| Vol. IV, No. 8 | Young Orthodox Mail | November 2003 |
Food for the Soul: Seeking Holiness - The Entrance (Presentation) of the Theotokos into the TempleThe Feast of the Presentation of the Most Holy Theotokos into the Temple (November 21) is an important feast, but is also one that does not contain the theological content as, say, the Feast of Transfiguration or the Feast of Epiphany. There is not an actual Biblical account of the Feast of the Presentation. Much of the information concerning this Feast, as well as the other three feasts of the Theotokos, comes from a book known as the Protoevangelium ("First Gospel") of James. In it we read about Jesus' grandparents, the pious Joachim and Anna whom are remembered at the dismissal of every worship service in the Orthodox Church. Also in the Protoevangelium is an account of the Presentation of the Theotokos. It is significant to remember that although the Protoevangelium of James was not accepted as a canonical text, it contains enough truth and dogma for the Orthodox Church to accept and embrace what it offers in regards to all Theotokion Feasts. When the Mother of God was just three years old, her parents Joachim and Anna took their young child to the temple to live, as was the Jewish custom for young women who were going to dedicate themselves to the Lord. Zechariah, the High Priest (Saint John the Baptist's father) takes the Ever-Virgin Mary into the holiest area of the temple, aptly called the "Holy of Holies." This was unheard of! It is a strict rule that women are not allowed entrance into the altar. In the Jerusalem Jewish Temple only the High Priest was allowed into the Holy of Holies, and even that was limited to one time per year. On a spiritual level, the Orthodox Church refers to the Theotokos as "The Golden Ark.” The Old Testament relates that the Ark of the Covenant held the most holy things for the Israelites - the Tablets of the Law (10 Commandments), a jar full of the manna God gave to them in the wilderness, and Aaron's staff that budded. Historical sources confirm that at the time of Mary's Presentation, the original Ark of the Covenant was already gone from the Temple. Its whereabouts remain unknown. Even the Roman General Pompey testifies to this when he conquered Jerusalem about 63 BC. He arrogantly walked into the Holy of Holies and came out scoffing, wondering what the fuss was about over an empty room. It is amazing to see that when the Theotokos comes into the Holy of Holies, it was empty. But was it? The Theotokos herself was to become the Mystical, Living Ark, to hold not mere items that God touched, but God Incarnate, Jesus Christ. She fills the empty spot in the Holy of Holies and sanctifies the Temple. The focus used to be on the golden box and its holy contents which has been replaced with the Living Ark and the One she contained. Note that in the festal icon the Theotokos is in the center. She is portrayed as very small in stature, though does not look like a child. She is portrayed as a mini-sized person. This is because the Theotokos was so focused and adult in her understanding of God in her life, that she is shown with adult attributes even though she was only three years old. Zechariah, the High Priest, is seen welcoming her into the Temple, with a group of maidens trailing and carrying lighted candles. Some icons have a canopy with a veil pulled back in the background telling of her entrance into the Holy of Holies. You may say, "That's great. But what does it mean for me today in 2003?" A closer look may answer that question. The Mother of God is highly venerated in the Orthodox Church. Many faithful have placed themselves under her protection. Because she was created with free will and chose to seek holiness, the most-Blessed Mother is actually held in higher esteem than the ranks of angels. Her intercession before God the Word is so powerful that the church’s faithful exclaims in worship, "Most Holy Theotokos save us!" On this glorious feast, let us welcome her, not into a temple like the festal account says, but as we are the temple of the Holy Spirit, welcome her into our hearts. That she will hear our prayers, and she will be our help when we are in danger, for she will always protect those who honor her. Most Holy Theotokos Save Us! Some Things to Think About:
FESTAL KONTAKION The most pure Temple of the Savior;
An Orthodox Look: Movies - School of RockAdmittedly, I did not feel compelled to see "School of Rock." I am not a big fan of Jack Black as an actor, and the commercials did not compell me to rush out and buy an Opening Night ticket. I just could not imagine what all the fuss was about. Quite simply, this movie did not excite me. Then, I saw it (twice, in fact). Now when my friends ask what movie they should see on Friday night, I recommend "School of Rock." Why is it so good? Simply put, this movie makes you smile. It is a movie which somehow leaves you with feelings of lightness and cheerful jubilance. The plot, despite its predictability, does not come off as forced; the humor is not crass, and the actors’ talent is astounding. These three attributes alone make the movie a genuine joy to watch.
On the upside:
On the downside:
In the News:Are You Over the Age of Thirty Five and Looking For a Husband? Here's How!Rachel Greenwald, a Harvard Business School graduate, has developed a theory for those who are single, over 35 years old, and looking for a spouse. The program Greenwald has developed is based on marketing principles. Greenwald eliminates such romantic vocabulary as "true love," and the "subtle calling of the heart” to a “true kindred spirit." What remains are phrases such as "marketing packages," "branding," and "product life cycles." The research is based on the fact single women outnumber single men in the over 35 age bracket. Considering the odds, Greenwald concludes her method will level the playing field, giving women a better chance of finding a husband. She advises however, women who follow her principles will sacrifice much. The 15-Step Program that she has developed is as follows:
The conclusions which can be drawn from such a program are that women must dedicate a large portion of their resources - time, energy, and money - towards modifying their physical appearance and social network. Unfortunately, there is no guarantee as to what the marriage itself will be. Considering its origin, which lies steeped in self-will and outward appearances, the outlook is not encouraging. Let us hope and pray that not many people fall under the delusion that by following Rachel Greenwald’s principles they will find their ideal mate. Since God is the one Person whom we need above all, not to involve Him in prayer would be the ultimate transgression.
On the Calendar:
Love and DatingWe are currently in the process of answering some of your Love & Dating questions. Keep them coming!
Real Questions/Real Answers: Sharing Our Faith with Non-BelieversQuestion:An agnostic or atheist asks: "How can Christ dying on the cross be for you … and how does His voluntary death take away your sins?" How do you answer them if they do not believe in God?
Answer:It is important to first define the difference between an agnostic and an atheist. An agnostic believes it is impossible to know whether or not there is a God. An atheist believes there is no God. Our Lord Jesus Christ offers these thoughts: "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." (John 3:16) God's love for us is beyond human understanding. He was born in order to die, so that we can be restored to our original beauty - and live forever. By dying on the cross, he assumed our sins and makes it possible for us to live eternally once more, this time in his Kingdom. He paid the penalty for our sins by overcoming death on the cross. Jesus told us this was his purpose! While the answer to your question is straight-forward (and a central doctrine of our faith), satisfying a non-believer with such an answer is very difficult. If that person does not believe in Jesus Christ as the Savior of the universe, there is no way, humanly speaking, to convince them otherwise. It is not unlike trying to explain color or clouds to a blind man. Fully seeing and knowing the Truth is a condition of the heart only God can change. "Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God. These things we also speak, not in words which man's wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual. But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned" (1 Corinthians 2:12-14). Only God can convert their minds and open their hearts to the truth of His Word. It is our responsibility as Christians however, to be able to defend our faith when necessary. "But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts,
and always be ready to give a defense to Sharing the saving Orthodox faith with others is a humbling experience. The words we speak are those which God has placed into our hearts. Hearing God’s words does not necessary imply accepting it. It is important to remember that sometimes God hardens the hearts of those who would reject Him. Why does He do this? Since we are not Him, it is difficult to say. However, it is clear from scripture that (a) God does do it sometimes, (b) He has every right to do it, (c) somehow it works towards His glory and to demonstrate His power, and (d) very often it is for the salvation of the person, allowing them to hit "spiritual bottom" and realize their own dependance on Him. "For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened" (Romans 1:20-21). Do not be discouraged if an atheist or agnostic is not persuaded by your answer. We are called to live our faith ("…and I will show you my faith bymy works" James 2:18), and to pray for God to soften their hearts and open their minds to hear and receive the truth of His holy and saving Word.
Readers Write: Walking in the Desert (Part I)Below is a short story submitted by one of our readers - an account of something they experienced... Lessons: Never fear … Always be the lesser … God is good. Tired from a long day's journey, a lone youth found himself in front of the "mada”, the "trail", to St. Paul the Anchorite Monastery, Red Sea Governorate, Egypt. It is 9:00 pm - the journey began early that morning at 5:00 and should have been completed by early afternoon. The intended destination, in fact, was actually St. Antony's Monastery. Confusion at the bus depot made that plan impossible. The youth had two choices: 1) St. Paul's, or 2) Hurghada. Since the objective was retreat, Hurghada was out of the question. Several factors are worked against him. First, it is night time. Second, there were 14 kilometers to cover, not the six he thought. He began to walk. In the distance he saw a semi-globe of light, and decided that it is the monastery. Since he could not see anything around him, he decided that walking in that direction is the best choice. In the darkness, he felt a presence; he was certain he was not walking alone. With the added hesitance about lack of direction, he was momentarily afflicted with fear. "Don't be silly!" he said to himself. "St. Paul never leaves those coming to him alone! He won't let his kids get lost or hurt in his desert." Indeed, he had heard the stories of St. Paul's raven coaxing lost soldiers and wanderers to the famous anchorite's abode. The boy began to pray and lost his fear. One by one he sang to the saints he loves, St. Mary, then his intercessor, St. Antony. St. Paul the Anchorite, St. Pishoy, St. Paul of Tammoh, and St. Athanasius – all champions of the faith. The youth was enjoying his sweet dialogue with the saints, and hardly felt that more than an hour had gone by - and yet the light in the distance did not look much closer. He continued, then realized that if he arrived too late, there might not be anyone at the monastery to receive him. He smiled. Would it be better to turn around and start again? He trudged on, but not for long. Approaching from behind are the unmistakable headlights of an old white Fiat. It pulls over. "St. Paul sent me,” the driver said right away. "Really? Thanks a lot,” the youth answered. "There's still a good three hours walking ahead of you!" The man introduced himself, "I am Amgad, by the way. You have been walking for long?" "Welcome! I am not sure - at least an hour or so!" was the reply. "Really, St. Paul sent me. My intercessor is actually St. Antony, but I have never been to his monastery. I was almost there for the first time when I felt as if I just had to turn around and go to St. Paul's. I couldn't fight it, it was an unspoken order. If I had not, you would be here until the morning hours, and nobody would open the monastery for you! Were you scared?" The youth smiled again. "I was worried at first," he admitted. "But when I remembered the stories of those who had become lost but who were found because of St. Paul sent a raven, I was comforted. I was certain God would take care of me." "Glory be to God!" Amgad said. There is a man beside him in the front who has not spoken. "You see, Hassan, this is something we have. We sense these things, they are normal occurrences for us, but we cannot explain them. Our saints work among us." Hassan is silent, but smiling. "It's funny,” Amgad said to Hassan, "you guys do not know anything about us, but we know everything about you. It's not that we're secretive or anything, but there's no place for you to learn about us. We learn about you on the buses, in taxis, on television, and even in school! We know your beliefs, but you have no idea about ours!" "You're right," Hassan confirmed. . "You see …” Amgad was cut off in the middle of his sentence. On the side road, there were four people walking together. The car had room for two more passengers. "God bless you!" the only woman among them exclaimed. "I am tired, and my child is very tired, too. We have been walking for four hours, which has been too much for him." The young man smiled to himself as the woman, a small child, and two young men approached the car. The two young men were traveling together, but joined the woman and child. Together they had been taking turns carrying the little boy. In every direction are great mountains, reducing everything beneath them to the size of the dates growing in fertile areas. "We knew someone was coming," the lady said. "It was very nice of these young< men to sing venerations the whole way! It kept us cheerful, and made us feel the presence of the saints." The small group wondered at the Glory of God, the works wrought through His saints and the surety of their presence and work among them. Surely, Saint Paul was not doing wonders for his own glory, but for the glory of his Lord, who protects His children, all those who love Him. The youth and the two young men - George and Girguis - argue over who will sacrifice their seat in the car. At last, the youth and Girguis ride on the trunk, clutching to the sides of the vehicle. When the car stopped, they thanked Amgad, who refused any money or tip, and ran to the church immediately, to receive the blessing of the great saint. The monastery is full of life. Departing, they encountered a monk who knew Girguis. "Agape, Father!" Girguis said to Abouna Ishak. George and Girguis see another monk they love and run off to speak with him. The youth was alone with Abouna Ishak. He told him of his journey, and that he intended to go to St. Antony's the next day. He told him that he was there for a few days the year before, and would like to spend more time at St. Antony's. "You do not like it here?" Abouna Ishak asked. "I like it, but St. Antony is my intercessor. St. Paul is also very dear to me, he did something with my mom before…" the youth answered, recalling a great miracle of healing. "Oh is your mom the one?” Later on, the three travelers lay outside the guest house. The retreat house did not accept people so late in the night. Girguis started singing. The youth listens and laid down on the cement bench. Cool air was making his gray galabaya flap, and cooled his head after such a hot day. He was here just a year before, feeling the same breeze. Girguis stopped. "I do not know this hymn. Do you know it?” he asked. "Yes, I do." the youth answered. "Please, can you teach me?" Girguis pleaded. Hymn by liturgical hymn, the two review the hymns to be sung
in four hours. "Did you bring your tunic?" the youth asked "I'm not a deacon. I'm trying to learn the hymns, but I can't be consecrated until I learn the hymns,” Girguis confessed. “I can't go to the lessons though because I have to work. I don't know if I'll ever be ready for consecration." Girguis is at least four years older than the youth. He received his diploma, a certificate meant specifically for physical labor, years ago. "I have a small cassette player. I play hymns while I work, trying to memorize them by hearing them while I do my job,” Girguis admitted. Together, they stayed awake for one more hour, solidifying the hymns of intercession as a starting point. "Will you stay here then, and teach me more tomorrow?" Girguis asked, hoping for a favorable response. That Girguis was even talking to a younger brother as his teacher was enough to make the youth cry. "I will be going to St. Antony's tomorrow,” Girguis stated. “If I don't get there, I will stay with you and teach you." The two decided to get some rest. George had fallen asleep on the bench, on a dirty mattress without a blanket. They would only have two hours of sleep before the Midnight Praises would begin. This is a retreat, after all. The youth removed his tunic after Liturgy, and ran to the parking lot to secure a ride. He was determined to get to St. Antony's, and did not rest or eat until he had found a bus which could transport him to the nearest town. From there he can ride a small microbus to his final destination. Before departing, he remembered something. He ran quickly to the bookstore. He searched for Girguis in the now crowded guesthouse. "Girguis,” the youth said, “take this tape, and learn it. I may see you again." They embraced, then departed. When recounting the story to the monk in charge of the retreat house at St. Antony's, a grin enveloped the face of Abouna Yaqoub. "My beloved,” he said, “there is no light which can be seen from the monastery from the beginning of the trail, plus the electricity is turned off by 10:00pm. "But it was there,” the youth exclaimed excitedly. "It was there,” Abouna agreed. "The light of God was indeed there." Don't forget! You're a reader, so…. You know
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