The world of angles occupies heavenly hosts whom are the seven archangels Saint Michael, Saint Gabriel, Saint Raphael, Saint Suriel, Saint Zedekiel, Saint Serathiel and Saint Ananiel. The Holy Scriptures also mentions the Seraphim with their six wings who filled the house with smoke and the cherubim that provide the throne for the Lord.
The human mind cannot comprehend a miracle, since it is the extraordinary phenomena. But it is the will of God to witness it in our lives as well as in others. Within this manner, we understand that it is God who does the miracles upon each of us as it is written in Psalm 77, “Who is so great a God as our God? You are the God who does wonders.” (Psalm 77:13-14) In the Second Canticle of the Midnight Praises, Psalm 136 (135), we praise God “Who alone does great wonders.”
The miracle that is from God has is essential since it supports the true faith. Many teach strange beliefs and support their teachings with miracles to dazzle people. This is the main role of the Anti-Christ: to introduce new teachings that contradict the teachings of our Lord Jesus Christ, and he uses true miracles to support his false teachings. Therefore, if one concentrates on the factuality of the miracle, then it is easy for him to accept new teachings, since he will see the miracle as a fact, for example fire coming down from heaven or an image moving and speaking. However, if one concentrates on faith, then he will reject the teachings that contradict the true faith, even if they were supported by tens of miracles.
The miracle, which is from God, has a primary goal: to lead people to the true faith. The secondary goal of a miracle is an act of mercy towards a needy person, whether it is a sick person or someone in trouble, and God may save such a person in a miraculous way. As for the miracles that are for exhibition and dazzling people, they are not from God. Therefore, when we hear of a miracle, we should examine not only the factuality of it, but also more importantly whether it is from God or Satan.
Merciful as He is, God has granted us yet another new year, “The Year of Luke” for we can rinse out our vices entirely. We have added one more year to our lifetime and getting older by the day walking towards the end of earthly life. It is today that we shall realize the mystery of salvation and acknowledge the path to heavenly kingdom. Our destiny shall be shade by God’s mercy for we are His children.
All in the name of Lord Jesus Christ shall be merciful as He taught us saying, “blessed are the merciful for they will receive mercy.” (Matthew 5:7) Patristic fathers teach about the two categories of works of mercy, “Corporal works of mercy” and “Spiritual works of mercy”
Midst all the months within an annual year, the thirteenth month Pagumen is unique in its nature as it has only few days but not thirty days alike the others. It has only six days in the Year of John and five days in the Year of Matthew, Mark and Luke. Accord our Ethiopian Orthodox Incarnation Church, this month is an extra month of a year and it considered as the last month in our country. However, the western countries considered it as additional days and divided it in the months of January, March, May, July, August, October and December in which each has 31 days.
The Amharic word of Pagumen comes from the term Greek word ‘Apagumene’ to mean “additional.” It is the time which we leave behind last year and enrich to the new year passing the season of summer and reach spring; so it is the resemblances of Judgment day.
The name Gethsemane stems from the Hebrew Gat-Semen which means olive press factory. The kidron at the far end of Gethsemane is called “Brook Kidron” and according to the Christian tradition it is the place of God’s last judgment.
Mercy is one of God’s qualities and the merciful one bears a His likeness. It was said about God “The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in mercy. He will not always strive with us, nor will He keep His anger forever. He has not dealt with us according to our sins. Nor punished us according to our iniquities. For as the heavens are high above the earth, so great is His mercy towards those who fear Him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.” (Psalm 103:8-12)
Transient all the misery, sorrow and pain in life, one can taste the sweet fruit of spiritual life. Walking upon the narrow road of it in reality, love, peace and spiritual contentment, consume the esthetic mystical fare within Christianity. Those who fought and defeat enemy by the power of Gospel and Holy Cross just as our righteous father Abune Tekele Haimanot, have reached up to the last ladder of spirituality.
It is certain we differ in our spiritualty and diligence. But with the talent bestowed from God, we shall inherit everlasting Kingdom. Mankind can be granted spiritual virtue as witness in the stories of saints in-scripted in holy scriptures.
Seasons are repetitive flow of rain, cloud, sun and thunders within days, months and years.
Apostles Saint Peter and Saint Paul have become the two pillars of Church who were ardent preachers of the word of God, unshakable and valiant soldiers of the truth of Lord Jesus Christ. They feared neither beatings, nor even a martyric death, which they both suffered.
Dear Children of God, Greetings to you and gratitude to Almighty God!
Children, how are you? How is school and exam? We hope you are doing great and pass all of the tests with good grades!
Dear Children! Today we are going to teach you about Holy Church.