In Winter of 2004, I followed a graduate course on Eastern Christian Hermeneutics and Exegesis in the Prophecy of Isaiah. It was taught by an excellent man and professor, Fr. Andrew Onuferko. At the time he was also the Acting Director of the Metropolitan Andrey Sheptytsky Institute of Eastern Christian Studies at Saint Paul University, Ottawa. One section of the course highlighted the early Church and their use of the only Scriptures they knew of at the time – what we Christians now call the Old Testament. The author, John Sawyer in his excellent book, The Fifth Gospel: Isaiah in the History of Christianity, notes that the early Christians used Isaiah extensively in their evangelizing efforts, even informally creating a ‘Gospel narrative’ – something very much akin to what we now know as the Four Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. Sawyer proposes such a Gospel narrative in a collection of verses of Isaiah woven together. I have reproduced it below for your marvelling!

Behold a virgin shall conceive and bring forth a son (7:14 LXX, Vg), a rod out of the stem of Jesse (11:1). His name shall be called ‘Immanuel’ (7:14), ‘Wonderful counsellor, the mighty God, the everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace’ (9:6), Key of David (22:22), the Christ (45:1 LXX, Vg). To us a child is born (9:6). The ox knows its owner and the ass its master’s crib (1:3). The gentiles will come to your light and the kings to your rising … they shall bring gold and incense (60:6). The idols of Egypt shall be moved at his presence (19:1). Behold my servant … in whom my soul delights (42:1). The spirit of the Lord will rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding … (11:2). By the way of the sea, beyond Jordan and Galilee of the nations (9:1), the Lord has anointed me to preach good news to the poor… (61:1). Surely he has taken our infirmities and borne our sicknesses (53:4). Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened … then shall the lame man leap like a hart (35:5-6). The glory of the Lord is risen upon you (60:1). He shall be a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation (28:16), but also a stone of offence and a rock of stumbling to both the houses of Israel (8:14). He said, ‘Go and tell this people, Hear indeed, but understand not …’ (6:9).
I will weep bitterly … because of the destruction of the daughter of my people (that is, Jerusalem 22:4). Say to the daughter of Zion, Your saviour comes (62:11 LXX, Vg). My house will be called a house of prayer for all people (56:7). My servants shall eat but you shall be hungry, my servants shall drink but you shall be thirsty … (65:13). Ho everyone that thirsts, come to the waters … (55:1). He was brought as a lamb to the slaughter (53:7). The government (that is, the cross bearing the inscription ‘King of the Jews’ on it) shall be upon his shoulder (9:6), and there shall come up briars and thorns (5:6). I gave my back to the smiters and my cheeks to those that pluck out the hair; I hid not my face from shame and spitting (50:6). He was wounded for our transgressions, and bruised for our iniquities (53:5). From the sole of the foot even to the head there is no soundness, but bruises and sores and bleeding wounds (1:6). He was numbered between the transgressors … and made intercession for the transgressors (53:12). They made his grave … with a rich man (53:9). His tomb will be glorious (11:10 Vg). Now I will arise, says the Lord, now I will lift myself up, now I will be exalted (33:10). Then shall your light break forth like the dawn (58:8). Seek the Lord while he may be found (55:6). Behold my servant shall understand, he shall be exalted and lifted up (52:13 LXX, Vg); he shall be high and lifted up (6:1). I will set a sign among them … I will send survivors to the nations, to the sea, to Africa and Lydia, to Italy and Greece, to islands afar off, to those who have not heard about me and have not seen my glory; and they will proclaim my glory to the nations (66:19).

John F. A. Sawyer. The Fifth Gospel: Isaiah in the History of Christianity. (New York: Cambridge University Press, 1996), 49-50.

By St. Nicholas Velimirovich

In 1941, with the German occupation of Yugoslavia, Bishop Nikolai, together with Patriarch Gabriel Doshich, was arrested, and sentenced to imprisonment in the infamous Dachau Prison Camp in Germany. He spent two years in Dachau, witnessing, and suffering some of the cruelest torture of human beings the world has known.

Bless my enemies, O LORD. Even may I bless them, and not curse them. Enemies have driven me into Your embrace more than friends have. Friends have bound me to earth, enemies have loosed me from the earth, and have demolished all my aspirations in the world. Enemies have made me a stranger in worldly realms, and an extraneous inhabitant of the world. Just as a hunted animal finds safer shelter than an unhunted animal does, so have I, persecuted by enemies, found the safest sanctuary, having secured myself beneath Your Tabernacle, where neither friends, nor enemies can slay my soul.

Bless my enemies, O LORD. Even may I bless them, and not curse them. They, rather than I, have confessed my sins before the world. They have punished me, whenever I have hesitated to punish myself. They have tormented me, whenever I have tried to flee torments. They have scolded me, whenever I have flattered myself. They have spat upon me, whenever I have filled myself with arrogance.

Bless my enemies, O LORD. Even may I bless them, and not curse them. Whenever I have made myself wise, they have called me foolish. Whenever I have made myself mighty, they have mocked me as though I were small. Whenever I have wanted to lead people, they have shoved me into the background. Whenever I have rushed to enrich myself, they have prevented me with an iron hand. Whenever I thought that I would sleep peacefully, they have wakened me from sleep. Whenever I have tried to build a home for a long, and tranquil life, they have demolished it, and driven me out. Truly, enemies have cut me loose from the world, and have stretched out my hands to the hem of Your garment.

Bless my enemies, O LORD. Even may I bless them, and not curse them. Bless them, and multiply them : multiply them, and make them even more bitterly against me ; so that my fleeing to You may have no return ; so that all hope in Men may be scattered like cobwebs ; so that absolute serenity may begin to reign in my soul ; so that my heart may become the grave of my two evil twins — arrogance, and anger; so that I might amass all my treasure in heaven ; so that I may for once be freed from self-deception, which has entangled me in the dreadful web of illusory life. Enemies have taught me to know what hardly anyone knows, that a person has no enemies, but cruel friends. It is truly difficult for me to say who has done me more good, and who has done me more evil in the world: friends, or enemies.

Therefore, bless, O LORD, both my friends, and my enemies.

A slave curses enemies; for he does not understand. But a son blesses them; for he understands. For a son knows that his enemies cannot touch his life. Therefore, he freely steps among them, and prays to God for them.

Bless my enemies, O LORD. Even may I bless them, and not curse them. Amen.

By Platon, Archbishop of Kostroma
Editor: Abbot Alexander (Mileant)
from http://www.fatheralexander.org/booklets/english/ch_life.htm

FORCE YOURSELF to get up early and on a set schedule. As soon as you wake up, turn your mind to God: make the Sign of the Cross, and thank Him for the night that has passed and for all His mercies towards you. Ask Him to guide all your thoughts, feelings and desires, so that everything you say or do will be pleasing to Him.

As you dress, recollect the presence of the Lord and of your Guardian Angel. Ask the Lord Jesus Christ to put on you the robe of salvation.

After washing yourself, get down to morning prayers. Pray kneeling, with concentration, and with reverence and meekness, as is proper before the eyes of the Almighty. Ask Him to give you faith, hope, and charity, as well as calm strength to accept all that the coming day may bring to you – its hardships and troubles. Ask Him to bless your labors. Ask for help: to accomplish some particular task that you face; to steer clear of some particular sin.

If you can, read something from the Bible, especially from the New Testament and the Psalms. Read with intent to receive some spiritual enlightenment, inclining your heart to compunction. Having read a little, pause and reflect on what you read, and then proceed further, listening to what the Lord suggests to your heart.

Try to devote at least fifteen minutes to spiritually contemplate the teachings of the Faith and the profit to your soul in what you have read.

Always thank the Lord that He did not leave you to perish in your sins, but cares for you and in every possible way leads you to the Heavenly Kingdom.

Start every morning as if you had just decided to become a Christian and to live according to God’s commandments.

As you enter upon your duties, strive to do everything towards the glory of God. Start nothing without prayer, because whatever we do without prayer later turns out to be futile or harmful. The words of the Lord are true: “Without me, you can do nothing.”

Imitate our Saviour, Who labored helping Joseph and His most pure Mother. While working, keep a good spirit, relying always on the Lord’s help. It is a good thing to repeat unceasingly the prayer: “Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me a sinner.”

If your labors are successful, give thanks to the Lord; and if they are not, place yourself in His will, for He takes care of us and directs everything towards the better. Accept all hardships as a penance for your sins – in the spirit of obedience and humility.

Before every meal, pray that God will bless the food and drink; and after the meal give thanks to Him and ask Him not to deprive you of spiritual blessings. It is good to leave the table feeling a bit hungry. In everything, avoid excess. Following the example of Christians of old, fast on Wednesdays and Fridays.

Do not be greedy. Be content having food and clothing, imitating Christ Who became impoverished for our sake.

Strive to please the Lord in everything, so that you will not be reproached by your own conscience. Remember God always sees you, and so be carefully vigilant concerning the feelings, thoughts and desires of your heart.

Avoid even the smallest sins, lest you fall into greater ones. Drive away from your heart each and every thought or design that moves you away from the Lord. Strive especially against unclean desire; drive it out of your heart like a burning spark fallen on your coat. If you do not want to be troubled by evil desires, meekly accept humiliation from others.

Do not say too much, remember that for every spoken word we will give account before God. It is better to listen than to talk: in verbosity it is impossible to avoid sin. Do not be curious to hear the news, which only entertains and distracts the spirit. Condemn no one, but consider yourself to be worse than everyone else. The one who condemns another is taking another’s sins onto himself; it is better to grieve about the sinner, and pray that God will correct him in His own way. If someone does not listen to your advice, do not dispute with him. But if his deeds are a temptation to others, take appropriate measures, because their good, being many, must carry more weight than his, being only one.

Never argue or make excuses. Be gentle, quiet and humble; endure everything, according to the example of Jesus. He will not burden you with a cross that exceeds your strength. He will also help you carry the Cross that you have.

Ask the Lord to give you the grace to fulfill His holy Commandments as well as you can, even if they seem too difficult to keep. Having done a good deed, do not expect gratitude, but temptation: for love towards God is tested by obstacles. Do not hope to acquire any virtues without suffering sorrows. In the midst of temptations do not despair, but address God with short prayers: “Lord, help… Teach me to… Do not leave… Protect me… ” The Lord allows temptations and trials; He also gives the strength to overcome them.

Ask God to take away from you every thing that feeds your pride, even if it will be bitter. Avoid being harsh, gloomy, nagging, mistrustful, suspicious or hypocritical, and avoid rivalry. Be sincere and simple in your attitude. Humbly accept the admonitions of others, even if you are more wise and experienced.

What you do not want done to you, do not do to others. Rather, do for them what you wish to be done for you. If anyone visits you, be tender towards him, be modest, wise, and, sometimes, depending on the circumstances, be also blind and deaf.

When you feel slack, or a certain coolness, do not leave off the usual order of prayer and pious practices which you have established. Everything that you do in the name of the Lord Jesus, even the small and imperfect things, becomes an act of piety.

If you desire to find peace, commit yourself completely onto God. You will find no peace until you calm down in God, loving Him alone.

From time to time seclude yourself, following the example of Jesus, for prayer and contemplation of God. Contemplate the infinite love of our Lord Jesus Christ, His sufferings and death, His Resurrection, His Second Coming and the Last Judgment.

Visit the church as often as possible. Confess more often and receive the Holy Mysteries. Doing so you will abide in God, and this is the highest blessing. During Confession, repent and confess frankly and with contrition all your sins; for the unrepented sin leads to death.

Devote Sundays to works of charity and mercy; for example, visit someone who is sick, console someone who is in sorrow, save one who is lost. If anyone will help the lost one turn towards God he will receive a great reward in this life and in the age to come. Encourage your friends to read Christian spiritual literature and to participate in discussing spiritual matters.

Let the Lord Jesus Christ be your teacher in everything. Constantly address Him by turning your mind to Him; ask yourself: what would He do in similar circumstances?

Before you go to sleep, pray frankly and with all your heart, look searchingly at your sins during the past day. You should always compel yourself to repent with a contrite heart, with suffering and tears, lest you repeat past sins. As you go to bed, make the Sign of the Cross, kiss the cross, and entrust yourself to the Lord God, who is your Good Shepherd. Consider that perhaps this night you will have to appear before Him.

Remember the Lord’s love towards you and love Him with all your heart, your soul and your mind.

Acting in this way, you will reach the blessed life in the Kingdom of Eternal Light.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.

The Didache ca 120 AD

“Thou shalt not murder a child by abortion.” 2:2

“The Way of Death is filled with people who are … murderers of children and abortionists of God’s creatures.” 5:1-2

The Epistle of Barnabas ca 125 AD

“Thou shalt love thy neighbor more than thy own life. Thou shalt not murder a child by abortion.” 19:5

The Apocalypse of Peter ca 135

“I saw a gorge in which the discharge and excrement of the tortured ran down and became like a lake. There sat women, and the discharge came up to their throats; and opposite them sat many children, who were born prematurely, weeping. And from them went forth rays of fire and smote the women on the eyes. These were those who produced children outside of marriage and who procured abortions.” -26

“Those who slew the unborn children will be tortured forever, for God wills it to so.” -2:264

Clement of Alexandria ca 150-180

“Our whole life can go on in observation of the laws of nature, if we gain dominion over our desires from the beginning and if we do not kill, by various means of a perverse art, the human offspring, born according to the designs of divine providence; for these women who, if order to hide their immorality, use abortive drugs which expel the child completely dead, abort at the same time their own human feelings.” -Paedagogus 2

St. Athenagoras ca 765

“We say that women who induce abortions are murderers, and will have to give account of it to God. For the same person, would not regard the child in the womb as a living being and therefore an object of God’s care and then kill it…. But we are altogether consistent in our conduct. We obey reason and do not override it.” -Legatio 35

Tertullian ca 160-240

“For us [Christians] we may not destroy even the fetus in the womb, while as yet the human being derives blood from other parts of the body for its sustenance. To hinder a birth is merely a speedier man-killing; nor does it matter when you take away a life that is born, or destroy one that is coming to birth. That is a man which is going to be one: you have the fruit already in the seed.” -Apology 9:6

“They [John and Jesus] were both alive while still in the womb. Elizabeth rejoiced as the infant leaped in her womb; Mary glorifies the Lord because Christ within inspired her. Each mother recognizes her child and is known by her child who is alive, being not merely souls but also spirits.”
-De A ninta 26:4

Nlititicilis Felix ca 180-225

“There are women who swallow drugs to stifle in their own womb the beginnings of a man to be – committing infanticide before they even give birth to the infant.” -Octavius

St. Hippolytus ca 170-236

“Reputed believes began to resort to drugs for producing Sterility and to gird themselves round, so as to expel what was conceived on account of their not wanting to have a child either by a slave or by any paltry fellow, for the sake of their family and excessive wealth. Behold, into how great impiety that lawless one has proceeded, by inculcating adultery and murder at the same time.” -Refutation of all Heresies 9:7

Council of Eivira ca 305

“If a woman becomes pregnant by committing adultery, While her husband is absent, and after the act she destroys the child, it is proper to keep her from communion until death, because she has doubled her crime.” -Canon 63

St. Basil the Great ca 330-379

“She who has deliberately destroyed a fetus has to pay the penalty of murder…. here it is not only the child to be born that is vindicated, but also the woman herself who made an attempt against her own life, because usually the women die in such attempts. Furthermore, added to this is the destruction of the child, another murder.” -Letter 188:2

“Moreover, those, too, who give drugs causing abortion are deliberate murderers themselves, as well as those receiving the poison which kills the- fetus.” -Letter 188:2

St. Ambrose of Milan ca 339-397

The wealthy, in order that their inheritance may not be divided among several, deny in the very womb their own progeny. By use of’ parricidal mixtures they snuff out the fruit of their wombs in the genital organs themselves. In this way life is taken away before it is born… Who except man himself has taught us ways of repudiating children?” -Hexameron

St. Jerome ca 342-420

“They drink potions to ensure sterility and are guilty of murdering a human being not yet conceived. Some, when they learn that they are with child through sin, practice abortion by the use of drugs. Frequently they die themselves and are brought before the rulers of the lower world guilty of three crimes: suicide, adultery against Christ, and murder of an unborn child.” -Letter 22:13

The Apostolic Constitutions ca 380

“Thou shalt not slay the child by causing abortion, nor kill that which is begotten. For everything that is shaped, and his received a soul from God, if slain, it shall be avenged, as being unjustly destroyed.” ,-7:3

St. John Chrysostom ca 340-407

“Why sow where the ground makes it its care to destroy the fruit? Where there are many efforts at abortion? Where there is murder before the birth? For you do not even let the harlot remain a mere harlot, but make her a murderer also. You see how drunkenness leads to whoredom, whoredom to adultery, adultery to murder; or rather something even worse than murder. For I have no real name to give it, since it does not destroy the thing born but prevents its being born. Why then do you abuse the gift of God and fight with His laws, and follow after what is a curse as if a blessing, and make the place of procreation a chamber for murder, and arm the woman that was given for childbearing unto slaughter? -Homily 24 on Romans

Unknown Compiler

I have been a fan of America’s Got Talent since its inception. It is a very entertaining show. There have been some incredible bombs on that show. I end up wondering why people insist that they are talented when clearly this is not the case. I really believe that we just think too much of ourselves. However, I am not descending into some Calvinist pit of utter despair or any other heterodox belief! There have been some truly incredibly talented performers on that show. I think that Terry Fator shines among all the finalists and winners.

However…

A good friend of mine sent me the following YouTube video of Ukraine’s Got Talent. Two young children doing an incredible ballet/acrobatic act. Makes one wonder if all those video games are doing are youth any good. Enjoy the show! And don’t forget to give thanks to God for such talent and beauty!

I just came back from a wonderful evening with my friends, Roman and Stephanie (and their little one yet to be born in this world). After some shopping for fresh fish (it is, afterall, the time of the Apostles’ Fast), Stephanie home safely from work, and a short dram of McClelland’s Single Malt Islay (way to go, Roman!)  with baguettes, brie and a cranberry/orange sauce on the side, a lovely pepper and lime blackened salmon was served with potatoes and a homemade coleslaw (mmm! Stephanie knows how to cook!). Our conversation varied from history of the UGCC, to foolish car accidents (or bumper-shmumpers as we called them back in the day), to stories of siblings growing up and on and on.

It was in the midst of this deep discourse that we uncovered the foundation of crustless PB & J sandwiches. Seems that at the beginning, PB & J sandwiches were always made with bread that had crusts. Every mother would want this for her child as there would be no waste whatsoever. The first crustless PB & J sandwich was not made by a woman, however. It was made by a man – a Byzantine priest, in fact. You see, it was after a morning Divine Liturgy that Pani Dobrodivka had to run some errands and left the care o fthe children to her husband, the parish priest of the local church. The children, after a good playful romp in the fields nearby, came running into the house asking for a snack. Not knowing much about things culinary, the priest finds the loaf of bread and makes the children PB & J sandwiches. However, custom got the better of him and he began immediately after to cut away the crusts as he does every morning at the Divine Liturgy with the prosphora loaf. He of course realized this afterwards, shrugged his shoulders and gave the children their very first crustless PB & J sandwiches. It was an instant hit.

At the Divine Liturgy, the cut off crusts are given as the antidoron to the faithful at the end of the Liturgy. In the kitchen, the cut-away crusts were given to the birds – the antidoron for God’s creatures.

With thanks to orrologion:

The Athonite monk was walking along and was greeted by a young Greek man who loudly demanded, “Give me one reason to believe in God!” The opportunity was golden, according to many. The Athonite was silent for a moment, then calmly answered, “No,” and continued on his way.

-Source Unknown

Jean Kim-Butcher, a wonderful woman, mother of six, and and wife to Brian (he and I were graduate students at MASI some years back), contributes regularly to Canadian Christianity, an online Christian news and ministry magazine. In Jean’s most recent article, she writes about the benefit of participation in the life of the Church especially for families. You can read the entire article here.

I do want to emphasize one particular section of her article, though – see below. I think it shows a certain mature perspective of the Church. Read it over a few times. What do you think?

Our attendance at church is an act of humility, in that we thereby profess our need to learn and be supported. Indeed, to be relational is to image forth the very life of the Holy Trinity. Ought we not to view church as an artist’s studio rather than a museum? It’s a place where the raw materials of who we are become moulded into works in progress, rather than one where finished products are presented for admiration. For then the church environment can be one of acceptance ­– one where all feel safe to come.

The following is from the Monastery at Chevetogne in Belgium. It is a Benedictine Monastery and fully Catholic. It celebrates both as and Eastern and Western Churches. The two deacons in the video from Great and Holy Friday are from Montreal and Chicago.

Troparion of the Veneration of the Epitaphios:
Come and let us bless Joseph of everlasting memory, who came to Pilate by night and begged for the Life of all: ‘Give me this stranger, who has no place to lay His head. Give me this stranger, whom His evil disciple delivered to death. Give me this stranger, whom His Mother saw hanging on the Cross, and with a mother’s sorrow she cried weeping: “Woe is me, my Child! Woe is me, Light of mine eyes and beloved fruit of my womb! For what Simeon foretold in the temple is come to pass today: a sword pierce my heart, but do Thou change my grief to gladness by Thy Ressurrection.” ‘
We venerate Thy Passion, O Christ.
We venerate Thy Passion, O Christ.
We venerate Thy Passion, O Christ, and Thy Holy Resurrection.

I went to visit my Baba today (for those of my friends unfamiliar with the Ukrainian language, Baba means Grandmother). She is 93 years old – turning 94 next month. I swear – she doesn’t look day over 85! Every time I tell her that she just giggles like a little girl, touches my hand and then gives me a look that only Baba can give – Michael, you should know better!

Baba’s voice and her manner of speaking have changed since I last saw her in November 2008 – I came home to Ottawa to anoint her as her health was failing. She bounced back. But these recent changes have revealed how much she has aged in the last little while. She puts on the image of being strong – all so that we will not think of her age.

She revels in the fact that she is now the matriarch of the family – and she blesses each of us with the sign of the Cross when we depart (she is a good and noble sovereign). She is a woman of prayer – my mother, her only surviving child, calls her a prayer warrior. Some of the staff at the nursing home ask why Baba has lived so long. Answers such as daily vitamins, keeping the window open at night for a little fresh air, taking a nap or two a day, etc. are readily available for consideration. But I have to agree with my own mom – Baba is a woman of prayer – one woman that the Lord in His infinite wisdom has decided to keep around. Who knows for whom she prays – that is known only to our Lord and Baba’s own heart. I am humbled and grateful that I am included in those prayers.

This photo above was taken today – June 5, 2009 – a mere 34 days before her 94th birthday!