Priest as Servant
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| Sunrise over the Monastery |
Bishops and Priests are to be
Servants to Their People
Servants to Their People
It is a tragic mistake for clergy to think they are superior to their people, for their effectiveness in ministry is negatively impacted by such thinking. The honor given to bishops and priests, most notably in the kissing of their hands, is intended for the Lord whom they serve. Bishops and priests must be loving fathers to their people, while remembering that their role within the Church does not make them above other Christians. In Christ we are all equal.
The office of the bishop is that of overseer, not overlord, and he must attend to the spiritual needs of his people in the same way a father tends to the needs of his children. Neither bishop nor priest should remain aloof from their people, for what caring earthly father would remain aloof from his own children?
Clergy should be approachable when in public, making sure their demeanor makes them approachable. A priest's personal faith in Christ should be demonstrated by the warmth of his smile and his readiness to minister to those with whom he comes in contact. His priestly attire and uncut hair and beard is not meant to put off the public, but rather be a sign that he is a servant of the Most High, and available to serve.
Love in Christ,
Abbot Tryphon
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On July 20th I posted an appeal for funds. I want to thank all of you who've been able to help the monastery during these trying times. To those of you who can not afford to help us financially, please pray for the monastery. By your holy prayers and with the help of Almighty God, we will get through this present crisis.
With a grateful heart,
Abbot Tryphon
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| Our Rhode Island Reds enjoying a sunny day. click on photos to enlarge |
Saturday July 23, 2011 / July 10, 2011
6th Week after Pentecost. Tone four.
The Placing of the Precious Robe of the Lord at Moscow (1625).
Holy 45 Martyrs at Nicopolis in Armenia, including Leontius, Maurice, Daniel, Anthony, Alexander, Anicetus, Sisinius, Meneus, and Belerad (Verelad) (319).Venerable Anthony of the Kiev Caves (1073).
New Hieromartyrs Peter ans Stephen priests, Gregory and Nestor deacons (1918).Venerables Eumenes (1920) and Parthenius (1905) of Gortyna.
Venerable Silouan of the Far Caves in Kiev (13th-l4th c.).Martyr Apollonius of Sardis (3rd c.).Martyrs Bianor and Silvanus of Pisidia (4th c.).10,000 Fathers of the desert and caves of Scetis martyred by the impious Patriarch Theophilus of Alexandria (398)."Konevits" Icon of the Most Holy Theotokos.Translation of the relics (1609) of St. Basil, bishop of Ryazan (1295).St. Gregory, bishop of Assos near Ephesus (1150) (Greek).New Hieromartyr Archpriest Joseph of Damascus and Companions (1860).Synaxis of All Saints of Vatopedi Monastery, Mt. Athos. |
| Father Moses weeding the garden. |
The Scripture Readings for the Day:
Romans 9:1-5
Israel’s Rejection of Christ
1 I tell the truth in Christ, I am not lying, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Spirit, 2 that I have great sorrow and continual grief in my heart. 3 For I could wish that I myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my countrymen according to the flesh, 4 who are Israelites, to whom pertain the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the service of God, and the promises; 5 of whom are the fathers and from whom, according to the flesh, Christ came, who is over all, the eternally blessed God. Amen.Matthew 9:18-26
A Girl Restored to Life and a Woman Healed
18 While He spoke these things to them, behold, a ruler came and worshiped Him, saying, “My daughter has just died, but come and lay Your hand on her and she will live.” 19 So Jesus arose and followed him, and so did His disciples.
20 And suddenly, a woman who had a flow of blood for twelve years came from behind and touched the hem of His garment. 21 For she said to herself, “If only I may touch His garment, I shall be made well.” 22 But Jesus turned around, and when He saw her He said, “Be of good cheer, daughter; your faith has made you well.” And the woman was made well from that hour.
23 When Jesus came into the ruler’s house, and saw the flute players and the noisy crowd wailing, 24 He said to them, “Make room, for the girl is not dead, but sleeping.” And they ridiculed Him. 25 But when the crowd was put outside, He went in and took her by the hand, and the girl arose. 26 And the report of this went out into all that land.
20 And suddenly, a woman who had a flow of blood for twelve years came from behind and touched the hem of His garment. 21 For she said to herself, “If only I may touch His garment, I shall be made well.” 22 But Jesus turned around, and when He saw her He said, “Be of good cheer, daughter; your faith has made you well.” And the woman was made well from that hour.
23 When Jesus came into the ruler’s house, and saw the flute players and the noisy crowd wailing, 24 He said to them, “Make room, for the girl is not dead, but sleeping.” And they ridiculed Him. 25 But when the crowd was put outside, He went in and took her by the hand, and the girl arose. 26 And the report of this went out into all that land.
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