the filth of some vice and wash them by
placing upon them fasting and prayer above the ordinary amount which is set
forth for all; clothe them, by instruction and by one's own exemplary life,
in garments of virtues; keep constant watch over them, by every means
comfort them, and from all sides defend their peace and repose to such an
extent that the slightest cry or murmuring will never be heard from them;
and then they will zealously strive to procure for the abbot peace and
repose.

Scripture Readings for the Day:

Hebrews 10:35-11:7

³⁵ Therefore do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward. ³⁶ For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise:
       ³⁷ " For yet a little while,
      And He who is coming will come and will not tarry.
       ³⁸ Now the just shall live by faith;
      But if anyone draws back,
      My soul has no pleasure in him."

 ³⁹ But we are not of those who draw back to perdition, but of those who believe to the saving of the soul.

Hebrews 11

By Faith We Understand

 ¹ Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. ² For by it the elders obtained a good testimony.
³ By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible.

Faith at the Dawn of History

⁴ By faith Abel offered to God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, through which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts; and through it he being dead still speaks.
⁵ By faith Enoch was taken away so that he did not see death, "and was not found, because God had taken him"; for before he was taken he had this testimony, that he pleased God. ⁶ But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.
⁷ By faith Noah, being divinely warned of things not yet seen, moved with godly fear, prepared an ark for the saving of his household, by which he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness which is according to faith.

Mark 9:10-16

¹⁰ So they kept this word to themselves, questioning what the rising from the dead meant.
¹¹ And they asked Him, saying, "Why do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?"
¹² Then He answered and told them, "Indeed, Elijah is coming first and restores all things. And how is it written concerning the Son of Man, that He must suffer many things and be treated with contempt? ¹³ But I say to you that Elijah has also come, and they did to him whatever they wished, as it is written of him."

A Boy Is Healed

¹⁴ And when He came to the disciples, He saw a great multitude around them, and scribes disputing with them. ¹⁵ Immediately, when they saw Him, all the people were greatly amazed, and running to Him, greeted Him. ¹⁶ And He asked the scribes, "What are you discussing with them?"

Living the evangelical life of Orthodox monasticism in witness to the salvific truth of the Gospels of Our Lord, God, and Saviour, Jesus Christ.

Glory to Jesus Christ! Glory to Him forever!

The Morning Offering
Wednesday, December 30 / 17 (Church Calendar)
 
Saints of the Day:

December 17 / 30. Prophet Daniel and the Three Holy Youths Ananias, Azarias and Misael [Heb 11:33-40; Lk 11:47-12:1]. St.Daniel the Confessor (in schema Stephen) of Spain and Egypt. St. Dionysius of Zakynthos, Bishop of Aegina. (Greek Calendar:Martyr Bacchus. New-Martyr Nicetas. Blessed Deacon Abbacum of Serbia.)

Photo of the Day:

 Hieromonk Paul and Nun Photini, chanting the Matins Service. (Click on photo to enlarge.)

Thought for the Day:

Every success in anything we should refer to the Lord and with the Prophet say: Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to Thy name give glory (Ps. 113:9).

 

St. Seraphim of Sarov
"Little Russian Philokalia"

Scripture Readings for the Day:

Hebrews 10:1-18

Animal Sacrifices Insufficient

 ¹ For the law, having a shadow of the good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with these same sacrifices, which they offer continually year by year, make those who approach perfect. ² For then would they not have ceased to be offered? For the worshipers, once purified, would have had no more consciousness of sins. ³ But in those sacrifices there is a reminder of sins every year. ⁴ For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and goats could take away sins.

Christ's Death Fulfills God's Will

⁵ Therefore, when He came into the world, He said:


      " Sacrifice and offering You did not desire,
      But a body You have prepared for Me.
       ⁶ In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin
      You had no pleasure.
       ⁷ Then I said, 'Behold, I have come—
      In the volume of the book it is written of Me—
      To do Your will, O God.'"
 
 ⁸ Previously saying, "Sacrifice and offering, burnt offerings, and offerings for sin You did not desire, nor had pleasure in them " (which are offered according to the law), ⁹ then He said, "Behold, I have come to do Your will, O God." He takes away the first that He may establish the second. ¹⁰ By that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.

Christ's Death Perfects the Sanctified

¹¹ And every priest stands ministering daily and offering repeatedly the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. ¹² But this Man, after He had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down at the right hand of God, ¹³ from that time waiting till His enemies are made His footstool. ¹⁴ For by one offering He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified.
¹⁵ But the Holy Spirit also witnesses to us; for after He had said before,
¹⁶ "This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, says the LORD: I will put My laws into their hearts, and in their minds I will write them," ¹⁷ then He adds, "Their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more." ¹⁸ Now where there is remission of these, there is no longer an offering for sin.

Mark 8:30-34

³⁰ Then He strictly warned them that they should tell no one about Him.

Jesus Predicts His Death and Resurrection

³¹ And He began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things, and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again. ³² He spoke this word openly. Then Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him. ³³ But when He had turned around and looked at His disciples, He rebuked Peter, saying, "Get behind Me, Satan! For you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men."

Take Up the Cross and Follow Him

³⁴ When He had called the people to Himself, with His disciples also, He said to them, "Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.

It is with sadness that I report to you that Pierce County Deputy, Kent Mundell,  died this evening at 5:15 p.m.  He is one of two deputies shot in Pierce County this past week.  He is survived his wife, Lisa, his daughter, Kirsten (age 16), and son, Austin (age 10.) Please remember them in your prayers.

Living the evangelical life of Orthodox monasticism in witness to the salvific truth of the Gospels of Our Lord, God, and Saviour, Jesus Christ.

Glory to Jesus Christ! Glory to Him forever!

The Morning Offering
Tuesday, December 29 / 16 (Church Calendar)
 
Saints of the Day:

December 16 / 29. Prophet Haggai (Aggaeus). Martyr Marinus of Rome. Blessed Empress Theophania. St. Memnon, ArchbishopEphesus. St. Nicholas Chrysoberges, Patriarch of Constantinople. St. Sophia, nun (in the world Solomonia), wife of Grand-Duke Basil III. (Greek Calendar: Martyrs Promus and Hilarion. St. Modestus, Archbishop of Jerusalem.)

Photo of the Day:

Newly ordained Priestmonk Paul, chanting the Holy Gospel. (Click on photo to enlarge.)

Thought for the Day:

"Great is the Lord, Who pardons some because of the merits of others; and while subjecting some to trials, He forgives others their sins. Why should not the prayer of your fellow-man avail with you, when a servant had both the merit of pleading for another before God and the privilege of obtaining what he prayed for? Learn you who judge, to forgive. Learn you who are sick, to gain health through prayer. Should you be diffident because of your grave sins, seek the prayers of others, call upon the Church to pray for you, and in His regard for her, the Lord will give what He could refuse to you."

 

St. Ambrose of Milan
"The Healing of the Paralytic"

(The Sunday Sermons of the Great Fathers)

Scripture Readings for the Day:

Hebrews 9:8-10

⁸ the Holy Spirit indicating this, that the way into the Holiest of All was not yet made manifest while the first tabernacle was still standing. ⁹ It was symbolic for the present time in which both gifts and sacrifices are offered which cannot make him who performed the service perfect in regard to the conscience— ¹⁰ concerned only with foods and drinks, various washings, and fleshly ordinances imposed until the time of reformation.

Hebrews 9:15-23

¹⁵ And for this reason He is the Mediator of the new covenant, by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions under the first covenant, that those who are called may receive the promise of the eternal inheritance.

The Mediator's Death Necessary

¹⁶ For where there is a testament, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator. ¹⁷ For a testament is in force after men are dead, since it has no power at all while the testator lives. ¹⁸ Therefore not even the first covenant was dedicated without blood. ¹⁹ For when Moses had spoken every precept to all the people according to the law, he took the blood of calves and goats, with water, scarlet wool, and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book itself and all the people, ²⁰ saying, "This is the blood of the covenant which God has commanded you." ²¹ Then likewise he sprinkled with blood both the tabernacle and all the vessels of the ministry. ²² And according to the law almost all things are purified with blood, and without shedding of blood there is no remission.

Greatness of Christ's Sacrifice

²³ Therefore it was necessary that the copies of the things in the heavens should be purified with these, but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these.

Mark 8:22-26

A Blind Man Healed at Bethsaida

²² Then He came to Bethsaida; and they brought a blind man to Him, and begged Him to touch him. ²³ So He took the blind man by the hand and led him out of the town. And when He had spit on his eyes and put His hands on him, He asked him if he saw anything.
²⁴ And he looked up and said, "I see men like trees, walking."
²⁵ Then He put His hands on his eyes again and made him look up. And he was restored and saw everyone clearly. ²⁶ Then He sent him away to his house, saying, "Neither go into the town, nor tell anyone in the town."

His All Holiness the Ecumenical Patriarch

Please take the time to watch this video of the American television program, "60 Minutes", and see yet another example why Islam is not a "peaceful religion". This is what happens when they become the majority. Lord have mercy.

http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=6001717n&tag=cbsnewsSidebarArea.0

With love in Christ,

Abbot Tryphon

Very Rev. Abbot Tryphon
All-Merciful Saviour  Orthodox Christian Monastery
Vashon Island, WA 98070-2420
http://www.vashonmonks.com
http://www.morningoffering.blogspot.com/

Living the evangelical life of Orthodox monasticism in witness to the salvific truth of the Gospels of Our Lord, God, and Saviour, Jesus Christ.

Glory to Jesus Christ! Glory to Him forever!

The Morning Offering
Monday, December 28 / 15 (Church Calendar)
 
Saints of the Day:

December 15 / 28. Hieromartyr Eleutherius, Bishop of Illyria, and his mother Martyr Anthia. St. Paul of Latros. St. Stephen theconfessor, Archbishop Surozha in the Crimea. Martyr Eleutherius at Constantinople. St. Pardus, hermit of Palestine. Martyr Bacchus the New. Martyr Susanna the deaconess of Palestine. St. Tryphon, abbot of Pechenga or Kolsk, and his martyreddisciple Jonah. NEW HIEROMARTYRS Joseph, Metropolitan of Petrograd (1938) and Ilarion (Troitsky) (1929). New-Martyr Paul(Florensky). (Greek Calendar: Martyr Koremon the Epatch and two executioners martyred with him.)

Photo of the Day:

Rev. Hieromonk Paul, serving his first Sunday Liturgy. (Click on photo to enlarge.)

Quote of the Day:

"We must struggle, because without struggles we do not obtain virtues."
Elder Ieronymos of Aegina

Scripture Readings for the Day:

Hebrews 8:7-13

A New Covenant

⁷ For if that first covenant had been faultless, then no place would have been sought for a second. ⁸ Because finding fault with them, He says: "Behold, the days are coming, says the LORD, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah— ⁹ not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt; because they did not continue in My covenant, and I disregarded them, says the LORD. ¹⁰ For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the LORD: I will put My laws in their mind and write them on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people. ¹¹ None of them shall teach his neighbor, and none his brother, saying, 'Know the LORD,' for all shall know Me, from the least of them to the greatest of them. ¹² For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more."
¹³ In that He says, "A new covenant, " He has made the first obsolete. Now what is becoming obsolete and growing old is ready to vanish away.

Mark 8:11-21

The Pharisees Seek a Sign

¹¹ Then the Pharisees came out and began to dispute with Him, seeking from Him a sign from heaven, testing Him. ¹² But He sighed deeply in His spirit, and said, "Why does this generation seek a sign? Assuredly, I say to you, no sign shall be given to this generation."

Beware of the Leaven of the Pharisees and Herod

¹³ And He left them, and getting into the boat again, departed to the other side. ¹⁴ Now the disciples had forgotten to take bread, and they did not have more than one loaf with them in the boat. ¹⁵ Then He charged them, saying, "Take heed, beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the leaven of Herod."
¹⁶ And they reasoned among themselves, saying, " It is because we have no bread."
¹⁷ But Jesus, being aware of it, said to them, "Why do you reason because you have no bread? Do you not yet perceive nor understand? Is your heart still hardened? ¹⁸ Having eyes, do you not see? And having ears, do you not hear? And do you not remember? ¹⁹ When I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many baskets full of fragments did you take up?"
They said to Him, "Twelve."
²⁰ "Also, when I broke the seven for the four thousand, how many large baskets full of fragments did you take up?"
And they said, "Seven."
²¹ So He said to them, "How is it you do not understand?"

Living the evangelical life of Orthodox monasticism in witness to the salvific truth of the Gospels of Our Lord, God, and Saviour, Jesus Christ.

Glory to Jesus Christ! Glory to Him forever!

The Morning Offering
Sunday, December 27 / 14 (Church Calendar)
 
Saints of the Day:

December 14 / 27. Martyrs Thyrsus, Leucius and Callinicus of Apollonia. Martyrs Apollonius, Philemon, Arianus and Theoctychusof Alexandria. (Greek Calendar: Four guards converted by St. Arianus and martyred.) Repose of Blessed Recluse John of Sezenovo Convent (1839).

Photo of the Day:

Our monastery's temple, as you first see it. (Click on photo to enlarge.)

Quote of the Day:

"When you go to bed with a contented mind, recall the blessings and generous providence of God; be filled with holy thoughts and great joy. Then, while your body sleeps, your soul will keep watch; the closing of your eyes will bring you a true vision of God; your silence will be pregnant with sanctity, and in your sleep you will continue to glorify the God of all with the full strength of your soul."

St. Antony the Great

Scripture Readings for the Day:

Colossians 3:4-11

⁴ When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.
⁵ Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. ⁶ Because of these things the wrath of God is coming upon the sons of disobedience, ⁷ in which you yourselves once walked when you lived in them.
⁸ But now you yourselves are to put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth. ⁹ Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds, ¹⁰ and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him, ¹¹ where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcised nor uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave nor free, but Christ is all and in all.

Luke 14:16-24

¹⁶ Then He said to him, "A certain man gave a great supper and invited many, ¹⁷ and sent his servant at supper time to say to those who were invited, 'Come, for all things are now ready.' ¹⁸ But they all with one accord began to make excuses. The first said to him, 'I have bought a piece of ground, and I must go and see it. I ask you to have me excused.' ¹⁹ And another said, 'I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I am going to test them. I ask you to have me excused.' ²⁰ Still another said, 'I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come.' ²¹ So that servant came and reported these things to his master. Then the master of the house, being angry, said to his servant, 'Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in here the poor and the maimed and the lame and the blind.' ²² And the servant said, 'Master, it is done as you commanded, and still there is room.' ²³ Then the master said to the servant, 'Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled. ²⁴ For I say to you that none of those men who were invited shall taste my supper.'"

Witnessing Goodness, in a Fallen World

Following Liturgy for Saint Herman of Alaska, I spent seven hours with the family and fellow police officers of Pierce County Deputy Sheriff Kent Mundell, on Western Christmas Day. Returning to the monastery around eight this evening, and spending time with my monastic community (and Hammie, our beloved Norwegian Forest Cat sitting in my lap), I've found myself unable to sleep. I sent out my blog, The Morning Offering, around 1:45 a.m., and am still wide awake at 5.

I feel a certain sense of peace in my heart, having experienced an abundance of God's grace, today. One of the greatest blessings of my priesthood, are times like this, when the Lord blesses me to be His presence among those who are suffering, and those who are nearing the end of their life.

The family of this fallen officer were gathered around his hospital bed, with the man they called "son", "husband", and "father", on the day Western Christians celebrate the birth of Christ. Following the murderous actions of one of the worst that humanity has to offer, I was witness to the best of humanity.

There are now two more children who are about to lose their father, a wife about to lose her husband, and a couple from Texas, about to lose their son. All this due to a man who lived a life given over to evil, and who'd threatened his own sixteen year old daughter with a knife (the very young woman who helped her uncle drag a mortally wounded deputy into the kitchen, and performing CPR, after barricading themselves in the kitchen, for fear of this horrible relative.)

Counter to a life given over to evil, I was witness to the best of what humanity has to offer. A family man, who loved his wife and children, and who lived his life protecting his community as a law enforcement officer. I witnessed a wonderful Christian couple, "Mama" Ginger Passarelli, and her husband Harvey Senecal, who gave up their own Christmas, to prepare and serve a full Christmas dinner, in a staff room of the hospital, to the extended family of this dying officer. I met young police officers standing guard at a hospital room, knowing that could be themselves one day, yet bravely standing firm in their own vocation.  Looking into these young faces (young enough to be my grandchildren), I saw youthful commitment, and a certain innocence, even with the full knowledge that there is great evil out there.

I was inspired by the commitment of the medical staff, doing what they do best, and following their own God called vocation, bringing healing to those who are ill. I witnessed the death of a man in a neighboring room, following a "code blue".

This world of ours is in a terrible state, yet everywhere I looked, I saw goodness, like Officer John Abraham, the Safety Coordinator for the Seattle Police Department, who ministered in his own powerful way, with a kind and gentle heart that made me feel warm, like being with an old and dear friend. John is a man who has seen a lot of evil in his day, yet has managed to remain kind and giving, just like numerous police officers, from Canada to New York City, from Portland, Oregon, to a small town in Wyoming, that I've been privileged to meet, during these past few weeks.

Following the slaughter of the four Lakewood Police Department officers, and the heart breaking funeral at the Tacoma Dome, our community is now facing the third police funeral in less than two months. I now find myself wishing I were a younger man, and could be a police chaplain, full time. Yet I return to my monastery, and my duties as abbot, and experience the joy and peace that is my life in Christ, a peace that can only come from Christ. This world is full with evil, but the birth of Christ has given us all hope, for we know that, ultimately, goodness will prevail.

As People of Faith, we know the importance of intercessory prayer, yet too often forget the necessity of remembering those who serve our communities, as police officers, fire fighters, and members of the armed forces. We owe it to them, and should make it a daily priority to pray for these courageous men and women who attempt, in a powerful way, to make this world safe for good people, and for little children.

With love in Christ,
Abbot Tryphon

Living the evangelical life of Orthodox monasticism in witness to the salvific truth of the Gospels of Our Lord, God, and Saviour, Jesus Christ.

Glory to Jesus Christ! Glory to Him forever!

The Morning Offering
Saturday, December 26 / 13 (Church Calendar)

Saints of the Day:

December 13 / 26. Martyrs Eustratius, Auxentius, Eugene, Mardarius, and Orestes at Sebaste Virgin Martyr Lucy of Syracuse. St.Arsenius of Latros. St. Gabriel, Archbishop of Serbia. St. Mardarius, recluse of the Kiev Caves. (Greek Calendar: St. Ares, monk.) Schemamonk Pantileimon the Resurrected of Glinsk Hermitage (1895).

Photo of the Day:

Holy Father Herman of Alaska, pray to God for us. (Click to enlarge)

Financial Support Needed:

Your financial help is very much needed, especially with this economic downswing. Our coffee sales are down, and donations are down. All this at the very time fuel, food, and insurance costs are up; and we still have our monthly mortgage payments to meet. If you are able, we would be very grateful for your financial assistance. You may send contributions to: All-Merciful Saviour Monastery, PO Box 2420, Vashon Island, WA 98070-2420. Please make checks out to All-Merciful Saviour Monastery. Remember, we are a tax deductible, 501 C3, non profit religious organization.

Quote of the Day:

"The true Christian is a warrior making his way through the regiments of the invisible enemy to his heavenly homeland."

Saint Herman of Alaska

Scripture Readings for the Day:

Ephesians 2:11-13

Brought Near by His Blood

¹¹ Therefore remember that you, once Gentiles in the flesh—who are called Uncircumcision by what is called the Circumcision made in the flesh by hands— ¹² that at that time you were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. ¹³ But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.

Luke 14:1-11

A Man with Dropsy Healed on the Sabbath

 ¹ Now it happened, as He went into the house of one of the rulers of the Pharisees to eat bread on the Sabbath, that they watched Him closely. ² And behold, there was a certain man before Him who had dropsy. ³ And Jesus, answering, spoke to the lawyers and Pharisees, saying, "Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath?"
⁴ But they kept silent. And He took him and healed him, and let him go. ⁵ Then He answered them, saying, "Which of you, having a donkey or an ox that has fallen into a pit, will not immediately pull him out on the Sabbath day?" ⁶ And they could not answer Him regarding these things.

Take the Lowly Place

⁷ So He told a parable to those who were invited, when He noted how they chose the best places, saying to them: ⁸ "When you are invited by anyone to a wedding feast, do not sit down in the best place, lest one more honorable than you be invited by him; ⁹ and he who invited you and him come and say to you, 'Give place to this man,' and then you begin with shame to take the lowest place. ¹⁰ But when you are invited, go and sit down in the lowest place, so that when he who invited you comes he may say to you, 'Friend, go up higher.' Then you will have glory in the presence of those who sit at the table with you. ¹¹ For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted."

Today is the Feast of Saint Herman of Alaska, according to the Julian Calendar. Since our celebration of Christ's Holy Nativity, is on January 7th, I will be leaving for Harborview Medical Center, in Seattle, following today's Liturgy, in order to allow the other chaplains to be with their families for Western Christmas. Please remember the family of the Deputy Kent Mundell, who is on life support, and not expected to live. His family will be spending their Christmas with him, at his bedside. I'll be there to give spiritual and moral support to the family, and the police officers who will be stopping by to show their solidarity and support. I'm about at the end of my own endurance, and ask your prayers, that the Lord give me the strength to be strong for these suffering people. Please, also remember my friend, Sheriff Paul Pastor, who is a strong Christian, and who is suffering greatly.

With love in Christ,
Abbot Tryphon

Glory to Jesus Christ! Glory to Him forever!

The Morning Offering
Friday, December 25 / 12 (Church Calendar)
Feast of Saint Herman of Alaska
 
Saints of the Day:

December 12 / 25. St. Spyridon (Spiridon) the Wonderworker of Tremithon. St. Herman of Alaska; Hieromartyr Juvenal; Martyr Peter the Aleut; New-Martyr Anatole of Irkutsk and Seraphim of Uglich. Hieromartyr Alexander, Bishop of Jerusalem; MartyrSynesius (Razumnik) of Rome. St. Therapontes, abbot of Monza. Greek Calendar: Saints Amonathus and Anthus, monks. St.John, Metropolitan of Zichon, founder of the Monastery of the Forerunner on Mt. Menikion. Desert-dweller Flegont of Maksha River,Penza.

Photo of the Day:

Icon of Saint Herman of Alaska

(Click on photo to enlarge.)

Thought for the Day:

 

SAINT HERMAN OF ALASKA, the first "American" saint, was the first to bring Orthodoxy to this continent. He came to America as a young monk in 1794 as part of the original Russian Orthodox mission to Alaska. He lived there until his repose, and for more than four decades taught the natives by word and example. With his own severe asceticism a secret, he ministered to both physical and spiritual needs of the people. And his memory is preserved, fresh and personal, among their descendants to this day. Ironically, however, he is unknown to so many other Americans. By his prayers may we, also, truly receive the Gospel he brought and follow the way that he taught.

Scripture Readings for the Day:

Hebrews 7:18-25

¹⁸ For on the one hand there is an annulling of the former commandment because of its weakness and unprofitableness, ¹⁹ for the law made nothing perfect; on the other hand, there is thebringing in of a better hope, through which we draw near to God.

Greatness of the New Priest

   
²⁰ And inasmuch as He was not made priest without an oath ²¹ (for they have become priests without an oath, but He with an oath by Him who said to Him:


      " The LORD has sworn
      And will not relent,

      ' You are a priest forever
      According to the order of Melchizedek'"),

    ²² by so much more Jesus has become a surety of a better covenant.
²³ Also there were many priests, because they were prevented by death from continuing. ²⁴ But He, because He continues forever, has an unchangeable priesthood. ²⁵ Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.

Luke 21:37-22:8

³⁷ And in the daytime He was teaching in the temple, but at night He went out and stayed on the mountain called Olivet. ³⁸ Then early in the morning all the people came to Him in the temple to hear Him.

Luke 22

The Plot to Kill Jesus

 ¹ Now the Feast of Unleavened Bread drew near, which is called Passover. ² And the chief priests and the scribes sought how they might kill Him, for they feared the people.
³ Then Satan entered Judas, surnamed Iscariot, who was numbered among the twelve. ⁴ So he went his way and conferred with the chief priests and captains, how he might betray Him to them. ⁵ And they were glad, and agreed to give him money. ⁶ So he promised and sought opportunity to betray Him to them in the absence of the multitude.

Jesus and His Disciples Prepare the Passover

⁷ Then came the Day of Unleavened Bread, when the Passover must be killed. ⁸ And He sent Peter and John, saying, "Go and prepare the Passover for us, that we may eat."

(I am forced to sent this out early, and incomplete, since I'm leaving for Harborview Medical Center in Seattle, to spend the night ministering to the family, and the police officers, who are keeping vigil for the police officer who was ambushed, and who is fighting for his life. Please pray for all concerned.)

Glory to Jesus Christ! Glory to Him forever!

The Morning Offering
Thursday, December 24 / 11 (Church Calendar)
 
Saints of the Day:

Saint Daniel the Stylite,

Photo of the Day:

The Holy Virgin of the Burning Bush

(Click on photo to enlarge.)

Thought for the Day:

    Many years ago, while still a college student, I was riding on a city bus in San Francisco, California. Above the seat on the opposite side of the bus, was a recruiting ad for the S.F. Police Department, which read, "San Francisco would be a hell of a place without police." That ad has stuck with me all these many years, and is especially with me now, for the Pacific Northwest law enforcement has come under unprecedented attack. As of this morning, eleven peace officers have been intentionally shot at, with five dead, and one clinging to life.
   My long time friend, Sheriff Paul Pastor, of the Pierce County Sheriffs Department, has two deputies in hospitals, as I write, with one not expected to survive. This, following the funeral of four offices. An evil force has attacked our region, like never seen before, and the very men and women who have pledged their lives to protect the rest of us, are now under unprecedented attack. Indeed, the words of the recruitment poster, quoted above, have a dark meaning to me, like I've never experienced. Indeed, without law enforcement, every neighborhood, every town and city, across our great nation, would be "a hell of a place" to live.
   Never before was the need as great as it is right now, to show our love and support for our police departments. Never before, has there been such a need as now, to pray for God's protection of our law enforcement personnel.
   I am writing these words as I prepare to spend from midnight, until six in the morning, with police, and the family of one of the fallen officers, who clings to his life. Please pray for me, and for all the police and fire chaplains across the country, as we minister to those who serve our towns, cities, and this nation.
With love in Christ,
Abbot Tryphon

Scripture Readings for the Day:

Hebrews 7:1-6

The King of Righteousness

 ¹ For this Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of the Most High God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings and blessed him, ² to whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all, first being translated "king of righteousness," and then also king of Salem, meaning "king of peace," ³ without father, without mother, without genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but made like the Son of God, remains a priest continually.
⁴ Now consider how great this man was, to whom even the patriarch Abraham gave a tenth of the spoils. ⁵ And indeed those who are of the sons of Levi, who receive the priesthood, have a commandment to receive tithes from the people according to the law, that is, from their brethren, though they have come from the loins of Abraham; ⁶ but he whose genealogy is not derived from them received tithes from Abraham and blessed him who had the promises.

Luke 21:28-33

²⁸ Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near."

The Parable of the Fig Tree

²⁹ Then He spoke to them a parable: "Look at the fig tree, and all the trees. ³⁰ When they are already budding, you see and know for yourselves that summer is now near. ³¹ So you also, when you see these things happening, know that the kingdom of God is near. ³² Assuredly, I say to you, this generation will by no means pass away till all things take place. ³³ Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away.

Your prayers are needed

   Many of you have heard the reports that two more police officers have been shot this week, again in Pierce County, Washington. This, following the funeral of the four Lakewood Police Department officers, murdered, in cold blood, in an area coffee shop. That shooting happened about a week following the assassination of a Seattle police officer, shot point blank range, while sitting in his patrol car. This now brings to seven, the number of officers who've been shot in the greater Seattle area.

   I will be sending the midnight shift at Harborview Hospital, in Seattle, where one of the officers was airlifted. It does not look good, and I would ask you to keep this officer, and his family, in your prayers. Please pray for all police officers, their families, and departments. And, please remember we Police and Fire Chaplains, as this is taking it's toll on us, as well.
    The latest two officers to be shot, are with Sheriff Paul Pastor's department (pictured above). He is having a terrible struggle. Please remember my friend, Sheriff Pastor, in your prayers.

With love in Christ,
Abbot Tryphon

Living the evangelical life of Orthodox monasticism in witness to the salvific truth of the Gospels of Our Lord, God, and Saviour, Jesus Christ.

Glory to Jesus Christ! Glory to Him forever!

The Morning Offering
Wednesday, December 23 / 10 (Church Calendar)
 
Saints of the Day:

December 10 / 23. Martyrs Menas, Hermogenes and Eugraphus of Alexandria [Eph 6:10-17; Lk 21:12-19]. St. Ioasaph, Bishop ofBelgorod (also 4 September). Martyr Gemellus of Paphlagonia. St. Thomas of Bithynia. Blessed John, king of Serbia, and hisparents Stephen and Angelina Brancovich. (Greek Calendar: Hieromartyr Theotecnus. Martyr Marianus. Martyr Eugene.)

Photo of the Day:

His Eminence, Archbishop KYRILL of San Francisco and Western America, ordaining Hieromonk Paul (Kilman) to the holy priesthood, on Sunday, December 20, 2009.

(Click on photo to enlarge.)

Quote of the Day:

"I must always remember my relation to God, on one side, as that of a creature to the Creator, as that of a work of art to the Artist, of a potter's vessel to the Potter; on the other side, as that of an image to its Prototype, that of a child to its Father, of one saved to the Saviour, of one loaded with benefits to the Benefactor, of one who is under the law to the Law-Giver, of one who has entered into the Testament to the Giver of the Testament, of one who is betrothed to the Bridegroom, or of a bride to the Bridegroom, of a member, of a citizen of a great city to its Chief, of one looking for the ages to come to the Father of those ages, of an accused to the Judge."

 

Saint John of Kronstadt

"My Life in Christ"

Scripture Readings for the Day:

Hebrews 5:11-6:8

¹¹ of whom we have much to say, and hard to explain, since you have become dull of hearing.

Spiritual Immaturity

¹² For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food. ¹³ For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. ¹⁴ But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.

Hebrews 6

The Peril of Not Progressing

 ¹ Therefore, leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ, let us go on to perfection, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, ² of the doctrine of baptisms, of laying on of hands, of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. ³ And this we will do if God permits.
⁴ For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted the heavenly gift, and have become partakers of the Holy Spirit, ⁵ and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come, ⁶ if they fall away, to renew them again to repentance, since they crucify again for themselves the Son of God, and put Him to an open shame.
⁷ For the earth which drinks in the rain that often comes upon it, and bears herbs useful for those by whom it is cultivated, receives blessing from God; ⁸ but if it bears thorns and briers, it is rejected and near to being cursed, whose end is to be burned.

Luke 21:5-7

Jesus Predicts the Destruction of the Temple

⁵ Then, as some spoke of the temple, how it was adorned with beautiful stones and donations, He said, ⁶ "These things which you see—the days will come in which not one stone shall be left upon another that shall not be thrown down."

The Signs of the Times and the End of the Age

⁷ So they asked Him, saying, "Teacher, but when will these things be? And what sign will there be when these things are about to take place?"

Luke 21:10-18

¹⁰ Then He said to them, "Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. ¹¹ And there will be great earthquakes in various places, and famines and pestilences; and there will be fearful sights and great signs from heaven. ¹² But before all these things, they will lay their hands on you and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and prisons. You will be brought before kings and rulers for My name's sake. ¹³ But it will turn out for you as an occasion for testimony. ¹⁴ Therefore settle it in your hearts not to meditate beforehand on what you will answer; ¹⁵ for I will give you a mouth and wisdom which all your adversaries will not be able to contradict or resist. ¹⁶ You will be betrayed even by parents and brothers, relatives and friends; and they will put some of you to death. ¹⁷ And you will be hated by all for My name's sake. ¹⁸ But not a hair of your head shall be lost.

Luke 21:20-24

The Destruction of Jerusalem

²⁰ "But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that its desolation is near. ²¹ Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, let those who are in the midst of her depart, and let not those who are in the country enter her. ²² For these are the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled. ²³ But woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing babies in those days! For there will be great distress in the land and wrath upon this people. ²⁴ And they will fall by the edge of the sword, and be led away captive into all nations. And Jerusalem will be trampled by Gentiles until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.