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#916 From: "Fr. Panagiotes Carras" <frpanagiotes@...>
Date: Sat May 12, 2012 1:25 pm
Subject: Camping at Prophet Elias
frpanagiotes
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Camping at Prophet Elias

The mission of our Camping Program is to present young people a living experience of the Holy Orthodox Faith.  Campers pray together every morning, evening and at meals. Our small community of campers and staff live together in an uncluttered, natural environment. Camping enables them to experience Orthodoxy within a social environment of peers, caring staff and Spiritual Fathers.
We seek to bring young people to:
  • A broadening of their Orthodox life
  • Develop Orthodox Christian values
  • An appreciation of God's creation and a concern for the environment
  • Growth in personal relationships and personal responsibility

Today's children are overprotected and put into a comfort blanket. At Prophet Elias Camp, children leave their comfort zone and learn to become more independent, self-confident and resilient. Physical activity overcomes the narcosis of video games and smart-phones. Children at Prophet Elias Camp are always on the move. They develop a love for the outdoors. Sleeping outdoors in tents means that they are outdoors day and night.

This year's program will run during the week of July 22 – 28. Space is limited to twenty campers from 8 to 15. For more information and photos visit:  http://orthodoxyinfo.org/StNektarios/St.NektariosGreekOrthodoxCathedralProphetElias.html  or reply to this email.

Camp registration must be competed by July 8, 2012.
Registration Form is attached.
 
In Christ,
+Fr. Panagiotes

Go to Orthodoxyinfo.org for a wide variety of articles on the Faith

#917 From: petercarras@...
Date: Sat May 19, 2012 7:07 pm
Subject: A Rotten Fruit of Ecumenism - Metropolitan Symbolically Baptized By Catholic Bishop
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Mystagogy

Ecumenism Day (May 5) was established in Germany in 2003 to bring together divided German Christians of various denominations and churches who believe in the Holy Trinity to symbolically celebrate their mutual cooperation. This year on Ecumenism Day thousands of pilgrims gathered in Trier to venerate an alleged robe of Christ, probably of medieval origin, which is seamless and came to symbolize on this day the seamless unity of Christians which is desired. However when the various Christian representatives, among whom was Metropolitan Augoustinos of Germany, gathered at the Basilica of Constantine, things went a little too far and the representatives got ahead of themselves with a symbolic baptism of each member by another member. They dipped their hand in water and symbolically baptized each other on the forehead with an open hand, saying: "You are baptized in the Name of the Triune God". Then, as a reminder of the theme of the pilgrimage, a white baptismal stole with the theme written on it was put on each representative. This was done to Metropolitan Augoustinos by Bishop Karl Heinz Wiesemann of the Catholic Church. Such are the unfortunate situations an Orthodox participant can get into when Ecumenism goes too far and the program is beyond their control and not properly evaluated beforehand to avoid a scandalous incident.


Many photos can be seen here and here.

     



 




#918 From: Fr Steven Allen <frsteven@...>
Date: Sat May 19, 2012 7:43 pm
Subject: Re: A Rotten Fruit of Ecumenism - Metropolitan Symbolically Baptized By Catholic Bishop
frsteven@...
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People like this Sanidopoulos are either extremely dishonest or hopelessly naive or simply brainwashed.  The kind of incident reported here is simply par for the course for the Ecumenical Patriarchate, and has been for a long time.  Stuff like this was going on when John Sanidopoulos was wearing shorts and being chased around Yia Yia's  kitchen with the koutala.  It is certainly not an extraordinary incident.  Sanidopoulos does enormous harm to souls  by telling his readers that these jokers are the Church's real hierarchy and that the Genuine Orthodox bishops are schismatics.  

Fr. Steven 


On May 19, 2012, at 3:07 PM, petercarras@... wrote:

 

 
Mystagogy

Ecumenism Day (May 5) was established in Germany in 2003 to bring together divided German Christians of various denominations and churches who believe in the Holy Trinity to symbolically celebrate their mutual cooperation. This year on Ecumenism Day thousands of pilgrims gathered in Trier to venerate an alleged robe of Christ, probably of medieval origin, which is seamless and came to symbolize on this day the seamless unity of Christians which is desired. However when the various Christian representatives, among whom was Metropolitan Augoustinos of Germany, gathered at the Basilica of Constantine, things went a little too far and the representatives got ahead of themselves with a symbolic baptism of each member by another member. They dipped their hand in water and symbolically baptized each other on the forehead with an open hand, saying: "You are baptized in the Name of the Triune God". Then, as a reminder of the theme of the pilgrimage, a white baptismal stole with the theme written on it was put on each representative. This was done to Metropolitan Augoustinos by Bishop Karl Heinz Wiesemann of the Catholic Church. Such are the unfortunate situations an Orthodox participant can get into when Ecumenism goes too far and the program is beyond their control and not properly evaluated beforehand to avoid a scandalous incident.


Many photos can be seen here and here.

     



 






#919 From: "Fr. Panagiotes Carras" <frpanagiotes@...>
Date: Mon May 21, 2012 6:02 pm
Subject: Metropolitan Moses - Sunday of the Blind Man 2012
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A Sermon of Metropolitan Moses
for
The Sunday of the Blind Man
2012
 
Christ is risen!
 
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
 
On this Sunday before the Holy Ascension we commemorate one of the greatest miracles worked by our Savior Christ, that is the time He gave eyes and sight to a man who was born without eyes. Simply saying these words is a cause of marveling.
 
In the chapter just before the account of the working of this miracle, our Savior openly told the Jews, “Verily, before Abraham was, I am” (John 8:58) and then meekly eluded their wrath. He then revealed more of Who He is when He sought out this man without eyes and took clay and formed a fully functional set of new eyes. This miracle could not but call to mind, for all those who heard of it, the forming of Adam from clay.
 
I know of only one other time that such a miracle was worked, that is when the unjustly blinded Steven prayed at the shrine of the ikon of the Cassiopia Mother of God and received new eyes. In that instance, Steven’s eyes from birth were a dark brown and his new eyes were blue. This miracle of the Theotokos was recorded on the Island of Kerkyra.
 
The miracle of granting the man eyes who was born eyeless was worked at the end of our Savior’s earthly sojourn, not long before our Savior raised Lazarus. This is made evident by the words of one of those present outside the tomb of Lazarus who said, “Could not this man, which opened the eyes of the blind, have caused that even this man should not have died?” (John 11:37)
 
Thus the Holy Fathers decreed that towards the end of the commemoration of the 40 days between the Resurrection and the Ascension of our Savior we are brought full circle to the events that led to His voluntary passion, death and resurrection.
 
This man who received new eyes where there were none was brought before the Pharisees and they asked him how he received his sight. The man answered very matter-of-factly that a man called Jesus put clay upon his eyes and he washed and now he could see. (John 9:11)
 
Because this miracle was worked on the Sabbath day and because of their envy, some of the Pharisees said, “This man is not of God, because He keepeth not the sabbath day.” (John 9:16)
 
Yet others said, “How can a man that is a sinner do such signs?”
 
Saint John the Theologian, the writer of the Gospel account made the observation that, “…there was a division among them.” (John 9:16)
 
There was a division among the Pharisess, but this division was weak and not sufficient to aid those who were being pulled along by the others into rejecting the Christ of God, even against their first inclination. Saint John Chrysostom comments on this passage:
 
“If those of the Pharisees that weakly defended our Saviour been entirely separated from the rest of the Pharisees that were filled with envy and hatred, they would soon have known the truth. For it is possible to do well in separating. Wherefore also Himself hath said, “I am come not to bring peace upon the earth but a sword.” (Matthew 10:34) For there is an evil concord, and there is a good disagreement. Thus they who built the tower (Genesis 11:4), agreed together to their own hurt; and these same again were separated, though unwillingly, yet for their good. Thus also Corah and his company agreed together for evil, therefore they were separated for good; and Judas agreed with the Jews for evil. So division may be good, and agreement may be evil. Wherefore It saith, “If thine eye offend thee, smite it out, if thy foot, cut it off.” (Matthew 5:29, and 18:8) Now if we must separate ourselves from an ill-joined limb, must we not much more from friends united to us for evils? So that agreement is not in all cases a good, just as division is not in all cases an evil.”
 
During the time of our Savior the elders of Israel made merchandise of the things of God and rejected the Christ of God out of covetousness and envy. Today, there are many who are sick with the same diseases and yet they call themselves Orthodox and have titles of bishop or priest or the status of an “elder,” despite the fact that they support teachings condemned by the Church. In these cases we must remember the words of Saint John Chrysostom “that agreement is not in all cases good, just as division is not in all cases evil.” In his commentary Saint John implied that it is essential to separate from such men in order to even begin to understand the truth.
 
For the sake of our own salvation, it is essential for us to use as our guides, Holy Tradition, the councils and decisions of the Church, and the consensus of the Holy Fathers. Let us thank God for our Holy Synod, which actively seeks to be in agreement with the Holy Fathers and the councils and decisions of the Church. This is no small gift from God. Our days should begin in glorifying God for this.
 
Brothers and sisters in Christ, we must strive to live uprightly. Our Church is the light on the lamp-stand and the city on the hill. We must strive, through our daily lives, to cooperate with Christ to help Him enlighten a generation gone blind by a multitude of spiritual errors.
 
If we strive to love one another and for oneness of mind in the Gospel precepts, we help enlighten those around us. If we live the life of the Beatitudes, that is, if we are poor in spirit and mourn for our sins, if we are meek, and hunger and thirst for righteousness, and if we are merciful, and seek purity of heart and strive to be peacemakers and suffer persecution with gladsome hope, then we have Christ in our midst and can begin to cooperate with Him to give spiritual eyes to those who have none. If we do these things, ours is the Kingdom of the Heaven made manifest on earth.
 
Without God, we are clay. We live and move, yet it all ends in death and decay. With God, we are sons and daughters of the Most High. If we remember our “clay-ness” and keep a humble heart in all of the works cited above, we can experience the Kingdom of God.
 
Think on these things and may God grant His grace to you and your families so that you will experience these things, through the love for mankind of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
 



#920 From: "Fr. Panagiotes Carras" <frpanagiotes@...>
Date: Sat May 26, 2012 1:31 pm
Subject: Holy Three Hierarchs Theological Institute Announces the Start of Its Residential Seminary Program
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 Holy Three Hierarchs Theological Institute Announces the Start of Its Residential Seminary Program

To the Hierarchs, Clergy, Monastics, and Faithful of the Hellenic Orthodox Traditionalist Church in America: 

            With great joy we announce the beginning of the residential seminary phase of our Holy Three Hierarchs Theological Institute, located at Holy Unmercenaries Church in Alsip (Chicago) Illinois.   Below we re-print the announcement and invitation sent to our faithful in the Chicago area.  Though we realize that it may not be possible for those afar off to attend the inaugural ceremonies, we want very much for all of you to know of this great event and to keep us in your prayers. 
            We are pleased to be able to invite you to a series of events centering on the celebration of Holy Pentecost and the dedication of the residential program of the Holy Three Hierarchs Orthodox Theological Institute. This program is unique in the history of our church and requires much prayer. The hierarchical moderator for the seminary, Metropolitan Moses of Portland and the West, will be present for the Hierarchical Liturgy on Sunday, June 3.
            Since its founding in the Fall of 2011, the theological institute has conducted classes online. It is necessary, however, that students be engaged not only through our online classes, but by participating in tutorials in person and services in church. The residence program that we are developing begins to fill this need for at least some of the seminarians. Two or three students will live in a seminary house across the street from Holy Unmercenaries and Saint Nektarios parish. While continuing their online classes, they will be studying Byzantine Chant, New Testament Greek, and Modern Greek. Proximity to Holy Unmercenaries will provide the students a chance to develop an active liturgical prayer life and to study the practical application of the typikon.
 
            Beyond their own studies, the seminarians in residence will fill critical gaps in the operation of the online classes, providing support staff for professors and performing clerical and administrative duties. When needed, they will also be available to help in the various missions of our parishes, for example, if a chanter is needed in a parish for major holidays. In this way, the seminary will train future priests and chanters, while caring for the current needs of the parishes of our Synod and the needs of the seminary. This assistance has begun already.
 
            On Sunday afternoon, following Divine Liturgy we will be holding a benefit luncheon, to help ensure the future of this endeavor. While the creation of the residence program will allow the seminary to run more economically, funds are needed to ensure it success. The funds will ensure that the rent and utility for the building is maintained, tuition, scholarships, textbooks, transportation and salaries for the instructors. Please see the enclosed RSVP card for more information about the benefit luncheon. We pray that many of you could attend this event to support our Synod in this endeavor.
            We live in a very volatile world and these days are becoming more difficult for many Orthodox Christians to live a pious life. This seminary will not only help our youth but also help our metropolis flourish. With the blessings of our Eparchial Synod we look forward to beginning a new chapter in our metropolis and sharing this momentous occasion with you all!
_____________________________________________________________

Schedule Of Events
 
All events will be held at Holy Unmercenaries and St. Nectarios Church Greek Orthodox Church
 
 
Saturday, 6/2 at 1:00 pm           
 
A Conversation with Metropolitan Moses 
 
Join us for a discussion covering a range of topics as we welcome Metropolitan Moses to Chicago. A light brunch will be served and the event is open to anyone 18 years or older!
 
 
Saturday, 6/2 at 7pm                                         Great Vespers
 
Sunday, June 3rd 2012 at 7:30 am                        Orthros
10 am                         Hierarchal Divine Liturgy (blessing of the seminary home     to follow immediately after)
                                      1:30 pm                      Benefit Luncheon
 
                                       7:30 pm                     Kneeling Vespers for Pentecost
 
 
Please visit our facebook page (Holy Unmercenaries & St. Nectarios Greek Orthodox Church) for updates on events during the week or call 708-371-1800 for more information!
Three Hierarchs Seminary School Benefit Luncheon
 
Sunday
 
Please RSVP with the number of guests attending by May 30th
 
Adult Plate $15 ________
 
Children’s Plate (12 and under) $5 _______
 

--
Ὁ Ἀρχιγραμματεύς,
+ π. Σάββας

The Chief-Secretary,
+ Fr. Savvas


#921 From: "Fr. Panagiotes Carras" <frpanagiotes@...>
Date: Thu May 31, 2012 12:06 am
Subject: Photos of St. Isidoros of Chios Parish Feast, Bethpage, N. Y.
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In Christ,
+Fr. Panagiotes

Go to Orthodoxyinfo.org for a wide variety of articles on the Faith

#922 From: "Fr. Panagiotes Carras" <frpanagiotes@...>
Date: Tue Jun 12, 2012 2:08 pm
Subject: Metropolitan Moses - Sunday of All Saints 2012
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A Sermon for the Sunday of All Saints
By Metropolitan Moses
 
Last Sunday we celebrated Pentecost, the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Holy Apostles, which granted to mankind God’s greatest gift, that is, sanctification through the New Testament Priesthood. It was at Pentecost that the Apostles were given the charism to perform the Holy Eucharist. It is from this point that the faithful who are baptized in Christ, put on Christ and receive Him into themselves through the Holy Eucharist.
 
On this Sunday, one week later, we celebrate the Feast of All Saints and the Gospel reading chosen by the Holy Fathers for this feast begins with the words:
 
The Lord said unto His disciples, Whosoever shall confess Me before men, him will I confess also before My Father which is in the Heavens. And whosoever shall deny Me before men, him will I also deny before My Father which is in the Heavens. (Matt 10:32-33)
 
Holy Pentecost manifested the work of the Holy Spirit in the world, that is, the potential of the renewal of all mankind in Christ. The Apostles preached, the seed of the knowledge of God was implanted in the hearts of many and when the time came the Church blossomed forth the holy Martyrs. During the feast of All Saints we commemorate especially the martyrs and confessors of our Holy Church.
 
As it is written in the Service of All Saints in the “Glory” for Vespers
 
O Divine Choir of Martyrs, foundation of the Church, perfection of the Gospel, ye have fulfilled in deed the sayings of the Savior; in you the gates of Hades, that yawned against the Church are shut; the flow of your blood hath dried up the libations of idolatry; your slaughter gave birth to the plenitude of the faithful. Ye did amaze the incorporeal hosts, and now stand crowned before God. Unceasingly entreat Him in behalf of our souls.
 
The word “Martyr” means witness -- and witnessing and confessing the Son of God before men is the foundation of the Church and the foundation of all the virtues. We are called upon to worship God in spirit and in Truth and to confess Him before men.
 
This witnessing for Christ never came easily. As our Savior encouraged and forewarned the disciples:
 
Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for My sake. Rejoice, and be glad: for great is your reward in the Heavens: for so persecuted they the Prophets which were before you. (Matt 5:11-12)
 
We all must ask ourselves: Have we readied our minds to endure such things for the sake of witnessing to the fact that we are Orthodox Christians?
 
If one examines the state of so-called world Orthodoxy and studies the history it is evident that many local churches have compromised their witness to the truth of Orthodoxy and confession of Christ for the sake of political objectives. The very next verse in the Beatitudes applies to the consequences of this compromise:
 
Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt hath lost its savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot by men. (Matt 5:13)
 
We are salted with the gift of the Holy Spirit. We are salted with the Gospel truth. As our Savior said in today’s Gospel, we must confess that truth. A local Church that has lost the savor of the confession of the confession of Gospel truth loses all.
 
Our Christ tells us in today’s Gospel reading that if we are to be worthy of His love, we must love Him more than all things. He also forewarned us that being faithful to this love would at times be a Cross.
 
He that loveth father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after Me, is not worthy of Me. (Matt 10:37-38)
 
We are to love all men unto salvation. That means that in a spirit of love, we are called upon to witness for the truth and not compromise it. If there comes a time when anyone would attempt to separate us from Christ, we are required to show a self-sacrificing love by standing for the truth. This is not easy, but this stand for the truth will be unto our salvation and perhaps unto the ultimate salvation of those who are trying to lead us astray. This is not the easy way; this is the way of the Cross.
 
The heresy of ecumenism overturns all of the above. Our Savior said that “God is a spirit and those that worship Him must worship Him is spirit and in truth.” Ecumenism says that there is no truth and doctrine is of no significance. Our Savior calls all men to be united to Him in love of the truth. Ecumenism calls men to be united to every error in total indifference to the truth.
 
In order to understand the great gulf that separates the mindset of the false shepherds who trivialize the significance of the pan-heresy of Ecumenism today and the saints of the Church, it is important to note that the martyrs of the first centuries were not killed because they worshipped Christ. They were killed because they worshipped Christ exclusively.
 
The Roman pagan authorities built temples that were intended to house all of the gods. That is where the term “pantheon” came from. The word “pantheon” in Greek is from two words “theos” (god) and “pan” (all). The pagan rulers were willing to place a statue of Christ in their pantheon, but they wanted Christians to also worship the Roman gods and the genius of the emperor. As we know from the lives of the saints, the Christian confessors proclaimed the Holy Trinity as the one true God and refused to acknowledge the pagan gods.
 
Today, the Pan-Heresy of Ecumenism attempts to unite all spiritual errors into a one world super church. The betrayers of Orthodoxy who participate in this heresy participate in an attempt to place Christ in the pantheon of all of the false gods.
 
There are many so-called spiritual leaders today found in the Ecumenist jurisdictions who claim to love the saints, and who claim to be their disciples. Are they really?
 
Saint Peter was crucified upside down and Saint Paul was beheaded because they confessed Christ. Saint Ignatius of Antioch was devoured by lions because he confessed Christ. Is it reasonable to say that these saints would encourage Orthodox Christian laity to be members of a local church that participated in the pan-heresy of Ecumenism? Would it be reasonable to claim that any of the saints would encourage Orthodox Christian laity to partake of the mysteries at liturgy wherein a local bishop who professed ecumenism was commemorated?
 
The words of our Savior in the Gospel reading for the feast of All Saints are a light in the darkness of the confusion of our day. We are called upon to Confess Christ before all men. We confess Him by preserving and proclaiming the “faith once delivered to the saints.” (Jude 1:3) If we count family or anything of more value than our love for Christ, we are unworthy of Him. The saints and confessors of every age and station in life have given us examples of how we must live. I pray that none of you are ever confused by the false spiritual leaders of our day into compromising your confession of faith.
 
May you all Confess Christ in spirit and in truth. May you confess Him also by your way of life. May you proclaim that you are His disciples by the self-sacrificing love that you show one to another. May the examples of the saints inspire and guide you in your life and may you and your families partake of the grace of the Holy Spirit that illumined the saints from ages past, through Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen.



#923 From: "Fr. Panagiotes Carras" <frpanagiotes@...>
Date: Wed Jun 13, 2012 1:39 pm
Subject: Visit of Archbishop Kallinikos & Bishop Photios to England - Part 1
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St. Constantine, known in the Roman Empire as, Caesar Flavius Valerius Aurelius Constantinus Augustus (27 February c. 272 – 22 May 337), was proclaimed Roman emperor by his troops in 306, in York England.

His Beatitude, Archbishop Kallinikos and His Grace, Bishop Photios recently visited York, England.  You will find photos attached.
 
In Christ,
+Fr. Panagiotes

Go to Orthodoxyinfo.org for a wide variety of articles on the Faith



#924 From: "Fr. Panagiotes Carras" <frpanagiotes@...>
Date: Tue Jun 19, 2012 5:48 pm
Subject: The Voice of Our Lord
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For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. (Romans 8:14-17)

There are many forces and voices in our daily life that seek to drown out the voice of our Lord. They want us to forget that we have been called to be children of God.  When the voice of our Lord, Jesus Christ, becomes inaudible it is because we have chosen to no longer give attention to the words of our Saviour, but allow ourselves to be distracted by the various events and people that surround us.
Once we come to understand that our soul has been deprived of the life-giving presence of our Lord, we are given an opportunity to imitate St. Peter and to call upon our Saviour, Lord I am drowning, save me. 
 
In Christ,
+Fr. Panagiotes

Go to Orthodoxyinfo.org for a wide variety of articles on the Faith

#925 From: "Fr. Panagiotes Carras" <frpanagiotes@...>
Date: Sat Jun 23, 2012 2:20 pm
Subject: Letter of Patriarch Germanos of Constantinople Concening the "Name-Worshippers"
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Official seal AdNs 1650 of Cons/pie, 1913.
 
Patriarchate. M of 9132 register
 
To the Very Holy Synod conducting the Church of Russia, our loved sister in the Holy Spirit, we give the fraternal kiss in Christ.
 
We have read and re-read with the greatest attention, together with our Holy Synod, the letter dated 28th of this month N° 7664, that Your Greatness has sent to us about the former monks of Mt Athos being now in Russia, who have fallen into the newly appeared heresy of the onomatotheists, and who persist in it with bad will and stubbornness, in spite of the many kinds of advice from the Church and the announcement that was done to them, that they will be definitely and forever expelled from Mount Athos and punished as per the sacred canons if they continue to perseverate in the heresy and in the disobedience and in the impiety to the Church, who has definitively condemned and disavowed their foolish doctrine as heretical  and stained with blasphemy.
 
But Satan, who is the father of the lie and of the heresies, has to such an extent darkened their minds and denatured their hearts, that, far from returning to reason  in spite of all kinds of advice that were given to them verbally or in writing, from distance as well as proximity by the Church, they go as far as listening to those who dare “insult” and “blaspheme” when the subject is about things that they do not know, rather than listening to the motherly voice of the Church, who called them with love and eagerness.
 
They were already enough punished for the sin that they committed against piety, Church and monachal discipline; one would wish that the loss that these men have suffered would not go farther and that the damage suffered would remain external, “so that the spirit would be saved on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ”.
 
But alas, as your Greatness has made it known to us, Satan, the killer of men deviated the reason and hardened the heart of those men, so that, even now, they refuse to come back to reason and to acknowledge and confess their mistake. That is how, in spite of being punished a first time already, they persist in the wrong way and continue to blaspheme against piety and Church. It is thus necessary to take new and rigorous measures against those recalcitrant men who refuse to repent. The judgement and the action of the Church towards them must go farther, and the penalties promulgated by the sacred canons against the hardened heretics must be applied rigorously, so that the heresy is definitely punished and the faithful are defended against the error and danger of being contaminated.
 
As those men are, at the present time, out of our Very Holy Ecumenical Throne, they are no longer under our ecclesial jurisdiction. From the political and ecclesial points of view, they are under the jurisdiction of our sister the Very Holy Church of Russia, as they came from Russia and returned there. Applying all of the measures promulgated in the circumstances by the holy canon is thus facilitated.
 
The ecclesial judgement to be taken and applied in the future towards those heretics, former monks of Mount Athos, is under the authority of our sister the Very Holy Church of Russia and will be, from all angles, more effective, if the matter would be pursued by her, as it is in her territory that the heresy of the onoimatotheist was born and still subsists.
 
Considering the above, and after deliberating and judging attentively with the Metropolitans, our dear brothers in the Holy Spirit, we have decided, during the session of the Holy Synod, to entrust to the direct care of the Ecclesial Authority of Russia, all that concerns the ulterior lot of the onomatotheist monks that settled in Russia, irrespectively of their ranks, so that, in her capacity of legal authority of which they depend, and with the whole power of our great Church of Christ, she decides and implements all that is necessary according to the sacred canons, in inviting the leaders of the heresy and those most prominent in it, to exonerate themselves, by applying to them the legal penalties and, as far as their numerous supporters are concerned, by ignorance or by other reason, by seeing to it that they return to the fold (of the Church).
 
The Russian Ecclesial Authority is wholly allowed to admit to the Holy Office and to the Holy Communion those who sincerely repented. It will be allowed to let the monks vest themselves as priests and celebrate liturgy, after a time of probation, but also, conversely, to exclude from priesthood the monks and priests who will persist stubbornly in the heresy and attempt to spread it within the people.
 
She will be allowed, as said above, with all the needed authority and in agreement with the clauses of the holy canons related to it, to take all decisions and to proceed to all legal acts towards its leaders and supporters without any exception. As it is not improbable that these men, after repenting, if they return to mount Athos, will cause worry and scandal there, we have decided that none of these men will return to Mount Athos, which we consider just and necessary.
 
Having taken the above decisions, which we judge useful and in conformity with the circumstances and the ecclesial order, these decisions being aimed at their punishment after judging the adepts of the heresy and at the defence of the orthodox, we hurry to communicate them to Your Greatness by this fraternal letter. We doubt in no way that, after this fraternal declaration, your Greatness will hurry to accept it and implement, as he will deem necessary, everything that will contribute to the prosecution and extirpation of the evil that threatens the orthodox people of the pious Russian Empire, and that will defend it against all contagion from the fallen former monks of Mount Athos.
 
Your Greatness will deign to hold us informed about everything that will be done on this matter.
 
Thereon,…
 
11 December 1913 Signed:
 
The Patriarch of Constantinople
 
Germanos
PFMA. 0. 797. On. 83. llomd. 3 cm. ft. 59. Jl. 193-195
 

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#926 From: "Fr. Panagiotes Carras" <frpanagiotes@...>
Date: Thu Jul 5, 2012 1:41 pm
Subject: Photos of Archbishop Kallinikos and Bishop Photios visit to Parishes in England
frpanagiotes
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His Eminence, Archbishop Kallinikos and His Grace Bishop Photios recently visited Archangel Michael's Parish in
Guildford, England and Joy of All Those Who Sorrow in Manchester, England.

 
In Christ,
+Fr. Panagiotes

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#927 From: "Fr. Panagiotes Carras" <frpanagiotes@...>
Date: Wed Jul 11, 2012 4:31 pm
Subject: eBook On Sale - Explanation of The Epistle of St. Paul to the Galatians Blessed Theophylact of Ochrid
frpanagiotes
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Chrysostom Press has a sale on its eBook - Explanation of The Epistle of St. Paul to the Galatians by Blessed Theophylact of Ochrid

This volume contains Blessed Theophylact’s commentary on the Epistle to the Galatians. Although St. Paul wrote this letter to address the particular issue of circumcision that was troubling the young churches of Galatia, its purpose goes much deeper.  A central theme of the Epistle is the question of the essence of the Christian life — is it based on correct practices or on faith?  St. Paul explains the purpose of the Judaic law, and the necessity of moving beyond its practice to the new, very different life based on faith in Christ. The depth of the Apostle’s care for his flock is evident as he strives to draw them away from the old understanding of sin, into the new knowledge of the glory and love of Christ. 

It is now available at $5.99.   Go to:http://www.chrysostompress.org/bookstore_111110_1.html to download a copy.

 
In Christ,
+Fr. Panagiotes

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#928 From: "Fr. Panagiotes Carras" <frpanagiotes@...>
Date: Mon Jul 30, 2012 2:04 pm
Subject: The Crown of Martyrdom For All Christians - St. Cyprian of Carthage
frpanagiotes
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The Crown of Martyrdom For All Christians

Saint Cyprian of Carthage

Let us be occupied at all times in spiritual works, that as often as the enemy approaches, as often as he tries to come near, he may find our heart closed and armed against him. Actually, for the Christian there is not only one crown which is obtained in time of persecution. The time of peace, too, has its own crowns, with which we are crowned as victors for our various and numerous engagements, after the adversary is laid low and overcome. To have conquered lust is the palm of continence. To have struggled victoriously against anger and insult is the crown of patience. To spurn money is to triumph over avarice. To bear the adversities of the world by hope in the things to come is the praise of faith. Furthermore, he who is not proud in prosperity achieves the glory of humility. Again, he who is prone to mercy in helping the poor receives the reward of a heavenly treasure. And he who knows not jealousy, but loves his brethren in a spirit of concord and meekness, is honored with the reward of love and peace. In this arena of the virtues we run daily, and to these palms and crowns of justice we attain without intermission.



In Christ,
+Fr. Panagiotes

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#929 From: "Fr. Panagiotes Carras" <frpanagiotes@...>
Date: Sat Aug 11, 2012 1:31 pm
Subject: Abba Justin Popovic on Metropolitan Anthony Khrapovsky
frpanagiotes
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Yesterday, July 28 / August 10, was the 76th anniversary of the repose of Metropolitan Anthony Khrapovitsky, of blessed memory.

Attached here is a talk on Metropolitan Anthony given by Abba Justin Popovic, who was his disciple and spiritual son.

It's a bit long, but it's well worth the effort — a very moving and edifying account.

The Kindle edition of Vladika: The Life of Antony Khrapovitsky can be downloaded at:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005E4W852/ref=kinw_myk_ro_title


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#930 From: "Fr. Panagiotes Carras" <frpanagiotes@...>
Date: Thu Aug 16, 2012 3:08 pm
Subject: Excavating St. Donnan's Monastery in Scotland
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Students and local people have uncovered what are thought to be remains of St Donnans monastery

Students and local people have uncovered what are thought to be remains of St Donnan's monastery

An ARCHAEOLOGICAL dig on a Scottish island has unearthed the remains of what is thought to be a monastery founded by one of the country’s first Christian saints.

St Donnan brought Christianity to many places in the West Highlands in the seventh century before settling on Eigg.

According to local folklore, he became a martyr after he was killed by Norsemen, along with 50 monks, while giving Mass on Easter Sunday in the year 617.

Eigg History Society won £17,500 of Heritage Lottery funding to carry out an archaeological excavation on the island in an effort to locate St Donnan’s monastery.

The dig at Kildonnan Graveyard on the south-east side of the island has now uncovered evidence which experts believe shows it is the exact site.

A report by the history society states: “The project succeeded in identifying the likely oval enclosure and ditch of Donnan’s original seventh century monastic settlement.”

Pictish pottery from the same period was also found in the graveyard.

Emeritus Professor John Hunter, a forensic archaeologist based at the University of Birmingham, has been leading the excavation thanks to his fascination with the story of St Donnan.

He said: “I think it is fair to say that the findings surpassed all our expectations.

“We now know that this part of the island was a special place for worship and burial throughout time, dating back some 4,000 years.

“Donnan died in 617AD and monasteries of that time had circular or sub-circular walls which separate the world of God on the inside from the world outside.

“We found remains of a sub-circular enclosure and remains of seventh century activity, which would fit in with Donnan’s time.

“Donnan was fairly anonymous until he was martyred there, and there is a some special folklore there and his story has built itself into folk legend.”

Islander Karen Helliwell, one of many locals participating in the dig, said: “The building that was found pre-dates the medieval one on the site and it could be Donnan’s. It is hoped, subject to funding, to do more investigations in the future.”

As well as local volunteers, including schoolchildren, the month-long excavation was undertaken with the help of students from Glasgow, Birmingham and Cranfield universities.

Donnan is said to have gone to Iona first to ask St Columba, a leading figure in evangelising the Picts to Christianity, to be his “annam cara” – his “soul friend”. But St Columba declined, claiming to see “the red cloak of martyrdom around him” and telling Donnan he was destined for sainthood.

He evangelised Eigg after travelling throughout what was then north-west Pictland and finally established a “muinntir” – a small monastic community on the fertile sloping land near Poll nam Partan on the south-east side of Eigg.

But, as foretold by Columba, Donnan and 50 monks were killed in 617 by Norsemen, their deaths being recorded in the Irish Annals.

The current Catholic church on Eigg – called St Donnan’s – is just a few miles away.




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#931 From: "Fr. Panagiotes Carras" <frpanagiotes@...>
Date: Fri Aug 17, 2012 3:51 pm
Subject: Communist destruction of Christ the Saviour Cathedral in 1931
frpanagiotes
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The current Patriarchate of Moscow is the successor to the Communist puppet church of the Soviet Union.  Today it is a puppet of the former KGB agent, Putin.  It is fulfilling its role as the fore-runner of the antichrist.
View a rare film on the Communist destruction of Christ the Saviour Cathedral in 1931: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YFlx55OANg8


In Christ,
+Fr. Panagiotes

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#932 From: "Fr. Panagiotes Carras" <frpanagiotes@...>
Date: Sat Aug 18, 2012 6:50 pm
Subject: Youth and Family Conference
frpanagiotes
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Bless!

Final preparations are being made for the 2012 Youth and Family Conference.  We will be blessed with the presence and participation of His Beatitude, Archbishop Kallinikos, Metropolitans Pavlos, Moses and Chrysotomos and Bishops Photios and Sergius.  Capacity is limited to 150 conferees at any given session so please register as soon as possible so that you can be assured a seat.

Information can be found on the attached "Registration Form" and "Conference Schedule". If more information is required please reply to this email.

 In Christ,
+Fr. Panagiotes

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#933 From: "Fr. Panagiotes Carras" <frpanagiotes@...>
Date: Mon Aug 27, 2012 9:52 pm
Subject: Photos of Feast Day of Convent of St. Irene Chrysovalantou
frpanagiotes
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The Convent of Saint Irene Chrysovalantou celebrated its Feast Day on July 28/August 10, 2012.  Hundreds of faithful  members of the Church of the Genuine Christians of Greece gathered in Likovrisi, Greece for the Feast Day of the Convent of Saint Irene Chrysovalantou.
   
His Beatitude Archbishop KALLINIKOS of Athens and all Greece, officiated and was assisted by:
His Eminence Metropolitan CHRYSOSTOMOS of Attica and Boeotia,
His Eminence Metropolitan GERONTIOS of Piraeus and Salamina,
His Eminence Metropolitan MOSES of Portland and the western United States,
His Grace Bishop GREGORY of Christianoupolis
His Grace Bishop PHOTIOS of Marathon


CLICK ON THE PHOTO BELOW TO VIEW MORE PHOTOS
StIrene

In Christ,
+Fr. Panagiotes

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#934 From: "Fr. Panagiotes Carras" <frpanagiotes@...>
Date: Fri Sep 14, 2012 5:02 pm
Subject: Three Hierarchs Online Theological Institute
frpanagiotes
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Enrollment is still open for the fall trimester of our online theological institute.   Go to http://www.3hierarchs.org for more information! 

Classes offered this fall are Old Testament, Patristics I (Ante-Nicene Fathers), and Church History II.  The Institute is going to run some more informal book discussion groups; call it an Orthodox "book club".

In Christ,
+Fr. Panagiotes

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#935 From: "Fr. Panagiotes Carras" <frpanagiotes@...>
Date: Mon Sep 17, 2012 3:04 pm
Subject: HOCNA HIERARCHS BLINDLY FOLLOW A ROAD PAVED WITH HERESY
frpanagiotes
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HOCNA hierarchs have exhibited a reckless disregard for the Faith over the last few years.  Their cavalier attitude toward the Doctrines and Canons of our Holy Church has led them to espouse two heresies that undermine the very foundation of what we believe.  The heresy of Posthumous Illumination and Conversion, as developed in the series of articles known as Awake Sleeper, undermines the necessity of living the Life in Christ.  The heresy of Name-Worshipping leads to Gnostic pantheism. 

Much has been written and said about the heresy of  Posthumous Illumination and Conversion.  The attached three articles provide all that is necessary for anyone who wishes to learn about the Name-Worshipping  heresy.

The first article, Against Name-Worshipping, was authored by Fr. Haralambos.
The second article, Smokescreen, was authored by Fr. Maximus.
The Third article, What a Name-Glorifier Is, was authored by Nicholas Snogren

In Christ,
+Fr. Panagiotes

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#936 From: "Fr. Panagiotes Carras" <frpanagiotes@...>
Date: Mon Sep 17, 2012 3:27 pm
Subject: Bishop Demetrios Appeals to GOC Synod
frpanagiotes
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His Grace, Bishop Demetrios, has issued a statement outlining why he and many monastics, clergy and lay people, for matters of faith, are breaking communion with the HOCNA hierarchs and are seeking shelter by being received by the Holy Synod of Archbishop Kallinikos.
Bishop Demetrios and those with him have set an example that will be followed by others in the near future.
Bishop Demetrios' statement is attached.

In Christ,
+Fr. Panagiotes

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#937 From: "Fr. Panagiotes Carras" <frpanagiotes@...>
Date: Mon Sep 17, 2012 3:29 pm
Subject: Clergy and Faithful of St. Mark's Cahedral vote to be received by GOC
frpanagiotes
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--- On Mon, 9/17/12, Thorp, Catrin <CCT@...> wrote:

From: Thorp, Catrin <CCT@...>
Subject: RE: [OrthodoxInfo] HOCNA HIERARCHS BLINDLY FOLLOW A ROAD PAVED WITH HERESY
To: "'frpanagiotes@...'" <frpanagiotes@...>
Date: Monday, September 17, 2012, 11:08 AM



In case you haven’t yet heard, the clergy and parishioners of St. Mark of Ephesus in Roslindale voted yesterday to leave Metropolitan Ephraim and apply to be received under Archbishop Kallinikos.  (More precisely, the clergy had already decided to leave, and the parishioners voted to go with them.)

 

Catrin Thorp

 

From: OrthodoxInfo@yahoogroups.com [mailto:OrthodoxInfo@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Fr. Panagiotes Carras
Sent: Monday, September 17, 2012 11:04 AM
To: Orthodox Info Egroup
Subject: [OrthodoxInfo] HOCNA HIERARCHS BLINDLY FOLLOW A ROAD PAVED WITH HERESY

 

 

HOCNA hierarchs have exhibited a reckless disregard for the Faith over the last few years.  Their cavalier attitude toward the Doctrines and Canons of our Holy Church has led them to espouse two heresies that undermine the very foundation of what we believe.  The heresy of Posthumous Illumination and Conversion, as developed in the series of articles known as Awake Sleeper, undermines the necessity of living the Life in Christ.  The heresy of Name-Worshipping leads to Gnostic pantheism. 

Much has been written and said about the heresy of  Posthumous Illumination and Conversion.  The attached three articles provide all that is necessary for anyone who wishes to learn about the Name-Worshipping  heresy.

The first article, Against Name-Worshipping, was authored by Fr. Haralambos.
The second article, Smokescreen, was authored by Fr. Maximus.
The Third article, What a Name-Glorifier Is, was authored by Nicholas Snogren

In Christ,

+Fr. Panagiotes

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#938 From: "Fr. Panagiotes Carras" <frpanagiotes@...>
Date: Wed Sep 19, 2012 2:31 pm
Subject: Did HOCNA condemn Name Worshippers?
frpanagiotes
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Question:  Well looks like hocna condemned name worshippers too :-)
Reply: No, that is not true.
What the 3 HOCNA Bishops signed is not at all a condemnation of name worship.
It is merely an attempt to restate the issue using different words, so that people will think
they have condemned name worship. So to speak, a new label has been attached to a
package, whose content remains unchanged.
What they continue to uphold is the idea that the name of God is equivalent to the
uncreated energies of God - that is why they try to bring Saint Gregory Palamas into the
picture.
What they end up making, is a distinction without a difference.
The human names for God are created entities. As created, they cannot be said to be
equivalent, let alone identical to, the uncreated energies of God.
The distinction between the Created and the Uncreated is theologically vital and
indispensable.
That is the problem with name worship: it erases this vital distinction.
God alone is uncreated. Everything else is created. Ignore that distinction, and you
end up worshiping created things, like names.
Another word for that is idolatry, the great sin of paganism.
Supporters of name worship (or name veneration) try to avoid this conclusion, but it is,
in fact, unavoidable.
You don't have to read very far in the Old Testament to understand that idolatry is, from
the outset, a major, not a minor issue. Playing shell games with words will not resolve
this matter.
The Russian theologian, Father Georges Florovsky, has written one of his most
significant essays on this issue, called “Creation and Creaturehood” (pp. 43-78 in
Volume 3 of “The Collected Works of Georges Florovsky”). It is well worth studying.

+Bishop Sergios

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#939 From: "Fr. Panagiotes Carras" <frpanagiotes@...>
Date: Fri Sep 21, 2012 12:38 am
Subject: GOC Synod accepts Bishop Demetrios
frpanagiotes
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The Holy Synod of the Genuine Orthodox Christians of Greece met on Tuesday, September 18th.  Fifteen matters were dealt with at length and the decisions were posted today on the Holy Synod's site: http://www.ecclesiagoc.gr/el/anakoinwseis/228-anakoinwsis-apofasewn-i-s-18-9-2012


Decision Thirteen was:

To accept the petition of admittance of Bishop Demetrios Kyriakou, coming from the Holy Orthodox Church of North America, leader of a group of monastics, clergy and seven parishes of North America. The petitioner appeared before the meeting and he answered various questions put forth by the members of the Synod. After the confirmation of the petitioner's correct faith, he was elected unanimously, suffragan Bishop of Metropolitan Pavlos of America, with the title Bishop of Boston and it was also decided that his canonical restoration take place at the Holy Monastery of the All-Immaculate (Panachrantou) at Megara, on Friday, September 8/21 of the current year. The further details concerning the incorporation of the Parishes, Clergy and Monastics will be arranged by the Holy Eparchial Synod of America with the participation of His Beatitude, Archbishop Kallinikos during his schedule visit to new York on Sunday September 17/30 of the current year.


In Christ,
+Fr. Panagiotes

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#940 From: "Fr. Panagiotes" <frpanagiotes@...>
Date: Fri Sep 21, 2012 9:54 pm
Subject: Photo of Bishop Demetrios and Other Hierarchs at Today's Liturgy
frpanagiotes
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Panahrantou
FROM LEFT TO RIGHT

Bishop Photios of Marathon
Metropolitan Chrysostomos of Attica and Viotia
Archbishop Kallinikos of Athens
Bishop Grigorios of Christianoupoli
Bishop Dimitrios of Boston


#941 From: "Fr. Panagiotes Carras" <frpanagiotes@...>
Date: Tue Sep 25, 2012 4:23 pm
Subject: Greek Government Continues Siege of Esphigmenou
frpanagiotes
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From: Metropolitan Moses <metmoses@...>
Subject: Greek Government Continues Siege of Esphigmenou
To:
Date: Monday, September 24, 2012, 9:18 PM

Greek Government Continues Siege of Esphigmenou

Posted on September 24, 2012 by HmkEnoch

Mt. Athos, Greece, September 24, 2012–Greek foreign minister Dimitris Avramopoulos, has ordered special riot police MAT and EKAM (noted for their use in the suppression of Greek protestors and rioters), to Mt. Athos with orders to evict the monks.  Apparently, as attempts to starve the monks out, as well as denying any access to medical or other aid, have failed over the past decade, this move may possibly indicate a renewed threat to the Monastery.

Holy Ascension Monastery, more commonly known as Esphigmenou, has been the only monastery on Mt. Athos that has consistently refused to recognize the current claimant to the Ecumenical Patriarchate (i.e., Bartholomew Archontonis) as the legitimate Patriarch.  The belief rests upon Bartholomew’s teaching endorsing ecumenism and modernism; in traditional Orthodox understanding, such teachings constitute heresy.  At one point, almost all the monasteries on Mt. Athos had refused to commemorate the Ecumenical Patriarchate (going back several decades before Bartholomew occupied the seat) over the Ecumenical Patriarchates embrace of the anti-Orthodox new calendar, as well as teachings embracing ecumenism.

Attempts have been made by the fathers of Esphigmenou to reach a peaceful settlement, but, violence has been the general answer given by the ecumenist-modernist patriarchate.  A number of monks have been injured or even murdered by Greek government forces and forces loyal to the Ecumenical Patriarchate.  The Ecumenical Patriarch (notorious for his support for ‘abortion rights’ and trans-religious syncretism) and the Greek government have worked hard to persecute Esphigmenou Monastery, principally over the monastery’s refusal to reject traditional Orthodox teachings.

Recently, in accord with the renewed attention from the Greek government, several monks were sentenced to prison sentences for refusing to leave the monastery.  A Thessalonikan court gave 6 month prison sentences to the monks.

The current impostor brotherhood of Esphigmenou is still waiting to occupy the monastery. Presumably, this cannot take place until the Ecumenical Patriarchate and the Greek government have murdered or otherwise killed or incapcitated a sufficient number of the monks.


#942 From: "Fr. Panagiotes Carras" <frpanagiotes@...>
Date: Sat Sep 29, 2012 12:41 am
Subject: A New Painting of the Appearance of the Cross In 1925
frpanagiotes
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From: Metropolitan Moses <metmoses@...>
Subject: A New Painting
To:
Date: Thursday, September 27, 2012, 8:03 PM

The picture below was taken during a break at the meeting of our Holy Synod on September 5/18, 2012. The canvass is a depiction of the miracle of the appearance of the Cross over Mount Hymettus on the feast of the Exaltation of the Cross according to the Julian Calendar, in 1925. This miracle has been called "A Divine Confirmation"  for all those who have chosen to remain steadfast in the Traditions of our Holy Fathers.

The priest, John, who is depicted in the painting is buried in the courtyard of the Women's Monastery of Saint Irene Chrysovalantou, which is in Metropolitan Chrysostomos' Metropolis. (Left to right are Metropolitan Chrysostomos of Attika, Bishop Gregory of Christianoupoleos and Metropolitan Gerontios of Peiraios.]


An Account of the Appearance of the Cross

In 1925, on the eve of the feast of the Exaltation of the All-Honorable and Life-giving Cross of Our Saviour, September 14 according to the Orthodox Church calendar, the all-night vigil was served at the Church of Saint John the Theologian, which was then in open fields some distance outside of Athens. According to an ancient tradition the two young students from Cappadocia, Saint Basil the Great and Saint Gregory the Theologian, used to come to this place for prayers. By nine o’clock that evening, more than two thousand of the true Orthodox faithful had gathered in and around the church for the service, since very few true Orthodox churches had been left open by the civil authorities.  Such a large gathering of people could not go unnoticed by the authorities. Around eleven P.M. the authorities dispatched a battalion of police to the church “to prevent any disorders which might arise from such a gathering.” The gathering was too large for the police to take any direct action or to arrest the priest at that time and so they joined the crowd of worshippers in the already over flowing courtyard of the church.

Then, regardless of the true motives for their presence, against their own will, but according to the Will which exceeds all human power, they became participants in the miraculous experience of the crowd of believers.

At 11:30 P.M., there began to appear in the heavens above the church, in the direction of the northeast, a bright, radiant Cross of light. The light not only illuminated the church and the faithful but, in its rays, the stars of the clear, cloudless sky became dim and the church-yard was filled with an almost tangible light. The form of the Cross itself was an especially dense light and it could be clearly seen as a Byzantine cross with a crossbar toward the bottom. This heavenly miracle lasted for half an hour, until midnight, and then the Cross began slowly to rise up vertically, as the cross in the hands of the priest does in the ceremony of the Elevation of the Cross in church. Having come straight up, the Cross began gradually to fade away.

Human language is not adequate to convey what took place during the apparition. The entire crowd fell prostrate upon the ground with tears and began to sing prayers, praising the Lord with one heart and one mouth. The police were among those who wept, suddenly discovering, in the depths of their hearts, a childlike faith. The crowd of believers and the battalion of police were transformed into one, unified flock of the faithful. All were seized with a holy ecstasy.

The vigil continued until 4:00 A.M., when all this human torrent streamed back into the city, carrying the news of the miracle because of which they were still trembling and weeping.

Many of the unbelievers, sophists, and renovationists, realizing their sin and guilt, but unwilling to repent, tried by every means to explain away or deny this miracle. The fact that the form of the cross had been so sharply and clearly that of the Byzantine Cross, with a crossbar at the bottom for a footrest, completely negated any arguments of accidental physical phenomena.

That this fiery pillar of the cross was exalted in the heavens on the very feast of the Exaltation according to the traditional calendar has shown us unmistakably the way of faithfulness to our God. If any ask us what is this depiction of the cross or what is this “old” calendar, let us have a ready answer. “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear.” (Peter 3:15) He that has ears to hear, let him hear.




I TOO WAS THERE [1]

Eye witness Accounts of the Appearance of the Cross

Over the Church of St. John the Theologian

at Mt. Hymettus, September 14, 1925

 

I was one of the men from the Police Institute who were sent to stop the vigil that night, some fifty years ago, at the country church of St. John the Theologian.

The Old calendarists were keeping vigil there, because it was the eve of the feast of the Exaltation of the Precious Cross.

Since many people had gathered--more than two thousand individuals--we did not attempt to seize the priest as we had been ordered, but we sat down quietly in the nearby court and waited for them to finish.

At about 11:30 at night, we heard a loud and strange uproar coming from the shouts of the multitude. Without delay, we ran to see what was happening --and we saw. The whole multitude of the faithful was in a state of excitement. Some were weeping and others, crying out “Lord, have mercy,” were kneeling and had turned their eyes toward heaven, and yet others were fainting, overwhelmed with great emotion. Then we too looked and beheld the marvel: an enormous radiant Cross, very high above the church, was illumining the whole area. At first, we were seized with fear, but immediately we came to ourselves, and forgetting the purpose for which we had been sent, we fell to our knees and wept like little children.

Of course, it is superfluous for me to tell you that, filled with emotion, we attended the rest of the vigil to the end--no longer as persecutors, but as faithful Christians. In the morning when we returned to the Institute, we told everyone about the great marvel which we had been deemed worthy to see. Afterwards there was an investigation and all of us swore under oath that we had seen the Precious Cross clearly, high in the sky.

John D. Glymis

Retired Police Officer, 78 years of age

73 Aristotle Street

Peristeri [a suburb of Athens]

+

On that night in 1925 when the Precious Cross appeared, I was making the last run with the tram which I was operating. I had reached Omonoia and was going around the square when I saw everyone looking up toward heaven and crying, “Look!-the Cross!-the Cross!” Immediately I stepped on the brakes and stopped the vehicle. I stuck my head out the tram’s door and I, the unworthy one, also saw the Precious Cross of Our Lord--may His Name be glorified; it was shining over Mount Hymettus. I don’t remember how long this lasted. I know only one thing the Precious Cross which I saw that night turned me into a different man. Since then, everyone in my family has become a faithful child of the Church of the True Orthodox Christians.”

Athanasios Primalis

Retired Tram Conductor, 80 years of age

17 Kavales Street

Nicaea [a suburb of Athens]

++++++++++++++++++++++++

 

They declared the praise of the Lord and His mighty acts and His wonders which He wrought.

And He raised up a testimony in Jacob and appointed a law in Israel,

Even those things He had commanded our fathers, to make the same known unto their children, that another generation might know,

Even the sons about to be born, that they in turn might arise and declare them unto their sons,

That they might set their hope in God, and not forget the works of God, but seek after His commandments,

That they might not be as their fathers, a generation perverse and provoking,

A generation that set not their heart aright, and which kept not their spirit steadfast with God.  (Psalm 77)



[1] These two accounts are from Ta Patria (July, Aug.., Sept. 1967); 82-84. (In Greek)

#943 From: "Fr. Panagiotes Carras" <frpanagiotes@...>
Date: Mon Oct 1, 2012 8:49 pm
Subject: Fw: Oct 1, 2012 at Saint Markella's
frpanagiotes
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From: Metropolitan Moses <metmoses@...>



IMG_1506

 



#944 From: "Fr. Panagiotes Carras" <frpanagiotes@...>
Date: Tue Oct 2, 2012 12:55 am
Subject: Hierarchs in Photo
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Left to Right
1) Bishop Christodoulos of Theoupolis
2)  Metropolitan Moses of Portland
3) Metropolitan Pavlos of New York
4) Archbishop Kallinikos of Athens
5) Metropolitan Chrysostomos of Attica
6) Bishop Photios of Marathon
7) Bishop Demetrios of Boston

In Christ,
+Fr. Panagiotes

Go to Orthodoxyinfo.org for a wide variety of articles on the Faith

#945 From: "Fr. Panagiotes Carras" <frpanagiotes@...>
Date: Wed Oct 10, 2012 5:00 pm
Subject: Conference Videos
frpanagiotes
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Chrysovalantis Pelegris has provided us with 7 Videos of the Conference.  To view or download please go to his Youtube channel: http://www.youtube.com/cpelegris

In Christ,
+Fr. Panagiotes

Go to Orthodoxyinfo.org for a wide variety of articles on the Faith

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