Happy New Year!
The creator of time and all creation, the Almighty God who bestows eras with His mercy, has enrich us another new year, for we have transpired from the Year of Luke to the Year of John! Gratitude be to God!
“You also must be ready” (Matthew 24:44)
Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ spoke about the words, “You also must be ready” to His holy disciples. What our Lord God told them is topic sentence. He warned them saying “Be alert, for you do not know which day your Lord is coming.” (Matthew 2:42) We shall know that if the owner had known at what time the thief would come in the night, he would have woken up. He would not have leave the house to be dug. Let us observe His words careful: “Therefore, you shall be prepared. For the Son of Man (God of the Son) will come at an hour you do not expect. Who is the faithful and discreet servant that the Lord has appointed over the people of the house to give them their food regularly? Blessed is that servant whom his master, when he comes, will find so doing. Assuredly, I say to you that he will make him ruler over all his goods.” (Matthew 24:42-47)
The Month of Pagumen
Dear Children of God, how are you? How is the season of winter? How are you spending it so far? Are you using your time properly? What have you done so far? Have you fasted the fast of Assumption of Saint Mary? Have been going to Churches with your families on Sabbath (Saturday and Sunday? Have you read spiritual books? Are you helping your parents with house chorus (house work) in your break time? Children, these are all the important things you shall do at home in winter season.
Children, today we will teach you about the thirteenth month of our country, “The Month of Pagumen.” The word Pagumen comes from a Greek word called “Apagumen” which means “addition or increment.”
The Intercession of Holy Mother Saint Mary
The blessed from all saints, whom is above all creature including the Angels, pure and virgin Holy Mother of God Saint Mary, is the hope of human race. She was in the will of God before the creation of this world. After the fall of Adam and Eve when eating the forbidden fruit, death came upon mankind and was punished earthly. But for His mercy is tremendous, He vowed to save Him through his root. It is this word of God done through the virgin Mary through the miraculous work of birth of the Holy Son to save us by crucifixion. Her purity and holiness has bestowed us salvation for she become the mother of God and His work of redemption.
The Feast of Transfiguration
Our Holy Orthodox Church celebrates the commemoration of the transfiguration of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Mount Tabor on Nehassie 13. The disciples, Saint Peter, Saint James and Saint John, were with Him, and about whom the Lord said, “ …. there are some standing here who shall not taste death till they see the Son of Man coming in His Kingdom.” (Matthew 16:28) He fulfilled His promise, for six days later, He took His three disciples, up on a high mountain, where He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as light. And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them talking to the Lord.
Saint Ephraim the Syrian
Dear Children of God, how are you? How is summer season? Are you spending your break time properly? Hope you are using your time effectively programming it wisely for your prayer, Church attendance, reading, playing and also helping you parents with house chorus. Ok, good! Dear Children, today we will tell you a story about Saint Ephraim the Syrian.
Does God keep Silent?
Just as we cry out to God for a solution when we face problems in our personal lives, we expect a solution from Him when torment rounds Church. In our understanding, assuming He is slow or silent, we say why? We say how can God remain silent whilst Priests are slaughtered, Churches are being burned, laities being hunted, Scriptures being pinched, Holy Temple looted? We are saying this perhaps because we expect something to destroy the people who do this. No matter what we think, we get confused if things do not go the way we expected, then we give up.
“My Lord, if I have now found favor in Your Sight, do not pass Your servant” (Genesis 18:3)
The Trinity was revealed under the terebinth trees of Mamre, which Patristic Fathers interpret as an ‘olive tree’; And Abraham ran to them, assuming they were adult guests, to take and host them in his house. “When he saw them, he ran from the door of the tent to meet them.” (Genesis 18:2). He came near and fell to the ground and raised his hand. And he said to them. “My Lord, if I have now found favor in Your sight, do not pass on by Your servant. Please let a little water be brought, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree.” (Genesis 18:3)
“Who can separate me from Christ’s love?” ( Romans 8:35)
The light of the world who spoke this word is Saint Paul. It is a verse that explains that if one loves God with absolute faith, even if he is hungry, thirsty, imprisoned, beaten, imprisoned or killed, nothing can separate him from the love of God. Hamele 5 (July 12) is commemorated in memory of Saint Paul and Saint Peter who were martyred by the Roman King Nero for their religion. Every year on the 5th of this month, Saint Peter and Saint Paul’s holiday is celebrated on the same day. The histories of these Saints are also briefly described in order. “Who can separate me from Christ’s love?” (Romans 8:35)
Does God keep silent?
Now in the world of suffering and happiness, falling and rising, weakness and courage or any other emotions take over our lives turn by turn. This actually is not new. It is said “In the world you have tribulation” (John 16:33). On top of living a life of Christianity, being human in general has its ups and downs. Being a Christian gives a different perspective in the life of spirituality, so it has far more challenges. The Church is always under suffering. Even in the world of the Angles has been through countless struggles.