August 15, 7533
Gospel Reading 9: Matthew 4:18–23 Dear brothers and sisters! Our Divine Teacher Jesus Christ, who came down from Heaven to teach mankind the wisdom of Heaven, began His preaching in Galilee. His first sermon began with a call to repentance, which can draw us near to the Kingdom of God: “Jesus went into Galilee and…
In antiquity, it was customary to commemorate all the martyrs for the faith of Christ—both those known and those whose names were forgotten. This commemoration was observed on various days throughout the year in different local Churches. The custom of celebrating it on the Sunday following the Feast of Pentecost was originally a practice unique…
Friends and brethren, I had hoped that with each passing Sunday more people would gather in church to listen to the divine words. But now I see that fewer of you are coming. If I were speaking on my own behalf, you would do well not to come. But now I proclaim to you the…
Now that we have celebrated Pentecost and the coming of the Holy Ghost, not even seven days have passed, and behold—the honorable commemoration of all the saints is already upon us. For the Lord Himself said: “Father, I will that they also, whom Thou hast given Me, be with Me where I am” (John 17:24)….
Great, beloved, are the gifts given us by God on this day’s feast. Let us joyfully glorify Christ our God—for behold, we have arrived at the coming of the Holy Ghost. Today the apostles received power and began to speak in different tongues, as the Holy Ghost gave them utterance. But why did the Holy…
For those who love God, there is no weariness in keeping feast. Behold, as we now keep festival, the angels rejoice with us, the archangels are glad, and all the heavenly powers celebrate together with us. Let us then keep festival, not like the unbelievers, nor like the children of the Jews, but being filled…
It is fitting to do all things with discernment. One ought not to mourn excessively for the dead, nor to tear out one’s hair, nor to scratch one’s face, as the unbelievers do—those who have no hope of being with God. For the faithful, sorrow is appropriate only if someone dies without repentance; for such…