St. Joseph the Betrothed

The holy and righteous Joseph the Betrothed, also referred to as Joseph of Nazareth, was the foster-father of Jesus Christ, according to the New Testament (Matthew 1:16; Luke 3:23). Not much is known of Joseph except that he was "of the House of David" and lived in the town of Nazareth. His date of death is unknown, though he was still living when Jesus was 12 years old.

He was betrothed to the Virgin Mary at the time that Mary conceived Jesus. Luke says that he lived at Nazareth in Galilee (Luke 2:4); however, according to Matthew, it was only after the return from Egypt that he settled in Nazareth (Matthew 2:23). He is called a "just man". He was by trade a carpenter (Matthew 13:55). He is last mentioned in connection with the journey to Jerusalem, when Jesus was twelve years old. It is probable that Joseph died before Jesus entered on his public ministry because only Mary was present at the marriage feast in Cana of Galilee, and he is not described at the crucifixion along with Mary (John 19:25). In addition, St. Joseph of Arimathea asked for the body of Jesus, a duty that would have fallen to St. Joseph had he been alive.

Jesus Christ is described as being the brother of James, Justus, Jude, and Simon, and several sisters (Mark 6:3; Matthew 13:55). A tradition at least as early as the second century, still adopted by the Orthodox Church, explains that these "brothers and sisters" were from Joseph's marriage to Salome who left him a widower before he was betrothed to Mary and so making them step-brothers and step-sisters. He was the older brother to Cleopas, who was also married to a woman named Mary.

That Jesus commended Mary to the care of John the Evangelist while he was hanging on the cross has been interpreted to also suggest that Joseph had died by that time, and that Joseph and Mary did not have any other children who might care for Mary.

In many icons of the Nativity, Joseph is shown being tempted by the Devil (depicted as an old man with furled wings) to break off his betrothal, and resisting that temptation (cf. Nativity Icon).

St Joseph is commemorated on the Sunday after the Nativity. If there is no Sunday between December 25 and January 1, his feast is moved to December 26, along with David the King and James the Brother of our Lord. The Righteous Joseph is also commemorated on the Sunday of the Forefathers. There is an akathist hymn dedicated to him.

Orthodox Wiki

ST. NICHOLAS IS ON HIS WAY . . .

If we understand him to be jovial Santa Claus of parades and department stores, then perhaps we may have outgrown him as we have matured. For Christians of the East, however, St. Nicholas is hardly the stuff of legends. Nicholas was already well-known for his great personal sanctity, even before he became Archbishop of Myra in Lycia in what was Asia Minor. Both his parents are also saints. Good and holy parents are like iconographers in the East. Their holiness is indicated by the results of their creative and inspired artistry. St Nicholas' parents were used by the Holy Spirit to bring to fruition the full stature of Christ in his soul!

As he was present for the First Ecumenical Council in AD 325, we definitely know he was born at the end of the third century. That Council was called to condemn the heresy of the Alexandrian monk, Arius, who denied the Divinity of Christ. This was the Council where the term "orthodox" was first generally used to define the true faith about and in Christ, as opposed to the heretical musings of Arius and others ever since.

Nicholas was shaken to the core of his being at the very thought of Arius' impiety. He was consumed by a holy zeal and, in righteous anger, struck Arius across the face during the Council meetings. His fellow Christian Bishops thought this action was unbecoming, and therefore immediately censured Nicholas by taking from him the symbols of his episcopal office, his Pallium  and his Gospel. As they did this, an apparition took place. Christ and the Virgin Mary-Theotokos appeared on either side of Nicholas, Christ holding the Gospel-book and the Mother of Christ our God holding the Pallium. At that, the Council reinstated Nicholas. This miracle is celebrated on his feast, December 6,  to this day. This depiction of St. Nicholas has been the most popular in his iconography ever since.

In addition to his strong witness to Christianity and faith in Christ, St Nicholas was also extremely compassionate and loving to his flock. A father in Myra could not raise a dowry for his three daughters and so decided to send them into a brothel. Nicholas then went to the man's home at night and dropped three bags of gold in through the low-lying chimney (he needed neither reindeer nor a ladder . .  .). Nicholas then crept away silently into the night. In the morning, the daughters were overjoyed at finding the gifts. The father was then inspired to believe it was Nicholas who brought the presents. He went straightway to Nicholas to thank him on his knees. But Nicholas simply gazed at him without saying anything. This is the true story that has inspired the annual "coming of St Nicholas" to the homes, families and communities of faithful to this day. Nicholas is also remembered for many other acts of mercy and kindness.

The coming of St Nicholas on the eve of his Feast was always a big celebration in my extended family. As we children played on the eve of December 5th , a thud was suddenly heard on the roof. The doorbell rang and in came relatives shouting to us that St. Nicholas had just landed with his sleigh directly on top of the house! As a matter of fact, he was coming down and would be among us in seconds . . . A chair was quickly prepared and covered with an appropriate white cloth for our honored guest. Anticipation gave way to anxiety as everyone lined up on either side of the main doors and prayer books were opened. A saint from heaven was about to physically enter our home!

And then the singing of the Troparion and Kontakion of St Nicholas began. The Sign of the Cross was made with bows. The Our Father and Trisagion prayers were said. And, lo and behold, there at the doorway appeared St Nicholas. There was no doubt about it, it was really he. Crosses adorned his white mantle. He had a mitre and a staff. He walked slowly like an elderly Bishop would. And he blessed us with the "Christogram" or with his fingers shaped in the position of the Name of Jesus Christ. We went down on our knees and were too afraid to look up.

St Nicholas blessed us and spoke to us about the poor and hungry children in the world. He encouraged us to be happy with what we had and to share with others from the bountiful gifts that God had been pleased to give us. He also encouraged us to read more and watch television less. I knew he saw me sneak away to turn on the T.V. when my parents told me not to!

He sat down on his chair of honor and dispensed gifts to all of us. With that, he said he had other families to attend to, especially in Ukraine and Eastern Europe where people suffered all sorts of privations. But he said he would be back. He told us to never omit our prayers and to go to Church. He also asked us to love our parents and to be kind to one and all.

As I walked into the hallway, children sat transfixed by this bearded prelate with a shepherd's staff. A little girl was crying on someone's arms. I think she thought St Nicholas had brought presents for everyone else, but not for her! I made my way through the crowd and put my hand on the little girl. She turned to see who it was. The surprise on her face was worth the world to me! She stopped crying as I picked her up and placed her on my lap at the front so everyone could see that St Nicholas had not forgotten her after all.

Not knowing what to say, I told the children that St Nicholas was a real person living in heaven. That, even now, he was praying that God send us His special Gifts, especially the Gift of His Only-Begotten Son, Our Lord, God and Savior, Jesus Christ. Today, God asks us to place Him not on a manger, but in our hearts where we ourselves would have the privilege of warming the Christ Child with our welcoming and grateful love. In his Christian Faith and holy compassion, St Nicholas still brings us the greatest gift of all that is Christ the Savior! 

GREAT VESPERS

O holy Nicholas, Bishop of Christ, you lived your life with people of Myra. But since your spirit was anointed, your fragrance of sanctity was known by all. Now you anoint the faithful who show their love for you. O Father, deliver us from all distress and sorrow as you pray to the Lord for us.

O holy Nicholas, true servant of Christ, you are truly a protector of your faithful flock; and whenever you were asked for help, you gladly assisted those who sought your aid. Now you are also ready by day or by night to deliver us from all distress and sorrow.

When you appeared in a dream to Constantine the King, you gave him this warning: Release at once from prison those you have unjustly confined, for they are innocent; no murder did they commit as you claim. O King, listen to me, or else I shall call upon the Lord.

O holy Nicholas, holy preacher of Christ, always ready to help all on land or at sea. Whether they be near or far, you have compassion for all. You are a precious helper; therefore, we who gather here ask you to pray to the Lord

that we be delivered from all distress and sorrow.

What crowns of praise shall we confer upon the saintly Nicholas? Once present in the flesh in Myra, he is present in spirit to all who love him purely. He is the leader and defender of everyone, a comforter in distress and a haven of all in danger, a pillar of piety and conqueror for believers. For his sake, Christ overcame enemies and shows us great mercy.

We have gathered to celebrate and to praise with song the model of bishops and a glory to the fathers, a fountain of miracles and a great helper of believers. Let us sing to the saintly Nicholas: Rejoice, O Protector of Myra who was revered as its leader and strongest pillar. Rejoice, O Radiant Star whose light of miracles shines throughout the world. Rejoice, O Divine Joy to those in sorrow. Rejoice, O Defender of those who are oppressed; for even now, all-holy Nicholas, you still pray to God for us who celebrate your feast with faith and who honor you with zeal and joy.

THE HOLY APOSTLE ANDREW, THE FIRST-CALLED (NOVEMBER 30)

Andrew is mentioned quite often in the gospels, but in a way that must have annoyed him: 'Peter, and his brother Andrew...’   Always 'and his brother Andrew' following the name of the more high-profile Peter. You wonder if it ever bothered Andrew, or if he was used to being the tag-along. The truth is that Andrew had quite a different personality to Peter. He was less impulsive, more approachable, a man who thought quite deeply. He had educated Greek friends who respected his opinion. Some of them asked to meet Jesus, and Andrew introduced them to Jesus and his ideas. He may have been something of a quiet intellectual among the group of people who formed Jesus' core supporters. His origins were humble. He was a fisherman who came from Bethsaida on the Lake of Galilee, but lived in nearby Capernaum. But the life of a fisherman does not seem to have satisfied him, for he was also a disciple of John the Baptist, the radical preacher in the desert, who told him about Jesus of Nazareth and called Jesus the 'Lamb of God'.  Andrew was a man looking for something more than the steady life of a fisherman.  Intrigued, Andrew approached Jesus and soon became convinced Jesus was the Messiah. When Jesus later approached Andrew and asked him to join him in his ministry, Andrew readily agreed.  It is surprising that the gospels do not make more of Andrew, because he was the first to whom Jesus 'stated his case'. Jesus must have been fortified by Andrew's belief in him when he underwent that life-changing event called the Temptation. 

Andrew was perhaps the first to spread the Good News. He brought Peter, his brother, to Jesus. The first two disciples whom John reports as attaching themselves to Jesus (John 1:35-42) are Andrew and another disciple - whom John does not name, but who is commonly supposed to be John himself.  Andrew then finds his brother Simon and brings him to Jesus. Because of this sequence of events, Andrew has been called 'the Peter before Peter' because he is the first (that we know) to bring others to belief in Jesus.  

The next day John (the Baptist) again was standing with two of his disciples;  and he looked at Jesus as he walked, and said, "Behold, the Lamb of God!"  The two disciples heard him say this, and they followed Jesus.  Jesus turned, and saw them following, and said to them, "What do you seek?" And they said to him, "Rabbi" (which means Teacher), "where are you staying?" He said to them, "Come and see." They came and saw where he was staying; and they stayed with him that day, for it was about the tenth hour. One of the two who heard John speak, and followed him, was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother. 41 He first found his brother Simon, and said to him, "We have found the Messiah" (which means Christ). 42 He brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him, and said, "So you are Simon the son of John? You shall be called Cephas" (which means Peter).

Why was he among the first to follow Jesus? Because he had an enquiring mind. He was actively looking for the truth. He simply wanted to know. This is why he took Jesus aside on the Mount of Olives to ask when the destruction of the Temple would occur. 

Right from the start, Andrew appears to have been part of an inner circle among the disciples — only he and three others (Peter, James, and John) were on the Mount of Olives with Jesus when Jesus spoke about the coming cataclysm in Jerusalem: the destruction of the Temple and the apocalypse. Andrew was also practical, and a problem-solver. It was he who brought the boy with the loaves and fishes to Jesus  'Here is a lad' he says 'with five barley loaves and two fish." (John 6:4-14).

 Now the Passover, the feast of the Jews, was at hand. Lifting up his eyes, then, and seeing that a multitude was coming to him, Jesus said to Philip, "How are we to buy bread, so that these people may eat?"  This he said to test him, for he himself knew what he would do.  Philip answered him, "Two hundred denarius would not buy enough bread for each of them to get a little."  One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, said to him,  "There is a lad here who has five barley loaves and two fish; but what are they among so many?"  Jesus said, "Make the people sit down." Now there was much grass in the place; so the men sat down, in number about five thousand.  Jesus then took the loaves, and when he had given thanks, he distributed them to those who were seated; so also the fish, as much as they wanted. And when they had eaten their fill, he told his disciples, "Gather up the fragments left over, that nothing may be lost."  So they gathered them up and filled twelve baskets with fragments from the five barley loaves, left by those who had eaten.  When the people saw the sign which he had done, they said, "This is indeed the prophet who is to come into the world!"  

He also brought the enquiring Greeks to Jesus (John 12:20-26) in the tense hours before the Last Supper and Jesus' arrest in the Garden of Olives. When a number of Greek Jews wished to speak with Jesus, they approached Philip and Andrew to introduce them to Jesus. 

Now among those who went up to worship at the feast were some Greeks.  So these came to Philip, who was from Beth-sa'ida in Galilee, and said to him, "Sir, we wish to see Jesus." Philip went and told Andrew; Andrew went with Philip and they told Jesus.  And Jesus answered them, "The hour has come for the Son of man to be glorified.  Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.  He who loves his life loses it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.  If anyone serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there shall my servant be also; if any one serves me, the Father will honor him.

Like most of the other apostles, Andrew seems to have abandoned Jesus after he was arrested. But he returned, and was with the frightened group of disciples in Jerusalem after Jesus ascended to heaven.

Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a sabbath day's journey away;  and when they had entered, they went up to the upper room, where they were staying, Peter and John and James and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot and Judas the son of James.   Acts 1:12-13

There is no mention of his death in the New Testament, but tradition has it that he was crucified at Patrae in Achaea on an X-shaped cross which has become the traditional St. Andrew's cross. He had protested that he was unworthy to be executed on a cross that was the same shape on which Jesus died. It is said he took two agonizing days to die.

Great Vespers

When he who is called the Morning Star, the splendor of the glory of the eternal Father, in His great mercy took up his abode on earth, you, glorious Andrew, were the first to meet him for your heart was enlightened with the perfect brightness of His divinity. We bless you as the herald of the apostles of Christ our God! Pray that He may enlighten and save our souls.

When He who was proclaimed by the voice of the Forerunner, the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world, bringing life and salvation to all the earth, you, holy Andrew, were the first to follow Him. You were offered to Him as the first-fruits of the human race. You proclaimed to Peter your brother: we have found the Christ!” Pray that He may save our souls.

When He who clothed Himself in human flesh, taking our nature from the fruitful womb of the Virgin, appeared on earth as the Teacher of Righteousness, your heart was made glad, Andrew, lover of purity! He raised you from earth to the ineffable glory of God! Pray that He may enlighten and save our souls.

Leaving behind your fishnets, apostle Andrew, you caught men with the net of your preaching. Throwing to us the bait of righteousness, you delivered all nations from the depths of error. Apostle Andrew, brother of Peter the Primate, all-glorious and never-failing intercessor, may the celebration of your memory enlighten all who dwell in darkness.

OCTOBER: RESPECT FOR LIFE MONTH:

THE EXAMPLE OF SAINT GIANNA BERETTA MOLLA (1922-1962)

Saint Gianna Beretta Molla was born in Magenta (Milan), Italy, on 4 October 1922, the 10th of 13 children. Already as a young girl, she willingly accepted the gift of faith and the clearly Christian education that she received from her excellent parents. As a result, she experienced life as a marvelous gift from God, had a strong faith in Providence and was convinced of the necessity and effectiveness of prayer. She diligently dedicated herself to studies during the years of her secondary and university education, while, at the same time, applying her faith in generous apostolic service among the elderly and needy as a member of the St. Vincent de Paul Society. After earning degrees in medicine and surgery from the University of Pavia in 1949, she opened a medical clinic in Mesero (near Magenta) in 1950. She specialized in pediatrics at the University of Milan in 1952 and thereafter gave special attention to mothers, babies, the elderly and the poor.

While working in the field of medicine—which she considered a "mission" and practiced as such—she increased her generous service to Catholic Action, especially among the "very young" and, at the same time, expressed her joie de vivre and love of creation through skiing and mountaineering. Through her prayers and those of others, she reflected on her vocation, which she also considered a gift from God. Having chosen the vocation of marriage, she embraced it with complete enthusiasm and wholly dedicated herself "to forming a truly Christian family."

She became engaged to Pietro Molla and was radiant with joy and happiness during the time of their engagement, for which she thanked and praised the Lord. They were married on 24 September 1955 in St. Martin's Basilica in Magenta, and she became a happy wife. In November 1956, to her great joy, she became the mother of Pierluigi; in December 1957 of Mariolina; in July 1959 of Laura. With simplicity and equilibrium she harmonized the demands of mother, wife, doctor and her passion for life.

In September 1961, towards the end of the second month of pregnancy, she was touched by suffering and the mystery of pain; she had developed a fibroma in her uterus. Before the required surgical operation, and conscious of the risk that her continued pregnancy brought, she pleaded with the surgeon to save the life of the child she was carrying, and entrusted herself to prayer and Providence. The life was saved, for which she thanked the Lord. She spent the seven months remaining until the birth of the child in incomparable strength of spirit and unrelenting dedication to her tasks as mother and doctor. She worried that the baby in her womb might be born in pain, and she asked God to prevent that. A few days before the child was due, although trusting as always in Providence, she was ready to give her life in order to save that of her child: "If you must decide between me and the child, do not hesitate: choose the child—I insist on it. Save the baby." On the morning of 21 April 1962, Gianna Emanuela was born. Despite all efforts and treatments to save both of them, on the morning of 28 April, amid unspeakable pain and after repeated exclamations of "Jesus, I love you. Jesus, I love you," the mother died. She was 39 years old. Her funeral was an occasion of profound grief, faith and prayer. The body of the new blessed lies in the cemetery of Mesero (4 km. from Magenta).

GIANNA’S HEROIC DECISION

During Gianna’s pregnancy with her fourth child, she made the decision to save her child’s life, at all costs. This decision ultimately led to her death. In the second month of her fourth pregnancy, Gianna was diagnosed with a large tumor in her uterus. Gianna’s tumor (a fibroid), though benign, was large and painful. It threatened the development of the baby and even threatened the continuation of the pregnancy. Gianna began having bleeding, so a decision regarding surgery was urgent. Gianna had three options. She could have the fibroid removed by also removing her uterus (hysterectomy). This would cause the death of her two month old fetus and eliminate the possibility of future pregnancies. A second option was to remove the fibroid and terminate the pregnancy. The last option was to remove the fibroid and continue the pregnancy. This was the only option to save her unborn child, but the risk of pregnancy-related complications was very high. “If you have to decide between me and the baby, there is to be no hesitation. Choose the baby. I demand it. Save it!” Against standard medical advice, Gianna chose the third option. She underwent surgery. She recovered well and her pregnancy continued.

At the end of her pregnancy, labor could not be induced, so her baby had to be delivered by Caesarian section. A healthy baby girl, Gianna Emanuela, was born on April 21, 1962. Very soon after the delivery, Gianna began having increasing abdominal pain and fever. She was diagnosed with septic peritonitis (an infection of the lining of her abdomen). She received all the known treatments of that time – antibiotics and transfusions for the infection, which was likely a complication of the caesarian section surgery. Despite their efforts, Gianna could not be saved. Gianna died on April 28, 1962, seven days after the birth of her child. Gianna never considered the possibility of aborting her child. She also repeatedly made it clear that if only one life could be saved, it should be the baby’s life. The heroic part of what Gianna did was to choose life for her child under difficult and uncertain circumstances, no matter the consequences to herself.

THE MAKING OF A SAINT

Canonization is the process the Church follows to name a saint. In the early years of the church, saints were chosen by public acclaim. Though this was a more democratic way to recognize saints, some saints’ stories were distorted by legend and some never existed. Over time, the bishops and the Vatican became responsible for this decision.

The process begins after the death of a Catholic whom people regard as holy. The local bishop investigates the candidate’s life and writings for heroic virtue. Then a panel of theologians at the Vatican evaluates the candidate. After approval by the panel and cardinals of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, the Pope proclaims the candidate “venerable”.

In Gianna’s case, Cardinal Giovanni Colombo, Archbishop of Milan, began promoting the cause for her beatification on November 6, 1972. On April 28, 1980, the cause for beatification of the servant of God, Gianna Beretta Molla, was officially introduced by the decree of Cardinal Carlo Maria Martini, Archbishop of Milan. Between June 1980 and January 1984, the investigation of Gianna Beretta Molla in Milan and Bergamo, Italy, included over 170 sessions with more than sixty witnesses, including priests, religious women, medical professionals and Gianna’s family. Between April and November of 1986, the Congregation for the Causes of Saints reviewed the four volume (2570 pages) investigation results, and issued the Decree of Validity for Gianna Beretta Molla. On July 6, 1991, the Congregation for the Causes of Saints confirmed and Pope John Paul II decreed that the heroic virtues of the Servant of God, Gianna Beretta Molla, be recognized. Gianna Beretta Molla received the title of “Venerable”.

THE MIRACLES OF SAINT GIANNA

Two miracles have officially been attributed to the intercession of Gianna Beretta Molla, and both miracles took place in Brazil. Fr. Alberto, one of St. Gianna’s brothers, and also a physician, was a Capuchin missionary in Brazil. He cared for the needy and regularly wrote to his sister about the work in the mission. She had a strong desire to join him. After completing her studies and contemplating going to Brazil, her spiritual director raised concerns around her health and the grueling life of missionary work. He counseled against the idea, as did the Bishop of Bergamo. Gianna accepted that God had other plans for her and began her medical practice in Italy.

BEATIFICATION MIRACLE

On October 22, 1977, Lucia Sylvia Cirilo, a 27 year old Brazilian Protestant woman, gave birth to her fourth child, a still born baby, via caesarian section. She was discharged from the hospital 9 days later in good health, but a few days later she returned to the hospital as a result of severe pain. Doctors found a very serious complication had caused a rectal-vaginal fistula. It was inoperable in that hospital, and the nearest viable facility was more than 600 km away. Since Lucia was unlikely to survive the trip, a nurse, Sr. Bernardina, who was a Capuchin religious, invited two other nurses to join her in intercessory prayer to Gianna Beretta Molla. Gazing at a small picture of the Servant of God, Sr. Bernadina prayed, “You who are Father Alberto’s sister, make this fistula heal and keep this woman from having to travel to Sao Luis.” According to the young mother’s testimony, her pain subsided immediately and disappeared completely. An examination by the surgeon revealed that the fistula had healed, and it was no longer necessary to transfer the young woman. On May 22, 1992, following years of investigation and verification, the cure was recognized by the Special Congress of the Congregation of the Causes of Saints, as a third degree miracle.

CANONIZATION MIRACLE

In mid- November 1999, Elizabeth Comarini Arcolino, a 35-years-old Brazilian woman, was pregnant with her fourth child. Within the first month, she had a serious hemorrhage. In spite of this, the pregnancy continued, but an ultrasound showed abnormalities, and doctors did not hold much hope for a full-term pregnancy. On December 9, a further complication occurred in the form of a large blood clot. Ten days later, doctors found the baby’s heart was still beating, but the placenta was very deteriorated. Elizabeth’s physician said the baby was barely alive due to the size of the blood clot and it was almost certain that she would spontaneously abort. Contrary to these expectations, the pregnancy continued.

In February, Elizabeth returned to the hospital feeling something was wrong, only to learn that the membranes had broken. At 16 weeks, the baby was alive, but there was no amniotic fluid, placing mother and child at serious risk of infection. Termination of the pregnancy was recommended to avoid the risk of infection. As a practicing Catholic, Elizabeth knew she could not choose abortion and she must try to bring the child to term. Isabel, her friend, overheard this recommendation and inspired by her faith, went to the chapel to pray. As she got up to leave, she saw the Bishop pass by the door and went to tell him what was happening. Knowing Elizabeth and Carlos from having presided at their wedding, he went to her room and prayed with them. The Bishop left and returned with a biography of Blessed Gianna Beretta Molla. He told Elizabeth to “do what Blessed Gianna did, and if necessary, give your life for your child. I was praying at home and I said to the Blessed in prayer, ‘Now has arrived the opportunity for you to be canonized. Intercede before the Lord for the grace of a miracle and save the life of this little child.’”

Elizabeth had prayed through Blessed Gianna before, for the birth of her third child, and was reassured by the inspiration of Blessed Gianna and the Bishop. Several doctors said this was madness as the child was already dying. Her doctor told Elizabeth that Elizabeth’s faith had made her think, and that she, as her physician, also had faith. They would wait for the natural death of the fetus. Elizabeth’s whole community continued to invoke Blessed Gianna for a miracle. Elizabeth had a very difficult time, often feeling abandoned by God. At 32 weeks, a baby weighing 1.8 Kg was delivered by caesarian section on May 31, 2000. She was named Gianna Maria, after her intercessor, and was healthy with the exception of a twisted foot, which was later corrected successfully. Elizabeth had life-threatening complications, but after 3 days in the intensive care unit, she made a full recovery. In July 2001, a pediatrician examined the child and found her to be perfectly normal and healthy, intelligent and lively. In January 2002, a subsequent examination revealed no problems of any kind with the child’s development.

On December 20, 2003, the decree “super miracle” was promulgated by the Congregation for the Causes of Saints in the presence of Pope John Paul II. With her spouse and three children in attendance, Gianna Beretta Molla was canonized on May 16, 2004. St. Gianna is

a patron saint for mothers, physicians, and unborn children.

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God our Father we praise You and we bless you because in Saint Gianna Beretta Molla you have given us one who witnessed to the Gospel as a young women, as a wife, as a mother, and as a doctor. We thank you because through the gift of her life we can learn to welcome and honor every human person.

You, Lord Jesus, were for Gianna a splendid example. She learned to recognize you in the beauty of nature. As she was questioning her choice of vocation, she went in search of you and the best way to serve you. Through her married love she became a sign of your love for the Church and for humanity. Like you, the Good Samaritan, she cared for everyone who was sick, small or weak. Following your example,  out of love she gave herself entirely, generating new life.

Holy Spirit, Source of every perfection, give us wisdom, intelligence, and courage so that, following the example of Saint Gianna and through her intercession, we may know how to place ourselves at the service of each person we meet in our personal, family and professional lives, and thus grow in love and holiness. Amen.

THE CONCEPTION OF JOHN THE BAPTIST (SEPTEMBER 23)

The Conception of the Venerable Prophet, Forerunner and Baptist of the Lord, John: The holy Prophet Malachi prophesied that before the Messiah’s birth His Forerunner would appear, and would indicate His coming. The Jews therefore in awaiting the Messiah also awaited the appearance of His Forerunner.
In a city of the hills of Judea in the land of Palestine lived the righteous priest St Zachariah and his wife St Elizabeth, zealously observing the commandments of the Lord. The couple, however, had a misfortune: they remained childless in their old age, and they prayed unceasingly to God to grant them a child. Once, when St Zachariah took his turn as priest at the Temple of Jerusalem, he went into the Sanctuary to offer incense. Going behind the veil of the Sanctuary, he beheld an angel of God standing at the right side of the altar of incense.
St Zachariah was astonished and halted in fear, but the angel said to him, “Fear not, Zachariah, for your prayer is heard; and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John.” But Zachariah did not believe the words of the heavenly messenger, and then the angel said to him, “I am Gabriel, who stand in the presence of God; and I was sent to speak to you, and to bring you the good news. Behold, you will be silent and unable to speak until the day that these things come to pass, because you did not believe my words....” Meanwhile, the people were waiting for Zachariah and they were astonished that he had not come out from the Sanctuary after so long a time. And when he did come out, he was supposed to pronounce a blessing upon the people, but could not do so because he had been struck speechless. When Zachariah explained by gestures that he was unable to speak, the people then understood that he had experienced a vision. The prophecy of the Archangel was fulfilled, and Righteous Elizabeth was delivered from her barrenness, and gave birth to John, the Forerunner and Baptist of the Lord.

Rejoice, O barren one, who formerly did not bear a child,  for you have conceived the Lamp of the Sun, who is to illumine the whole universe darkened by blindness.  Rejoice, O Zachariah /and cry out with boldness:  “The prophet of the Most High desires to be born!”
The great Zachariah rejoices with his wife, the far-famed Elizabeth,  for she has fittingly conceived John the Forerunner,  whom an angel announced in gladness; / and whom we rightly honor  as an initiate of the grace of God.

HOLY GRAND PRINCE VOLODYMYR, EQUAL TO THE APOSTLES (JULY 15)

• You were a second Constantyne in word and deed, for he was born in a Christian age, yet lived for many years among the pagans, while you were born of heathen, but loved Christ who loved you. You have gone to Him rejoicing! Pray ceaselessly to Him for those who honor your memory.
• Brightly shining Mount Sinai, rejoices eternally, for it is sanctified by the law of Moses and has seen the invisible, and your great city, Volodymyr, also shines brightly and celebrates with joy, beholding in the Spirit the Son glorified in you with the Father. Pray to Him to save and enlighten our souls!
• For the people of Kyivan Rus’, Volodymyr, you were a father in spirit, a king and true preacher; an apostle of Christ, announcing the baptism of salvation. And having thereby brightly illumined your people, you sanctified them throughout all the lands of your kingdom, blessed one.
• You were a root of the true faith, Volodymyr, watered by the Holy Spirit. You put forth for us divinely planted branches with fragrant flowers: the wondrous Borys, and Hlib, the zealot of godliness; abundant sources of miracles for all the faithful. Standing with them before Christ, pray to Him to save and enlighten our souls. 
• Come, let us all hasten to celebrate the memory of Volodymyr, the father and guide of the people of Kyivan Rus’. He was born of heathens and came to love Christ who loved him, he has gone to Christ, rejoicing with his grandmother Olha. He taught all his people to believe and worship one God in Trinity; he destroyed the idols, and trampled them underfoot. He nurtured for us Borys and Hlib, his precious posterity. We now honour their memory with joy and faith, and keep the feast with love. May they pray to the Lord to grant victory to the faithful Christians over their adversaries; to grant peace to the whole world, and to save our souls!

JUNE 24 NATIVITY OF JOHN THE BAPTIST – VESPER VERSES

When John was born, the silence of Zechariah was broken. For when the Voice appeared, it was not proper that his father remain silent. Just as disbelief bound the tongue of the father, so now the appearance of John frees him. Having revealed himself, he preaches good tidings to all. The Forerunner of Light and the Voice of the Word is born, and he prays for the salvation of our souls.
Today the Voice of the Word frees his father’s voice which was lost through disbelief, and he reveals the blessed posterity of the Church by loosing his mother’s bond of barrenness. The Lamp preceding the Light appears; the star proclaims the coming of the Sun of Justice who is the restoration of all and the salvation of our souls.
When the time approached for the Word of God to be born from a Virgin, a messenger came forth from a barren womb.
He is the greatest born of woman and the greatest of the prophets. Behold, the beginnings of God’s actions are beyond our understanding. You were begotten eternally and conceived without seed; you work wonders for our salvation. Glory to you!
Today the great Forerunner appears, born from the barren womb of Elizabeth. He is a prophet greater than all prophets;
there is no other like him, nor has there ever been. For the most wondrous Light followed the lamp of the Forerunner;
the Word followed the Voice, and the Bridegroom followed the bridegroom’s friend. He prepares a special people for the Lord,
cleansing them with water until the coming of the Spirit. He is the offspring of Zechariah and the noble dweller of the desert,
the preacher of repentance, and the purification of sins. He announced the good news of the Resurrection from the dead to those in Hades, and he prays for our souls.
O John, the Baptizer of Christ, you manifested yourself to be a prophet and forerunner from the time you were in the womb.
When you saw the queen coming to her servant, you leaped for joy in the womb of your mother, you, the one conceived of a barren woman, according to the promise made to the elder Zechariah. You knew she was bearing the eternal One who was from the Father without a mother. Now implore God to have mercy on our souls.
Zechariah did not believe the word of the angel who told that Elizabeth would conceive and bear a son. Instead he replied: How can she give birth, for we are both advanced in years. He was made silent by your decree because of his disbelief. Today he sees the promised birth, and his silence is ended to give way to joy. O, what a glorious marvel! He shouts aloud: Blessed is the Lord, the God of Israel, for He has turned to his people and brought them salvation. He grants great mercy to the world.
O, most praiseworthy John and universal apostle, good news of Gabriel and flower of the barren woman, noble child of the desert, true friend of the bridegroom Christ, pray to Him to have mercy on our souls.
Today, like a shining star, the Lamp prepares the way for the coming of the Word of God. Today Zechariah speaks clearly, ending the silence imposed by the angel, for it was not right that the father of the Voice be kept silent once John was born from a barren womb. He comes to announce with great boldness the good news of salvation for all the world.
Elizabeth carried the Forerunner of grace, and the Virgin carried the Lord of glory. When the mothers greeted each other, the infant leaped for joy, for even within the womb, the servant praised the Master. The mother of the Forerunner was amazed and sang out: How have I deserved that the mother of my Lord has come to me? Glory to Him who with great mercy saves a despairing people.

THE BIRTH OF JOHN THE BAPTIST

According to the Jewish historian Josephus (who wrote after 70 Ad), John the Baptist was a Jewish preacher in the time of Pontius Pilate (Ad 26-36). He called the people to repentance and to a renewal of their covenant relation with God. He was imprisoned and eventually put to death by Herod Antipas (son of Herod the Great, who was king when Jesus was born) for denouncing Herod's marriage to Herodias, the wife of his still-living brother Philip. In order to marry Herodias, Herod divorced his first wife, the daughter of King Aretas of Damascus, who subsequently made war on Herod, a war which, Josephus tells us, was regarded by devout Jews as a punishment for Herod's murder of the prophet John.
In the Book of Acts, we find sermons about Jesus which mention His Baptism by John as the beginning of His public ministry (Acts 10:37; 11:16; 13:24). We also find accounts (Acts 18:24; 19:3) of devout men in Greece who had received the baptism of John, and who gladly received the full message of the Gospel of Christ when it was told them.
Luke begins his Gospel by describing an aged, devout, childless couple, the priest Zechariah and his wife Elizabeth. As Zechariah is serving in the Temple, he sees the angel Gabriel, who tells him that he and his wife will have a son who will be a great prophet, and will go before the Lord "like Elijah." (The Jewish tradition had been that Elijah would herald the coming of the Messiah = Christ = Anointed = Chosen of God.) Zechariah went home, and his wife conceived. About six months later, Gabriel appeared to the Virgin Mary, a relative of Elizabeth, and told her that she was about to bear a son who would be called Son of the Most High, a king whose kingdom would never end. Thus Elizabeth gave birth to John, and Mary gave birth six months later to Jesus.
After describing the birth of John, Luke says that he grew, and "was in the wilderness until the day of his showing to Israel." The people of the Qumran settlement, which produced the Dead Sea Scrolls, sometime use the term "living in the wilderness" to refer to residing in their community at Qumran near the Dead Sea.
All of the gospels tell us that John preached and baptized beside the Jordan river, in the wilderness of Judea. He called on his hearers to repent of their sins, be baptized, amend their lives, and prepare for the coming of the Kingship of God. He spoke of one greater than himself who was to come after. Jesus came to be baptized, and John told some of his disciples, "This is the man I spoke of." After His baptism by John, Jesus began to preach, and attracted many followers. In fact, many who had been followers of John left him to follow Jesus. Some of John's followers resented this, but he told them: "This is as it should be. My mission is to proclaim the Christ. The groomsman, the bridegroom's friend, who makes the wedding arrangements for the bridegroom, is not jealous of the bridegroom. No more am I of Jesus. He must increase, and I must decrease." (John 3:22-30)
John continued to preach, reproving sin and calling on everyone to repent. King Herod Antipas had divorced his wife and taken Herodias, the wife of his (still living) brother Philip. John rebuked him for this, and Herod, under pressure from Herodias, had John arrested, and eventually beheaded. He is remembered on some calendars on the supposed anniversary of his beheading, 29 August. When John had been in prison for a while, he sent some of his followers to Jesus to ask, "Are you he that is to come, or is there another?" (Matthew 11:2-14) One way of understanding the question is as follows: "It was revealed to me that you are Israel's promised deliverer, and when I heard this, I rejoiced. I expected you to drive out Herod and the Romans, and rebuild the kingdom of David. However, here I sit in prison, and there is no deliverance in sight? Perhaps I am ahead of schedule, and you are going to throw out the Romans next year. Perhaps I have misunderstood, and you have a different mission, and the Romans bit will be done by someone else. Please let me know what is happening." Jesus replied by telling the messengers, "Go back to John, and tell him what you have seen, the miracles of healing and other miracles, and say, 'Blessed is he who does not lose faith in me.'" He then told the crowds: "John is a prophet and more than a prophet. He is the one spoken of in Malachi 3:1, the messenger who comes to prepare the way of the Lord. No man born of woman is greater than John, but the least in the Kingdom of God is greater than John."
This has commonly been understood to mean that John represents the climax of the long tradition of Jewish prophets looking forward to the promised deliverance, but that the deliverance itself is a greater thing. John is the climax of the Law. He lives in the wilderness, a life with no frills where food and clothing are concerned. He has renounced the joys of family life, and dedicated himself completely to him mission of preaching, of calling people to an observance of the law, to ordinary standards of virtue. In terms of natural goodness, no one is better than John. But he represents Law, not Grace. Among men born of woman, among the once-born, he has no superior. But anyone who has been born anew in the kingdom of God has something better than what John symbolizes. (Note that to say that John symbolizes something short of the Kingdom is not to say that John is himself excluded from the Kingdom.)
Traditionally, the Birth of Jesus is celebrated on 25 December. That means that the Birth of John is celebrated six months earlier on 24 June. The appearance of Gabriel to Mary, being assumed to be nine months before the birth of Jesus, is celebrated on 25 March and called the Annunciation, and the appearance of Gabriel to Zechariah in the Temple is celebrated on 23 September. At least for Christians in the Northern Hemisphere, these dates embody a rich symbolism. John is the last voice of the Old Covenant, the close of the Age of Law. Jesus is the first voice of the New Covenant, the beginning of the Age of Grace. Accordingly, John is born to an elderly, barren woman, born when it is really too late for her to be having a child, while Jesus is born to a young virgin, born when it is really too early for her to be having a child. John is announced (and conceived) at the autumnal equinox, when the leaves are dying and falling from the trees. Jesus is announced (and conceived) at the vernal equinox, when the green buds are bursting forth on the trees and there are signs of new life everywhere. John is born when the days are longest, and from his birth on, they grow steadily shorter. Jesus is born when the days are shortest, and from his birth on, they grow steadily longer. John speaks truly when he says of Jesus, "He must increase, but I must decrease."

Almighty God, by whose providence thy servant John the Baptist Was wonderfully born, and sent to prepare the way of thy Son our Savior by preaching repentance: Make us so to follow his doctrine and holy life, that we may truly repent according to his preaching; and after his example constantly speak the truth, boldly rebuke vice, and patiently suffer for the truth's sake; through the same thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.

APOSTLE JUDE, THE BROTHER OF THE LORD (June 19)

The Holy Apostle Jude, one of the twelve apostles of Christ, is descended from King David and Solomon, and was the son of Righteous Joseph the Betrothed (Sunday after the Nativity of the Lord) by his first wife.
The Holy Apostle John the Theologian writes in his Gospel, “... neither did his brethren believe in Him” (John 7:5). At the beginning of the Lord Jesus Christ’s earthly ministry, Joseph’s sons, Jude among them, did not believe in His divine nature. Tradition says that when St Joseph returned from Egypt, he began to divide his possessions among his sons. He wanted to allot a share to Christ the Savior, born miraculously and incorruptibly from the All-Pure Virgin Mary. The brothers were opposed to this because Jesus was born of another mother. Only James, later called “The Brother of God,” offered to share his portion with Him.
Jude came to believe in Christ the Savior as the awaited Messiah, and he followed Him and was chosen as one of the twelve Apostles. Mindful of his sin, the Apostle Jude considered himself unworthy to be called the Lord’s brother, and in his Epistle he calls himself merely the brother of James. The Holy Apostle Jude also had other names: the Evangelist Matthew terms him “Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddeus” (Mt. 10:3). The Holy Evangelist Mark also calls him Thaddeus (Mark 3:18), and in the Acts of the Holy Apostles he is called Barsabas (Acts 15: 22). This was customary at that time.
After the Ascension of the Lord Jesus Christ, St Jude traveled about preaching the Gospel. He propagated the faith in Christ at first in Judea, Galilee, Samaria and Idumaia, and later in the lands of Arabia, Syria and Mesopotamia. Finally, he went to the city of Edessa. Here he finished the work that was not completed by his predecessor, St Thaddeus, Apostle of the Seventy (August 21). There is a tradition that St Jude went to Persia, where he wrote his catholic Epistle in Greek. In the Epistle much profound truth was expressed in a few words.
St Jude’s Epistle speaks about the Holy Trinity, about the Incarnation of the Lord Jesus Christ, about the good and bad angels, and about the dread Last Judgment. The Apostle urges believers to guard themselves against fleshly impurity, to be diligent in prayer, faith and love, to convert the lost to the path of salvation, and to guard themselves from the teachings of heretics. He also says that it is not enough just to be converted to Christianity, but faith must be demonstrated by good works. He cites the rebellious angels and men punished by God to support this. The Holy Apostle Jude died as a martyr around the year 80 near Mt. Ararat in Armenia, where he was crucified and pierced by arrows.

ST. JOHN CLIMACUS ON PRAYER

*St. John Climacus is celebrated on the Fourth Sunday of Lent and also on March 30. His most famous work is called the “Ladder of Divine Ascent,” a manual for growth in the spiritual life. The complete work is composed of thirty “steps.” Initially, the work was intended for monks, but up to this day, many people read it as a guide for maturity and growth in their spiritual life. The following is just some excerpts of step # 28 on “Prayer: On holy and blessed prayer, mother of virtues, and on the attitude of mind and body in prayer.”



Prayer is by its very nature a dialogue and a union with God. Its effect is to hold the world together and to achieve a reconciliation with God. Prayer is the mother and daughter of tears. It is expiation of sin, a bridge over temptation, a barrier against affliction. It wipes out conflict, is the work of Angels and the nourishment of all bodiless beings. Prayer is the future gladness, an endless work, a wellspring of virtues, a source of grace, hidden progress, food for the soul, an illumination of the mind, an axe against despair, a proof of hope, sorrow done away with, the wealth of monks, the treasure of hesychasts, the reduction of anger, the mirror of progress, a demonstration of success, evidence of one's condition, the future revealed, and a sign of glory. For him who truly prays, prayer is the court, the judgment hall and the tribunal of the Lord before the judgment to come.
Let us rise and listen to what the holy queen of the virtues cries with a loud voice and says to us: Come to me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and you shall find rest for your souls and healing for your wounds. For my yoke is easy and is sovereign remedy for great sins.
Those of us about to stand before our King and God in order to speak with Him should not move into this without preparation, lest, seeing us from afar without weapons and clothing suitable for those who stand before the King, He should order his servants and slaves to bind us, to drive us out of His sight and to tear up our petitions and throw them in our face.
When you are going to stand before the Lord. let the garment of your soul be woven throughout with the thread of wrongs suffered but forgotten. Otherwise, prayer will be of no benefit to you.
Pray in all simplicity. For both the tax collector and the prodigal son were reconciled to God by a single phrase.
The work of prayer is one and the same for all, but there are various and many different kinds of prayer. Some converse with God as with a friend and master, interceding with praise and petition, not for themselves but for others. Some strive for greater [spiritual] treasures and glory and for confidence in prayer. Others ask for complete deliverance from their adversary. Some beg to receive some kind of rank; others for complete forgiveness of debts. Some ask to be released from prison; others for remission from offences. Before all else, let us list sincere thanksgiving first on the scroll of our prayer. On the second line, we should put confession and heartfelt contrition of soul. Then let us present our petition to the King of all. This is the best way of prayer, as it was shown to one of the monks by an angel of the Lord...
Do not be over-complicated in the words you use when praying, because the simple and unadorned lisping of the children has often won the heart of their Heavenly Father.
Try not to talk excessively when you pray, lest your mind be distracted in searching for words. One word of the tax collector appeased God, and one cry of faith saved the thief. Talkative prayer often distracts the mind and leads to phantasy, whereas brevity makes for concentration.
If during your prayer some word evokes delight or compunction within you, linger over it; for at that moment our guardian Angel is praying with us. However pure you may be, do not be forward in your dealings with God. Approach Him rather in all humility, and you will be given still more boldness. And even if you have climbed the whole ladder of the virtues, pray still for the forgiveness of sins. Heed Paul's cry regarding sinners 'of whom I am first.' (1 Tim 1:15)
Until we have acquired genuine prayer, we are like people teaching children to begin to walk.
Try to lift up, or rather, to enclose your thought within the words of your prayer, and if in its infant state it wearies and falls, lift it up again. Instability is natural to the mind, but God is powerful to establish all things... The beginning of prayer is the expulsion of distractions from the very start with a brief prayer; the middle stage is concentration on what is being said or thought; and its conclusion is rapture in the Lord... Faith gives wings to prayer, and without it no one can fly upward to heaven...
After as long spell of prayer, do not say that nothing has been gained, for you have already achieved something. After all, what higher good is there than to cling to the Lord and to persevere in unceasing union with Him?... Prepare yourself for your set times of prayer by unceasing prayer in your soul, and you will soon make progress... Your prayer shows where you stand. Indeed, theologians say that prayer is one's mirror...
Do not refuse a request to pray for the soul of another, even when you yourself lack the gift of prayer. For often the faith of the person making the request will evoke the saving contrition of the one who is offering the prayer. Do not become conceited when you have prayed for others and have been heard, for it is their faith which has been active and efficacious... Every virtuous act that we do, and this is particularly true of prayer, should be done with great sensitivity... Whatever is obtained as a result of long and persistent prayer will remain. When one has found the Lord, one no longer has to use words in prayer, for the Spirit will intercede for that person with 'sighs too deep for words' (Rom. 8:26). Do not form sensory images during prayer, for distraction will certainly follow. The confident expectation of gaining that for which one is begging will show up during prayer. Confidence is the absence of doubt. Confidence is sure proof of the uncertain. If prayer is your concern, then show yourself to be merciful...
When fire comes to dwell in the heart it resurrects prayer; and after prayer has been revived and taken up into heaven, a descent of fire occurs in the upper chamber of the soul... Do not stop praying as long as, by God's grace, the fervor and the tears have not been exhausted, for it may happen that never again in your whole life will you have such a chance for forgiveness of your sins... Ask with tears, seek with obedience, knock with patience. For 'everyone who asks receives, and everyone who searches finds, and for everyone who knocks, the door will be opened' (Matt. 7:8)... The hour of prayer is no time for thinking over necessities, nor even spiritual things, because you may lose the better part (Luke 10:42).
Hold on to the staff of prayer and you will not fall. And even a fall will not be fatal, since prayer is a devout coercion of God (Matt. 11:12)... 'I cried out with all my heart', says the Psalmist (Ps 118:145). He is referring to body, soul, and spirit; and where the last two are gathered, God is there in the midst of them (Matt. 18:20). We are not all the same, either in body or in soul. Some profit from singing the psalms quickly, others from doing so slowly... Always be brave, and God will teach you your prayer.
You cannot learn to see just because someone tell you to do so. You require your own natural power of sight. In the same way, you cannot discover from the teachings of others the beauty of prayer. Prayer has its own teacher in God, Who 'teaches us knowledge' (Ps 93:10) and grants prayer to those who pray and blesses the years of the just.

THE CONCEPTION OF ST. ANNE (December 9)

Joachim and Anna were without children.  In Jewish tradition, childlessness was seen as a curse from God.  When Joachim went to the Temple to bring an offering, he was publicly reproached by the elders.  In shame, Joachim went off to the desert to pray. Anna, fearing Joachim was dead and lamenting her shame at being childless, was weeping and praying in the garden.  An angel appeared to her and told her she would have a child.  She was so overjoyed, she promised to dedicate the child to the service of the Lord.  At the same moment, an angel appeared to Joachim to tell him that Anna would have a child.  Joachim got up and ran immediately back to Anna.  They met each other at the Temple Gate and embraced with love.  Anna knew immediately that she would bear a daughter “whose name would be proclaimed throughout the world and through whom all nations would be blessed.”  The feast celebrates two main ideas:  Mary was conceived without sin because God was preparing her to be the Mother of His Son Jesus. The vocation of marriage lived in love reflects the love of God for all creation.

THE  ICON

The love between Joachim and Anna is revealed to us through the Icon.  Their embrace shows their devotion to each other and to God.  Both Joachim and Anna incline their heads to each other and their faces touch as a symbol of their reverence for each other.  There are two houses in the Icon, one behind Joachim and one behind Anna.  Both the doors and windows are wide open symbolizing the openness between husband and wife and the openness between humanity and God.  A red banner draped between the roofs connects the two houses: another symbol of separation overcome—between man and woman, but also between humanity and the Creator.  Joachim means “The Lord will judge.”  Anna means “Divine Grace.”

DID YOU KNOW?

Pope Pius IX, on December 8, 1854, declared the dogma of the Immaculate Conception of Mary, ‘ex cathedra’ which means it is infallible.  All Catholics believe that Mary, as the Mother of God, was granted a special grace by God and was conceived without original sin. The Virgin Mary was always filled with every blessing and gift of the Holy Spirit in whose grace she certainly grew throughout her life.  Though born without original sin, according to the view of the Eastern Fathers, she was not made exempt from the temporal penalties of Adam -- from sorrow, bodily infirmities, and death.
 In our Church, we celebrate the Conception and Birth of three people:  St. John the Baptist, Mary, the Mother of God and Jesus Christ. The Conception of St. John the Baptist is celebrated on September 23 and his birth date is June 24. In the Byzantine Rite, the Immaculate Conception is celebrated on December 9 and the birth date of Mary is September 8. March 25, the Annunciation, is the Conception date for Jesus and his birth date is December 25. The theological significance of these dates is that only Jesus, who is the Son of God, has a perfect nine months between Conception and Birth.

FEAST OF  THE  CONCEPTION  OF  SAINT  ANNE 

The feast widely known as the Feast of the Immaculate Conception is celebrated in the Eastern Church on December 9 as the Feast of the Conception of Saint Ann. This feast commemorates Saint Anne’s conception of Mary, the Mother of God.  In the United States of America the Ukrainian Catholic Church celebrates this feast on December 8.
 The writings of the early Church tell us that Mary’s parents, Joachim and Ann, had lived devoutly in marriage for fifty years and had prayed earnestly for a child.  The Lord God answered their prayers by allowing Ann to conceive a child who would be the mother of God’s own Son, Jesus Christ.
 The Ukrainian Catholic liturgical tradition venerates the Most Holy Mother of God as "All-Immaculate" and "Most Immaculate”.  We say that she was immaculately conceived in the sense that, from the moment of her conception, she was free of all sin and had no propensity to sin.  (Mankind’s propensity to sin was one of the legacies of Adam and Eve’s fall from grace.)  The Western Church, on the other hand, defined the Virgin Mary's "Immaculate Conception" to say that she was, from the first moment of her conception, preserved free from the "stain of original sin."
The difference between the Western and Eastern traditions in this regard lies precisely in the nature of Original Sin itself. The West follows St. Augustine’s view that we inherit not only the effects of Original Sin (illness, pain, death, propensity to sin), but also the "stain" of the sin itself. The Eastern Church places its attention on the process by which God shares His divine nature with human beings. In choosing disobedience, Adam broke his union with God, making it impossible to fulfill his nature.  This was the Original Sin: Adam’s rejection of the only true life given to him by God. (It was only through Christ that humanity could be reunited with the Father.) The Eastern Fathers understood Original Sin only in terms of the inherited impact of this sin upon humanity. They would see it as impossible for someone to inherit the actual stain or guilt of a sin committed by another, even if it was the forefather Adam.
We are therefore not born with any stain of a sin committed by someone else, but only with the effects of that sin.   Adam’s personal sin resulted in death for all his descendants, the experience of concupiscence and the propensity to be tempted and to sin. According to the faith of the Eastern Church, the Mother of God never had any sin, original or actual, on her soul.  The Church has always believed that Mary was preserved from original sin by a "singular grace and privilege" given her by God "in view of the merits of Jesus Christ" as Redeemer of the human race. Mary, like every other human being, needed the redemptive benefits of Christ; but, in anticipation of what God did for all through Christ, she alone was preserved from original sin "from the first moment of her conception," and sanctifying grace was given to her before sin could have taken effect in her soul.
The Virgin Mary was always filled with every blessing and gift of the Holy Spirit in whose grace she certainly grew throughout her life.  Though born without original sin, according to the view of the Eastern Fathers, she was not made exempt from the temporal penalties of Adam -- from sorrow, bodily infirmities, and death.

VERSES FOR VESPERS (December 9)

Our liturgical tradition also provides us with catechesis. Here are the verses sung at Vespers, which tell us the symbolism and the importance of  this feast – The Conception of Saint Anne

• The barren Anna leaped for joy when she gave birth to Mary the Virgin, who in turn will give birth in the flesh to God the Word.  Overflowing with happiness, she cried out: Rejoice with me, all tribes of Israel, for I have conceived and put aside my burden of childlessness as the Creator has deigned. He heard my prayer and healed the pains of my yearning heart.
• O Anna, the One who made waters gush forth from a rock bestows as a fruit of your womb, the ever-Virgin Lady. Through her, our salvation will come. Because of this you were delivered from shame. No longer will you be on earth as a fruitless soil, for you have produced an earth which will bring forth the Tree of Life. According to His will, He delivered mankind from all shame when He became man out of His compassionate mercy.
• The sayings of the prophets are now being fulfilled: the holy mountain is planted in the womb; the divine ladder is set up; the throne of the great king is ready; the God-inspired city is being adorned. The unburnable bush is beginning to bud forth, and the treasure house of grace is overflowing. It is spreading over the rivers of unfruitfulness of the God-wise Anna whom we glorify.
• Today the mystery which has been announced from eternity, whose depth angels and men cannot measure, appears in the arms of Anna. Mary, the maiden of God is prepared to be the dwelling of the Kings of the ages who will renew our human nature. Let us entreat her with a pure heart and say: Since you are the intercessor for all Christians, implore your Son and God to save our souls.
• It is fitting that the Queen of heaven and earth, who is more precious than the Cherubim, and incomparably more glorious than the Seraphim, be conceived and remain immaculate as the angels, so that they who are servants of the Lord can boast of their own Queen, the Mother of God. Glory and praise to the Lord who willed it so, the Creator of all things.
• It is fitting that the unique and chosen woman be conceived without sin, and the power of Satan is now taken away; for the Mother of God will never bow before him. Glory and praise to the Lord who willed it so, the Creator of all things.
• It is fitting that the Second Eve be created and remain without sin in the manner of the Second Adam; for the rebirth of mankind now takes place, just as the fall came through the first Adam and the first Eve. Christ has renewed all through his new birth, and it was Mary that gave birth to Him. Glory and praise to the Lord who willed it so, the Creator of all things.
• Anna, whose name means divine grace, once cried out in her prayer, asking for a child. She invoked the God and Creator of all, saying: Lord of Hosts, You know what shame it is to be barren. Heal the pains of my heart. Make my fruitless womb fruitful so that we may offer to You the child who is born as a gift, and that with one mind, we may bless, praise, and glorify Your love through which the world obtains great mercy.
• Anna was praying with great fervor, beseeching the Lord for a child, when she heard the voice of an angel who told her that God had granted her wish, saying plainly: Do not doubt, for your prayer has reached the Lord. Wipe away your tears, for you shall be an olive tree bringing forth a beautiful branch. You will bring forth the Virgin from whom will blossom the flower, Christ-in-the-flesh, who will grant great mercy to the world.
• Joachim and Anna, the righteous couple, gave birth to the precious heavenly fruit, the ewe-lamb, who in turn will give birth in a manner beyond understanding to the Lamb of God who is to be sacrificed for all. Because of this, they offer to the Lord an unceasing and humble hymn of praise. Let us, therefore, praise them with fervor. And let us joyfully celebrate the birth of the One who was born of them, Mary, the Mother of God; because through her, great mercy is granted to all of us. 

Apostle Andrew, the Holy and All-Praised First-Called (November 30)

The Holy Apostle Andrew the First-Called was the first of the Apostles to follow Christ, and he later brought his own brother, the holy Apostle Peter, to Christ (John 1:35-42). Andrew was from Bethsaida, and from his youth he turned with all his soul to God. He did not enter into marriage, and he worked with his brother as a fisherman. When John the Baptist began to preach, St Andrew became his closest disciple. St John the Baptist himself sent to Christ his own two disciples, the future Apostles Andrew and John the Theologian, declaring Christ to be the Lamb of God. After Pentecost, St Andrew went to the Eastern lands preaching the Word of God. He went through Asia Minor, Thrace, Macedonia, he reached the River Danube, went along the coast of the Black Sea, through Crimea, the Black Sea region and along the River Dnipro he climbed to the place where the city of Kiev now stands.
He stopped overnight on the hills of Kiev. Rising in the morning, he said to those disciples that were with him: “See these hills? Upon these hills shall shine forth the beneficence of God, and there will be a great city here, and God shall raise up many churches.” The apostle went up around the hills, blessed them and set up a cross. Having prayed, he went up even further along the Dnipro and reached a settlement of the Slavs, where Novgorod was built. From here the apostle went through the land of the Varangians towards Rome for preaching, and again he returned to Thrace, where in the small village of Byzantium, the future Constantinople, he founded the Church of Christ. On his journeys, Andrew endured many sufferings and torments from pagans: they cast him out of their cities and they beat him. In Sinope they pelted him with stones, but remaining unharmed, the persistent disciple of Christ continued to preach to people about the Savior. Through the prayers of the Apostle, the Lord worked miracles. By the labors of the holy Apostle Andrew, Christian Churches were established, for which he provided bishops and clergy. The final city to which the Apostle came was the city of Patra, where he was destined to suffer martyrdom.
The Lord worked many miracles through His disciple in Patra. The infirm were made whole, and the blind received their sight. Through the prayers of the Apostle, the illustrious citizen Sosios recovered from serious illness; he healed Maximilla, wife of the governor of Patra, and his brother Stratokles. The miracles accomplished by the Apostle and his fiery speech enlightened almost all the citizens of the city of Patra with the true Faith. Few pagans remained at Patra, but among them was the prefect of the city, Aegeatos. The Apostle Andrew repeatedly turned to him with the words of the Gospel. But even the miracles of the Apostle did not convince Aegeatos. The holy Apostle with love and humility appealed to his soul, striving to reveal to him the Christian mystery of life eternal, through the wonderworking power of the Holy Cross of the Lord. The angry Aegeatos gave orders to crucify the apostle. The pagan thought he might undo St Andrew’s preaching if he were to put him to death on the cross.
St Andrew accepted the decision of the prefect with joy and with prayer to the Lord, and went willingly to the place of execution. In order to prolong the suffering of the saint, Aegeatos gave orders not to nail the saint’s hands and feet, but to tie them to the cross. For two days the apostle taught the citizens who gathered about. The people, in listening to him, with all their souls pitied him and tried to take St Andrew down from the cross. Fearing a riot of the people, Aegeatos gave orders to stop the execution. But the holy apostle began to pray that the Lord would grant him death on the cross. Just as the soldiers tried to take hold of the Apostle Andrew, they lost control of their hands. The crucified apostle, having given glory to God, said: “Lord Jesus Christ, receive my spirit.” Then a blazing ray of divine light illumined the cross and the martyr crucified upon it. When the light faded, the holy Apostle Andrew had already given up his holy soul to the Lord. Maximilla, the wife of the prefect, had the body of the saint taken down from the cross, and buried him with honor.

Verses for Vespers:

When he who is called the Morning Star, the splendor of the glory of the eternal Father, in His great mercy took up his abode on earth, you, glorious Andrew, were the first to meet him for your heart was enlightened with the perfect brightness of His divinity. We bless you as the herald of the apostles of Christ our God! Pray that He may enlighten and save our souls.

When He who was proclaimed by the voice of the Forerunner, the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world,
bringing life and salvation to all the earth, you, holy Andrew, were the first to follow Him. You were offered to Him as the first-fruits of the human race. You proclaimed to Peter your brother: we have found the Christ!” Pray that He may save our souls.

When He who clothed Himself in human flesh, taking our nature from the fruitful womb of the Virgin, appeared on earth as the Teacher of Righteousness, your heart was made glad, Andrew, lover of purity! He raised you from earth to the ineffable glory of God! Pray that He

Celebrating St. Nicholas: When Santa Went to Jail

The Nativity Fast has begun and Christmas is just around the corner. Trees are soon to be decorated. Children around the world will make lists, check them twice and anxiously await the arrival of Santa Claus. However, parents beware! Jolly old St. Nick served time in prison. I’m not kidding! The man who slides down your chimney with a bag full of presents went to jail for assault. Should parents be concerned? Should we run a background check on Santa before letting him into our homes this year? Before we rush to fit Santa with a bright orange jumpsuit, a look back into history is needed. The man the world knows as Santa Claus is actually the embodiment of one of the great spiritual figures of ancient times. His name is Nicholas of Myra. Nicholas is not simply another Christmas legend among many – for Christians, he is honored as a saint and wonderworker. St. Nicholas of Myra was born during the third century in what is modern-day Turkey. The son of wealthy parents who died during an outbreak of disease, St. Nicholas chose to use his inheritance to serve the poor -especially children. One story tells of a man with three daughters who were to be sold into slavery because their family had no money. Amazingly, three bags of gold appeared in their home, providing the needed money for the family. The bags of gold, tossed by St. Nicholas through an open window, are said to have landed in shoes left before the fire to dry. This led to the custom of children hanging stockings.
So how did St. Nicholas end up in jail? St. Nicholas’ service to the poor led him to become a bishop in the city of Myra. As part of his duties, Nicholas attended the Council of Nicaea in 325 AD. The Council of Nicaea was a meeting of leaders who came together to understand the fundamentals of the Christian Faith. At this meeting, a skilled orator named Arius argued against the beliefs we know as Christianity today. Nicholas, hearing these arguments, became enraged and struck Arius in front of the Roman Emperor Constantine. The Council was horrified, and St. Nicholas was stripped of his leadership position, put in chains, and thrown into jail for his crime. St. Nicholas was wrong to strike Arius and knew that violence in the name of faith can never be justified. He prayed for forgiveness while remaining steadfast in his defense of the Christian Faith. Ancient Tradition then has it that God, seeing his faith and humility, visited St. Nicholas in his prison cell one night, removed his chains, and returned to him his garments and staff. The next morning, the prison guards found him in his jail cell dressed as a bishop silently reading and praying. The Emperor received word of these mysterious events and quickly ordered him released, realizing that God had sent him a message. Nicholas then rejoined the Council of Nicaea and helped put into words what we know as Christianity today.
So yes, Santa Claus went to jail and in doing so taught that forgiveness is better than revenge and that humility is a quality that makes us uniquely human. Today, the works of St. Nicholas of Myra inspire people around the world, and many say that even now he walks among us, making the impossible possible. At a time when the holidays are defined by Black Friday and family stress, what better way to return to our roots then to pause on December 6th and celebrate a man who reminds us that our lives have meaning when we practice forgiveness and serve others? This year, remember the time Santa Claus went to jail and the life of St. Nicholas of Myra -the saint who knows how to not only throw a mighty punch but more importantly works wonders even today.

Verses for Vespers:

O holy Nicholas, Bishop of Christ, you lived your life with people of Myra. But since your spirit was anointed, your fragrance of sanctity was known by all. Now you anoint the faithful who show their love for you. O Father, deliver us from all distress and sorrow as you pray to the Lord for us.

O holy Nicholas, true servant of Christ, you are truly a protector of your faithful flock; and whenever you were asked for help, you gladly assisted those who sought your aid. Now you are also ready by day or by night to deliver us from all distress and sorrow.

When you appeared in a dream to Constantine the King, you gave him this warning: Release at once from prison those you have unjustly confined, for they are innocent; no murder did they commit as you claim. O King, listen to me, or else I shall call upon the Lord.

O holy Nicholas, holy preacher of Christ, always ready to help all on land or at sea. Whether they be near or far, you have compassion for all. You are a precious helper; therefore, we who gather here ask you to pray to the Lord that we be delivered from all distress and sorrow.

What crowns of praise shall we confer upon the saintly Nicholas? Once present in the flesh in Myra, he is present in spirit to all who love him purely. He is the leader and defender of everyone, a comforter in distress and a haven of all in danger, a pillar of piety and conqueror for believers. For his sake, Christ overcame enemies and shows us great mercy.

 With what songs of praise shall we extol the saintly Nicholas? He is the foe of wickedness. He is an outstanding leader,
a great defender and teacher of the Church. He confounds all who show dishonor. He is the refuter of Arius and his companions. Because of him, Christ put down their raging and showed great mercy.

With what hymns of prophecy shall we extol the saintly Nicholas? Living in the present, he saw far into the future. He spoke truly about faraway things as though they were near. He oversees the whole world and delivers the afflicted. He appeared in a dream to the God-wise king. He delivered prisoners who were unjustly accused of murder. Today he grants us the mercy of Christ.