Thursday
June 30, 2011 / June 17, 2011
3rd Week after Pentecost. Apostles' Fast.
Fish Allowed. Tone one.
Martyrs Manuel, Sabel, and Ismael of Persia (362).
New Hieromartyrs Aberkius priest and Nicander (1918).New Hieromartyr Maximus (1934).Virgin-Martyr Pelagia (1943).Hieromartyr Philoneides, bishop of Kurion in Cyprus (306).Venerables Joseph and Pior, disciples of St. Anthony the Great (4th c.).Uncovering of the relics (1562) of the Alfanov Brothers of Novgorod (1389): Saints Nicetas, Cyril, Nicephorus, Clement, and Isaac of Novgorod, founders of the Sikolnitzki Monastery.Venerable Ananias the Iconographer of Novgorod (1581).Martyr Nectan of Hartland (Devon) (6th c.), and St. Botolph, abbot and confessor, of Boston (England) (680) (Celtic & British).Martyr Isaurus, and with him Basil, Innocent, Felix, Hermes, and Peregrinus of Athens (Greek).St. Aetius the Eunuch, enlightener of Ethiopia, baptized by the Apostle Philip (1st c.).Martyr Shalva of Akhaltsikhe, Georgia (1227).St. Hypatius, abbot of monastery of Rufinianos (446).Words from the Abbot:
As a nation we have paved over some of the best farmland in the world. We've polluted some of the world's best rivers and built nuclear power plants in flood zones and over historically active earthquake sites. We've become ever more dependent on purchasing our food supply from foreign lands and outsourced most of our industry. We've allowed corporations to control our politicians and the nations policy makers. Our quest for more leisure time and material goods has blinded us to the ultimate ruin of our way of life.
Recently I was discussing with a friend the major impact extreme heat, fires, floods, and record snowfalls are having on our country and it's economy. I expressed concern that we are facing the real possibility of future famine, with much of our nation's farmland under water, paved over, or under sever draught. Texas has been suffering under the worst drought since record-keeping began 116 years ago. North Dakota is experiencing the worst flood since 1880
To my utter astonishment my friend said he was not worried because Americans have always been ahead of the rest of the world in technology and American know how would save us.
With God having been summarily removed from our public life, we have become our own gods. Science and technology have replaced "In God we Trust" as our nation's religion. In our human arrogance we are now following the age old pattern that led to the fall of mankind in the very beginning. Our pride has caused us to lift ourselves up as the only god we trust, leaving the future of our society and our very planet, in jeopardy. God has been removed from our national consciousnesses.
The only solution for our nation is to turn back to God in collective repentance and asking Him back into our lives as a nation and as a people. The Old Testament gives many accounts of what happens when a people worship false gods. The ancient Israelites succumbed to worshiping idols made of wood or stone, but we moderns are now worshiping idols of materialism, lust and self.
Only God, worshiped in Holy Trinity and revealed in Jesus Christ, can save us from the inevitable destruction that is facing our nation and our world. Economic ruin, societal breakdown and environmental disaster are our future unless we, as a people, repent and return to God.
With love in Christ,
Abbot Tryphon
Recently I was discussing with a friend the major impact extreme heat, fires, floods, and record snowfalls are having on our country and it's economy. I expressed concern that we are facing the real possibility of future famine, with much of our nation's farmland under water, paved over, or under sever draught. Texas has been suffering under the worst drought since record-keeping began 116 years ago. North Dakota is experiencing the worst flood since 1880
To my utter astonishment my friend said he was not worried because Americans have always been ahead of the rest of the world in technology and American know how would save us.
With God having been summarily removed from our public life, we have become our own gods. Science and technology have replaced "In God we Trust" as our nation's religion. In our human arrogance we are now following the age old pattern that led to the fall of mankind in the very beginning. Our pride has caused us to lift ourselves up as the only god we trust, leaving the future of our society and our very planet, in jeopardy. God has been removed from our national consciousnesses.
The only solution for our nation is to turn back to God in collective repentance and asking Him back into our lives as a nation and as a people. The Old Testament gives many accounts of what happens when a people worship false gods. The ancient Israelites succumbed to worshiping idols made of wood or stone, but we moderns are now worshiping idols of materialism, lust and self.
Only God, worshiped in Holy Trinity and revealed in Jesus Christ, can save us from the inevitable destruction that is facing our nation and our world. Economic ruin, societal breakdown and environmental disaster are our future unless we, as a people, repent and return to God.
With love in Christ,
Abbot Tryphon
Photos of the Day:
First photo: View of the temple from the parking lot. Second photo: Birds flocking in the plaza's fountain.
Scripture Readings for the Day:
Romans 8:22-27
22 For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now. 23 Not only that, but we also who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body. 24 For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees? 25 But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance.
Matthew 10:23-31
23 When they persecute you in this city, flee to another. For assuredly, I say to you, you will not have gone through the cities of Israel before the Son of Man comes.
24 “A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master. 25 It is enough for a disciple that he be like his teacher, and a servant like his master. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more will they call those of his household! 26 Therefore do not fear them. For there is nothing covered that will not be revealed, and hidden that will not be known.
Jesus Teaches the Fear of God
27 “Whatever I tell you in the dark, speak in the light; and what you hear in the ear, preach on the housetops. 28 And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. 29 Are not two sparrows sold for a copper coin? And not one of them falls to the ground apart from your Father’s will. 30 But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. 31 Do not fear therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows.Click photo to enlarge.
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