Bless!

I wish to offer a few more thoughts on the conflict
between the Church of Rome and the Celtic Churches.

Unfortunately, at the Synod of Whitby the Romans, or
Latins handled the paschalion and other issues
dividing them from the Celts with a typical lack of
tact and consideration.

Certainly the Romano-Byzantine paschalion was the
"better" usage, but its acceptance by the Celts opened
the gates to certain "uninvited" Roman guests:
namely, Augustinian theology and authoritarian
discipline, both inimical to the spirit of life and
Orthodoxy.  Certainly the Celts resisted these
incursions heroically, although eventually the
Orthodox way of life and doctrines were almost
completely stamped out.

In Ireland this occurred in the twelfth century, when
Pope Adrian IV, aka Nicholas Breakspear, urged Henry
II of England to invade the island and reform the
corrupt  morals and religion of the Irish.

The Celts of the British Isle adopted not only the
usages of the Roman (Latin) Church, but also the
feudal political system of Western Europe.

With love in Christ,
Margaret Jerinic

Christ is Born, give ye glory.

Christ from heaven, receive ye Him.

Christ on earth; be ye exalted.

---Saint Gregory the Theologian, On the Theophany Or Birthday of Christ*

For it is in the renewing of the mind, and the peace of the thoughts, and the love and heavenly passion for the Lord, that the new creation of Christians [is made distinct]…from all the men of the world. This was the purpose of the Lord’s coming, to [give] these spiritual blessings to those who truly believe in Him. Christians have a glory and a beauty and a heavenly wealth which is beyond words, and it is won with pains, and sweat, and trials, and many conflicts, and all by the grace of God

… the prince of wickedness…carries [the race of men] about with restless thoughts, and entices the hearts of men with the lusts of the world, and fills every soul with the darkness of ignorance, blindness and forgetfulness, save those which have been begotten from above, and have been translated in disposition and mind to another world, according as it is said, But our citizenship is in heaven. (Phil 3:20)

… This constitutes the difference between true Christians and the rest of mankind, and the distance between the two is great... The Christian mind and way of thinking is always in the heavenly frame; they behold as in a mirror the good things of eternity, by reason of their partaking and having the Holy Spirit, by being born of God from above, and being privileged to be children of God in truth and efficacy, and by having arrived, through many conflicts and labors spread over a long time, at a fixed and settled condition of freedom from disturbance and of rest, no longer sifted and wave-tossed by unquiet and vain thoughts. By this they are greater and better than the world, because their mind and the frame of their soul is in the peace of Christ and the love of the Spirit. It was of such that the Lord spoke when He said that they had passed from death unto life (John 5:24).

+Moses, Metropolitan of Seattle

Our beloved Metropolitan Ephraim had a mild stroke on Tuesday, January 6th. He was released from the hospital on Thursday, January 8th and will be recuperating at Holy Transfiguration Monastery where he will receive speech therapy and physical therapy.
His right side is still numb. He is able to speak but with some difficulty.
If you would like to 'send him a message', please email the messages to me and I will make sure that he receives them.

I will keep you informed of his progress. If you have any specific questions/concerns, please feel free to contact me.

Please keep Metropolitan Ephraim in your prayers.

Victoria
 
 
 
 

I wish to inform you that periodic e-mails will be sent
out from the Diocesan Board updating everyone on Metropolitan Ephraim's
progress with his speech therapy, physical therapy, and any other
pertinent information.

Dr. Edward Marsh is the liaison with Metropolitan Ephraim's physician.
He will keep me up-to-date with the physician's prognosis and
evaluations. I will then have Presbytera Victoria pass along the
information via e-mail.

Thank you all for the e-mails sent to Metropolitan Ephraim.

In Christ,
Protodeacon Demetrios Houlares
Chancellor

Metropolitan Ephraim has therapy scheduled every day, twice a day and also an exercise program to follow daily. Dr. Marsh has been consulted and it is felt that at this time visits should be 'put on hold' in order to allow the Metropolitan to reserve his strength.

The e-mails that have been received are greatly appreciated. Please continue sending your messages for Metropolitan Ephraim to Presbytera Victoria  at vikkif@....

Thank you for your continued prayers.

In Christ,
Protodeacon Demetrios Houlares
Chancellor
 

The following update on Metropolitan Ephraim's health has been given to us by our medical consultant, Dr. Edward Marsh.
Metropolitan Ephraim received a good report from his neurologist on Thursday, January 22nd. He has made good progress in recovering since
his stroke on Nativity. His intellect, which was never significantly affected, is perfect, and his speech has nearly returned to normal. His Eminence has some limitations in his right leg and in the use of his right hand; both of which have been the focus of outstanding volunteer therapists who have been working with him. He will now add to his regimen a more formal series of occupational and physical therapy visits, both at St. Elizabeth's and at the Monastery. These activities are very tiring. Although his endurance improves daily, Metropolitan Ephraim requires much time for rest and reflection. As we wish to emphasize the therapies, we continue to ask that he be spared the fatigue which would result from visits by his many concerned and caring faithful. We will find appropriate occasions for people to meet with Metropolitan Ephraim and receive his blessing as he gains strength."
In Christ,
Protodeacon Demetrios Houlares
Chancellor

Hello,

This email message is a notification to let you know that
a file has been uploaded to the Files area of the hocna
group.

   File        : /2004 Files/Toll Houses.doc
   Uploaded by : frpanagiotes <frpanagiotes@...>
   Description : Jurretta Jordan Heckscher  -  Toll Houses

You can access this file at the URL

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/hocna/files/2004%20Files/Toll%20Houses.doc

To learn more about file sharing for your group, please visit

http://help.yahoo.com/help/us/groups/files

Regards,

frpanagiotes <frpanagiotes@...>

The attached file containing a 'collection of thoughts' on the “Toll-houses” is being sent to all clergy and laity on our email lists at the request of Metropolitan Ephraim..

I have received a few messages from members of our group that could not
access the "Files" section of the HOCNA Egroup.  Even though you are
receiving email messages from the group you do not have access to all
the Yahoo Egroup features unless you become a Yahoo Egroup member.  To
do this click on: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/hocna/ , then click on
"Join this Group" and you should be allowed to download all the files
and photos in the HOCNA Egroup site.  If you continue having problems
please contact me.

+Fr. Panagiotes

I wish to add a few thoughts to Dr. Heckscher's discussion of the
toll-houses.

Oh, dear!  First of all, I remember that certain persons were fanning
the flames surrounding this doctrine back in the early '80's when we
were part of ROCOR.  I have a sense of deja vu.  But I read both sides
of the issue then, and I'm speaking thoughtfully, albeit ex tempore.

1)First of all, we need to bear in mind the teaching of St. Vincent of
Lerins: "Now in the Catholic--i.e. Orthodox--Church itself we take the
greatest care to hold THAT WHICH HAD BEEN BELIEVED ALWAYS, EVERYWHERE,
AND BY ALL."

Hence, the mere antiquity of a belief is no guarantee of its
Orthodoxy.  Arianism, Nestorianism, Monophysitism, Monothelitism, and
Iconoclasm, as well as Gnosticism and Manicheanism, are all ancient
beliefs, and the Roman Catholics have believed in Purgatory lo, these
many years.

We also need to consider St. Vincent's criteria of universality and
consent.  Has a belief in the toll-houses been held by all Orthodox
Christians everywhere?  It would seem not.  As far as I know, the
Greek Churches, and no doubt others, do not subscribe to this
teaching.  However, the doctrine in question seems to have been
endorsec by many in the Russian Orthodox Church.  (And I don't mean to
bash Russians.  All the local Churches have their own bees in their
bonnets.)  Furthermore, we might inquire if all Orthodox Christians
consent to this belief.  Well, obviously not!

2) In order to articulate an Orthodox consesus on this issue, we need
to consider its theological implications.  True, some of these
narratives might be edifying because they inspire us to "walk
circumspectly" and curb our wicked actions.  However, our faith
teaches that the unspiritual person heeds the law of God because he's
afraid to "go to hell."  And let's face it--this is the reason most of
us behave ourselves, if we do.  However, Orthodoxy teaches that the
truly spiritual person, despite his human weakness, practices the
virtues and avoids sinful conduct out of love for God.

Furthermore, we need to ask ourselves what these stories say about
God.  If we have died "in sin" and he turns us over to the demons to
be tormented, then he is granting these wicked beings power over His
creation.  Well then, perhaps He's not all-powerful in the first
place.  Nor is He all-merciful; where is the God who "desires not the
death of a sinner?"  And what of the Good Thief and all those martyrs
who underwent the "baptism of blood"?  Dear me, if they forgot to
confess some sin in the midst of their podvigs, are they to be handed
over to torment?  I think we can say that such a doctrine of God is a
foul mishmash of semi-Manichean, semi-Nestorian(perhaps)  100% blasphemy!

Certainly such doctines also nullify the power of the Resurrection, as
the Orthodox believe in it.

So dear brothers and sisters, please forgive me if I've offended you.
    I've just attemped to offer some constructive thoughts on this issue.

In Christ,

Margaret Jerinic

THE HOLY ORTHODOX METROPOLIS OF BOSTON

 
 
 
 
THE LENTEN ENCYCLICAL OF HIS EMINENCE 
Ephraim, Metropolitan of Boston

In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

The surprise came in the night. The “telegram” arrived at 1:30 in the morning. It said, “Prepare yourself. The time is almost here.” It was a gentle message, and one not completely unanticipated. It was a continuation of a family tradition. The “telegram” was from God and it was a mild stroke, which left my right side initially paralyzed. And it came as predicted — like a thief in the night.

But the one who comes unexpectedly is not only the thief. Every year at Holy Week we chant compunctionately

Behold, the Bridegroom cometh in the middle of the night.

The hymns of the Holy Lent, my beloved Orthodox Christians, have this primary purpose: to remind us of the One Who comes unexpectedly, like “telegrams” from God. These hymns were composed by saints of God who had this particular reminiscence always in their hearts. Everything we do in life should be done having that one specific “visit” in mind.

As I said above, the stroke was a mild one. Strokes that have afflicted other people oftentimes kill them immediately; others paralyze or blind people; others confuse people mentally; and yet others leave people unaffected for the most part. But they can come repeatedly. This one came from One Who is merciful. May His Name be blessed

Forgive me and pray for me. Due to circumstances beyond my control, and because I do not have easy access to my sources at present, I am not in a position to say more to you at this time. May you have a holy Lent and a joyous Pascha.

Your fervent suppliant unto God,

X Ephraim, Metropolitan of Boston

Great Lent 2004

Protocol Number 2314

 
Dear Despota,

Most people are simply unaware of how close America is to radically redefining marriage, an institution of God, and the foundation of civilization and democracy. Yesterday, the Supreme Judicial Court of Massachusetts eliminated any small doubt that remained about same-sex (homosexual) marriage in that state. Nothing short of full-fledged marriage will suffice, the court said. This decision brings same-sex marriage to every state in the nation, including yours.

Homosexuals have a right to live as they choose; but they do not have a right to redefine marriage for our entire society in a vain attempt to gain moral approbation for their lifestyle. There are only two ways to head off the seemingly inexorable march of the courts toward the radical redefinition of marriage in complete defiance of the will of the people -- change the members on the Court or pass a constitutional amendment. Stripping the jurisdiction of the federal courts before the Lawrence decision would have been a good idea. Now such a law would not help us at all. A majority of Americans, therefore, now favor a constitutional amendment (see http://www.allianceformarriage.org/reports/030304/030304.htm). 

Congress will soon be deciding on the right text for a constitutional amendment setting forth that marriage must be between a man and a woman.

At the time it was written, I supported the Musgrave Federal Marriage Amendment (see http://www.contenderministries.org/law/linkpages/09052003hjr56text.php), but the legal landscape has radically changed. Two things have happend. First, the Lawrence decision has been issued (see http://www.sodomylaws.org/lawrence/lawrence.htm) -- any federal law, any state statute, and any state constitutional provision that opposes homosexuality is in jeopardy because of the principle of federal constitutional supremacy. Second, "civil unions" that make homosexual couples legally recognized "spouses" and give them all the rights of married couples, have burst onto the scene in several states.

I now support the Insititution of Marriage Amendment. What is the difference between the Federal Marriage Amendment and the Institution of Marriage Amendment? The FMA protects only the "word" marriage, allowing for "civil unions", "domestic partnerships", etc. (see http://www.allianceformarriage.org/reports/fma/colorchart.cfm). The IMA, on the other hand, protects the "institution" of marriage by limiting the use of all government power to enact same-sex marriages and their look-a-likes, civil unions. 

I urge you to support the Institution of Marriage Amendment by contacting:

(1) your U.S. Congressman, (click here to find your Congressman)
(2) both of your U.S. Senators (click here to find your Senators); and
(3) the White House.

Tell them: "The time is now for a constitutional amendment to protect marriage. We want a stop to same-sex marriage and we want a stop to civil unions. The Musgrave text is unacceptable. Please support the Institution of Marriage Amendment."

Although it is important to call every Congressman and Senator, right now the focus should be on Republicans and the White House. They are going to be the ones who decide what the text looks like.

The time is short! The decision on the text will be made in the next few days. This may be the only time in U.S. history that we can stop the "gay rights" (homosexual) movement from obtaining full rights of marriage, by whatever name it is called.

Please take action now! Thank you for your support.

Sincerely,

M

______________________________________________________

Consequences of the Legalization of Homosexual Marriage

Some legal scholars predict it would take at least a decade to begin to grasp the full extent of the social, moral, and legal implications of redefining the most fundamental social institution in society. The following should therefore be viewed as only a partial listing of the probable consequences of the legalization of homosexual marriage.

• Further erosion and devaluation of the institution of marriage.
• Promotion of homosexuality in public and private schools via homosexual curricula, re-education programs and hate speech regulations, and taxpayer-funded homosexual activism.
• Requirement that businesses provide sex partner subsidies to homosexual employees.
• Expansion of homosexual adoption.
• Deprivation of parental rights.
• Application of federal and state civil rights legislation to any forms of discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation. 
• Increased government funding for organizations that promote homosexuality.
• Persecution of faith-based charities.
• Persecution of traditional religious institutions.

 

Metropolitan Ephraim continues to recover  remarkably.  His speech is
100%. The Metropolitan's  right hand is substantially better than
before, although not yet fully functional, and he walked without any
physical aids.  He receives physical and occupational therapy twice a
week at St. Elizabeth's  Hospital. In addition, Metropolitan Ephraim
has  supplementary therapy sessions at Holy  Transfiguration Monastery
from volunteers. His  progress is attributable in a major part to these
volunteers.

The rehabilitation regimen is exhausting, and although the
Metropolitan's  stamina is returning in  parallel with his physical
abilities, he requires considerable rest between therapy sessions.
Therefore, we still recommend that Metropolitan  Ephraim  remain 'out of
the public eye' so that all  his available energies are directed toward his
continuing improvement.

We ask that you continue to keep Metropolitan Ephraim in your prayers.

Please feel free to contact me at vikkif@... if  you have any
questions or concerns.

  In Christ,
  Protodeacon Demetrios Houlares
  Chancellor

Subject: Paschal Cards
From: St Gregory of Sinai Monastery <office@...>
A reminder that Pascha is early this year. Place your order for Pascha cards now. Thank you.
http://www.gsinai.com/Pages/card_display.php?item_number=P-3

THE HOLY ORTHODOX METROPOLIS OF BOSTON

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

I thank you all for the many flowers, candies, greeting cards and "get well" wishes that so many of you have sent. I am deeply humbled by your love and concern for my recovery. Presently I am getting a little better. I have feeling and movement in my limbs and my speech is getting clearer. My hands are still very, very weak, and I still need help. I am able to walk without a cane, but I tire very easily. My handwriting is nothing to brag about, that's why Father Ignatius is typing this for me. I go twice a week to physical therapy and for the most part, the doctors seem satisfied with my progress. Because of my blood thinners, they have warned me about falls and also against long trips. Thank goodness for the Fathers, they have taken good care of me.

The doctors tell me now that I had a "moderate" stroke and that, God willing there should be considerable improvement over the next six weeks. So people have predicted that I'll be serving at St. Mark's Cathedral for Pascha, but I say, God willing, maybe I'll be present at St. Mark's for Pascha.

I met with the other bishops of our Synod, and even before my stroke, we had agreed upon the consecration for another bishop. This will take place, God willing, in August. So I ask you, please continue praying for myself, for the new candidate and for our Holy Synod that God guide us "to rightly divide the Word of truth". So, even should I die or become incapacitated, everything is in order. No one is indispensable.

+Metropolitan Ephraim

 P.S. One of the Fathers came to visit me on my second day in the hospital. He took one look at me and said, "Despota, you're in bad shape." (Always a kind word…) I thought for a moment, and then I said "No, I'm not in bad shape. I'm in the same shape I was before my stroke. It's just that now, half the shape doesn't work."

Our lives as Orthodox Christians should be a constant journey along the path that leads us to our true home land, the Kingdom of Heaven.  This journey, however, is often interrupted by our slipping from the true path and following strange paths which lead away from our Saviour.

 Great Lent is an opportunity for us to take account of the direction we have been following and intensify our struggle to return to the true path.  This struggle is both physical and spiritual because both our body and our soul need to work together to overcome the physical and spiritual passions which lead us astray.

 Fasting, which is part of our physical struggle, will be futile if it is not accompanied by spiritual struggles against the passions of anger, selfishness and pride.  This is why during Great Lent our prayers are increased and we ask the Lord to give us the enlightenment to recognize how far we have strayed.  More frequent attendance of Lenten Church Services, a concerted effort to study the word of God and sincere preparation for Holy Confession must accompany our fasting and in this way prepare ourselves to receive the Grace of the Resurrection of our Saviour.

 Struggling is not just for monastics.  It is the path for all Christians.  The following list includes just a few books that will prove helpful to those who wish to embark on this Lenten struggle.

 “The Homilies” of Saint Gregory Palamas

“The Arena” by Bishop Ignatios Brianchaninov

“The Spiritual Homilies” of Saint Makarios the Great

“The Ethical Discourses” of St. Symeon the New Theologian

“Discourses and Sayings” of Saint Dorotheos of Gaza

“Letters of Direction” of Saint Macarius of Optina

“Journey to Heaven” by Saint Theophan the Recluse

Mel Gibson’s movie which revolves around the final hours of our Saviour, is a total deviation from the Faith of the Church which holds the Holy Cross as the symbol of our Lord’s victory over death.  The Cross is the banner of triumph.  This is how it was revealed to Saint Constantine and this is the belief of true Christians throughout history.  From East to West and North to South the Holy Cross was seen as the “Cross of Glory”. Caedmon’s “The Dream of the Rood” and the “Ruthwell Cross” in Scotland are vivid examples of this Faith.
http://www.flsouthern.edu/eng/abruce/rood/ROODTEXT/MODERN%7E1.HTM

Gibson’s film details the last 12 hours of the Lord’s life in excruciatingly violent images. The Passion of our Lord is separated from the Birth, Life, Resurrection and Glorification of our Saviour. The inspiration for this movie was revealed in an interview that appears on the "Inside the Vatican" web site. Gibson said that the script was based on the writings of two mystics, Anne Catherine Emmerich (1774-1824) and Mary of Agreda (1602-1665). He was in his library praying about making a movie about the Passion and Emmerich’s book "fell off the shelf" into his hand. He saw this as a sign and used these visions as the basis for his film. Cf. http://www.passion-movie.com/promote/book.html .  These visions are based on the blasphemous theology of the Middle Ages which put the violent death of the Lord at the center of faith.  The death on the Cross of our Saviour was the price paid to God for the sin of Adam and Eve which all people inherited.  The enormity of the sin required this horrific punishment.  This introduced self-flagellation, stigmata and other "mortifications" into piety. The Glory of the Cross was replaced by the Theology of punishment, satisfaction, merits and indulgences.  Gibson’s movie presents the blasphemous portrayal of the Lord not as the Victor but as the victim.  The depiction of our Saviour as a man abandoned by God denies the Divinity of the Son of God and the true meaning of the Holy Cross.

We do not need Gibson’s movie or any other theatrical presentation to teach us our Faith.  The Gospels, the writings of the Saints, the Hymns of the Church and the Holy Ikons give us the correct instruction on the Holy Cross, the Passion and Resurrection of our Lord.  No actor, who one day portrays Christ and the next day portrays a criminal or some other immoral person, can teach us our Faith.  Theatrical portrayals of sacred subjects cannot depict the Divine nature of these subjects.  This is why we have ikons and not photographs and portraits of our Saviour.  Images leave a mark on the soul.  Holy Ikons bring Grace and peace.  Gibson’s film can only pollute the soul with its violence and denial of the Divinity of our Saviour.

Metropolitan Ephraim continues to steadily improve. His rigorous
physical therapy program at St. Elizabeth’s and at the Monastery is
ongoing. His walking has improved to where he can do stairs
occasionally (cautiously and slowly), and his speech is virtually
recovered. Writing is the only principal skill remaining to be
recovered and it continues slowly to improve. The Metropolitan still
tires easily and requires much rest to recover from the rigors of the
therapy program.
Metropolitan Ephraim greatly appreciates the prayers and good
wishes that he has received and looks forward to being more available to
the faithful as his endurance improves.
Please continue to keep our beloved Metropolitan Ephraim in your
prayers.
In Christ,
Protodeacon Demetrios Houlares [vikkif@...]
Chancellor

-Good piece, but just to clear the air -- Orwell was not a
socialist.  He was an anarchist.  Some people get the idea that he
was a socialist because he fought in the Spanish Civil War in the
International Brigade which was socialist.  If one reads "Homage to
Catalonia" by the man himself he explains how the anarchists, who
were small in numbers, were simply tossed in with the socialists
because the government didn't really know what to do with them.  When
the Republicans (socialists) called for assistance from the USSR they
the commies)immediately began a crusade to kill all the anarchists,
which is the experience that gave good ol' Georgie the idea that you
never really know who to trust (e.g. the leaders of the farm who
preach the cause of the animals only to be indistinguishable from the
oppressive farmers; and the members of the Inner Party in 1984, who
talk all about revolution but have actually implemented a cruel
slavery). Which has nothing to do with "Passion" does it? Sorry.  I
just happen to be a big fan of G.O.  Your comparison of God to the
Ingsoc is kind of scary.  Ingsoc's description of power is "a boot in
the face."  It is disturbing to think that God put a boot in the face
of Our Savior.  Ingsoc meant it as something very mean, hateful and
oppressive.  Does the Church teach that God  was trying to destroy
His own Son cruelly? It is difficult to understand the Lord's
suffering.
Also, when you quote Orwell later in your message, I am not sure that
God's intention is to beat us into a broken condition so that we are
crushed.  We should repent and turn to God, but I don't see the
similarity between a political party that wishes to utterly destroy
the human will, and God's desire to save us.  By making such a
comparison it seems God is incredibly cruel and takes some pleasure
in our suffering.  The Inner Party certainly enjoyed the destruction
of man.
You are right to mention that the Western churches hold somewhat to
this idea, just look at Cotton Mathers "pamphlet", Sinners in the
Hands of an Angry God.  Thank you for pointing out that our Eastern
view is of a much more loving God.

-- In hocna@yahoogroups.com, BahCal <bahcal@d...> wrote:
> "How does a man assert power over another? By making him suffer.  ..
> Obedience is not enough. Unless he is suffering, how can you be
sure that he
> is obeying your will and not his own.  ...Power is in inflicting
pain and
> humiliation."
> Words from the book 1984 by George Orwell.
>
> Those who have seen Mel Gibson's film of The Passion may find these
words
> familiar.
>
> Who has power? God. Man must therefore suffer. The God-Man must
suffer to
> show that he is being obedient to the Father. He must suffer to pay
for the
> sins of mankind. Man must follow this example and suffer pain and
> humiliation in life, or beyond if you follow the theories of
Purgatory and
> the Toll Houses.
>
> "Always we shall have the heretic here at our mercy, screaming with
pain,
> broken up, contemptible and in the end utterly penitent, saved from
himself,
> crawling to our feet of his own accord."
>
> This is the bitter redemptive process as seen by the Socialist
George Orwell
>  It is nothing new to Western christianity but is alien to the Love
of
> Christ, which continues in Orthodoxy. It bears a striking
resemblance to the
> brutality and suffering portrayed in Mel Gibson's latest creative
effort.
>
> Contrast this with the song from the Old Testament sung at the
Akathist
> service,
> " The three Hebrew children in the furnace
> Trampled on the flames with courage and great boldness;
> They turned fire to dew and cried out with a great voice:
> Blessed art Thou, O Lord our God,
> Unto ages of ages."
> And with the lack of descriptive suffering given in the 4 Gospel
accounts.
> Also the Joy with which the Christian Saints embraced persecution
and
> martyrdom.
>
> Suffering is apparent only to the observer. The experience of
suffering is
> overshadowed by the Peace of Christ. The extraordinary peace that
many of
> The Church's persecutors and torturers witnessed was a powerful
enough
> reality to inspire Faith and not fear. Masses were converted; Not
by fear of
> pain or a masochistic, "penitent" desire to suffer but because they
saw the
> Peace, Joy and Love of Christ.
>
> 21 years ago I was excitedly awaiting motherhood. I was not yet a
convert to
> Orthodoxy.Our first born son came into this world with an
irreparable heart
> defect. At 12 days old he reposed after being Baptized in The Lord.
My
> husband, an Orthodox Christian, had prayed for Christ to take His
own, home.
> I had prayed for a miracle of life. Both our prayers were answered!
> As a nurse, death had been a cold void that I feared. At death our
son shone
> like the sun and smiled contentedly. I converted to the Orthodox
Faith in
> which I saw Life and Light.
> Friends and family had seen the suffering of loosing a son. Amidst
the
> suffering I had found Peace , Joy , Light, Life, and Love. Our baby
was our
> gift from God.
>
> O Death, where is thy sting? O Grave, where is thy victory? Risen
is Christ
> and thou art overthrown.