#Saint Gerasimos monastery

[orthodoxydaily]

SAINTS&READING: SATURDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2024

october 29_september 12

VENERABLE KYRIAKOS, THE HERMIT OF PALESTINE (556)

Saint Kyriakos (Kyriákos)1 was born in the Greek city of Corinth to the priest John and his wife Eudokίa. Bishop Peter of Corinth, a family relative, saw that Kyriakos was a quiet and sensible child, making him a reader in church. His constant reading of the Holy Scriptures awakened a love for the Lord and made him long for a pure and holy life.

When he was not yet eighteen years old, Kyriakos was deeply moved during a Church Service by the words of the Gospel: “If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me” (Matthew 16:24). He believed that these words applied to him, so he went straight to the harbor without stopping at home, got onto a ship, and went to Jerusalem.

After visiting the holy places, Kyriakos lived for several months at a monastery not far from Sion, in obedience to the Igoumen Abba Eustorgios (Eustórgios). Later, with the latter's blessing, he made his way to the wilderness Lavra of Saint Euthymios the Great (January 20). Saint Euthymios, discerning great gifts of God in Kyriakos, tonsured him into the monastic schema and placed him under the guidance of Saint Gerasimos (Gerásimos) (March 4), who trained him in asceticism at the Monastery of Saint Theoktistos (Theóktistos) by the Jordan.

Saint Gerasimos, taking into account the fact that Kyriakos was very young, ordered him to live in a cenobitic monastery with the brethren. The young monk easily fulfilled his monastic obediences: he prayed fervently, he slept little, and ate food only every other day, sustaining himself with bread and water.

It was customary for the monks to go into the Rouva wilderness during Great Lent, and return to the Monastery on Palm Sunday. Seeing the young monk's strict abstinence, Saint Gerasimos decided to take him along with him. In complete solitude, the ascetics redoubled their efforts. Every Sunday Saint Gerasimos imparted the Holy Mysteries to his disciple.

After the repose of Saint Gerasimos, the twenty-seven-year-old Kyriakos returned to the Lavra of Saint Euthymios, who was no longer among the living. Father Kyriakos asked for a solitary cell and there he devoted himself to ascetical contests in silence, speaking only to the monk Thomas. But Thomas was sent to Alexandria where he was consecrated as a bishop, and Saint Kyriákos spent another ten years in complete silence. At the age of thirty-seven, he was ordained to the diaconate.

When a rift occurred between the monasteries of Saint Euthymios and Saint Theoktistos, Saint Kyriakos withdrew to the Souka Monastery of Saint Kharίton (September 28). At this Monastery they received even tonsured monks as novices, and Saint Kyriakos was also received this way. He toiled humbly at various monastic obediences. After several years, Saint Kyriakos was ordained as a priest, and was chosen as the canonarch,2 serving in this obedience for eighteen years. In all, Saint Kyriakos spent thirty years at the Monastery of Saint Kharίton (September 28).

Strict fasting and a complete lack of evil distinguished Saint Kyriakos even among the older ascetics of the Lavra. Each night he read the Psalter in his cell, interrupting his reading only to go to church at midnight. The ascetic slept very little. When he reached the age of seventy, Kyriakos went to the Natoufa wilderness, taking his disciple John with him.

In the desert the hermits ate only bitter herbs, which were made edible by the prayers of Saint Kyriakos. After five years, a certain man found out about the ascetics and brought his demon-possessed son to them, and Saint Kyriakos healed him. From that time, many people began coming to him with their needs, but he desired complete solitude, and fled to the Rouva wilderness, where he dwelt five years more. But the sick and those afflicted by demons also came to him in that wilderness, and the Saint healed them all with the Sign of the Cross and anointing them with oil.

In his eightieth year Saint Kyriakos fled to the remote Sousakim wilderness, near two dried up streams. According to Tradition, the holy Prophet David mentioned Sousakim: “Thou hast dried up the rivers of Etham” (Psalm 73/74:15). After seven years, brethren of the Souka Monastery came to him, beseeching his spiritual help during a period of debilitating hunger and illness, which God allowed. They implored Saint Kyriakos to return to the Monastery, and he settled in the cave where Saint Kharίton had once lived.

Saint Kyriakos provided great help to the Church in the struggle with the spreading heresy of Origenism. By prayer and by word, he brought the wayward back to the true path, and strengthened the Orthodox in their faith. Cyril, the author of the Life of Saint Kyriakos, and a monk of the Lavra of Saint Euthymios, was a witness when Saint Kyriakos foretold the impending death of the chief heretics Nonos and Leontius, and said that soon the heresy would cease to spread.

The Most Holy Theotokos once appeared to Saint Kyriakos in a dream, along with Saints John the Baptist and John the Theologian, ordering him to preserve Orthodox doctrine in its purity. She refused to enter his cell, however, because in it was a book with the writings of the heretic Nestorius. “My enemy is in your cell," she told him.3

At the age of ninety-nine, Saint Kyriakos went to Susakim again and lived there with his disciple John. In the desert, Saint Kyriakos was served by a huge lion, which protected him from robbers. The animal did not bother the brethren, and it ate food from the Saint's hand.

The ascetics had stored some water in the hollow of a rock during the winter, but in the heat of summer, all the water dried up. Since there was no other source of water, Saint Kyriakos prayed, and the rain fell, filling the hollow with water.

Saint Kyriakos returned to the Monastery two years before his death and settled once more in Saint Kharίton's cave. Until the end of his life the righteous Elder preserved his courage, and prayed with fervor. He was never idle, he either prayed or he worked. Before his blessed repose, Saint Kyriakos summoned the brethren and blessed them all. He fell asleep in the Lord, having lived for 109 years.

1 His name is derived from the Greek word Κύριος, which means Lord, or one who belongs to the Lord. 2 A Canonarch is the lead chanter or Reader. He ensures that other Readers chant from the correct texts and use the proper Tones. He also preserves the canonical order in the liturgical services, according to the Typikon. 3 The appearance of the Most Holy Theotokos to Saint Kyriákos is commemorated on June 8.

St. ONUPHRIUS THE WONDERWORKER OF GARESJA, GEORGIA ( 18th.c.)

Saint Onuphrius of Gareji (Otar Machutadze in the world) lived and labored in the 18th century. He was a Karelian aristocrat famed for wealth, hospitality, and charity.       Longing for the ascetic life, Otar wore a hair shirt under his distinguished raiment and unceasingly prayed to God for the strength to lead the monastic life. He revealed his will to his wife: “I thirst to turn from this world and draw nearer to Christ,” he said. “Therefore, I beg your forgiveness for all my transgressions, both voluntary and involuntary.”       His faithful wife consented and permitted him to go in peace. Otar traveled with his two eldest sons to Tbilisi, blessed them, and bade them farewell for the last time. Then, he set off for the David-Gareji Monastery, led by the kindhearted superior Archimandrite Herman.       Archimandrite Herman received Otar with great joy, and after a short time, he tonsured him with a monk named Onuphrius.

 Blessed Onuphrius was a peaceful, humble and obedient man and a tireless ascetic. He would keep vigil through the night, and after the morning prayers he would go down to the ravine and continue to chant psalms, shedding tears over his past transgressions. He ate just one meal a day of bread and water, after the hour of Vespers. Once the Dagestanis attacked the David-Gareji Monastery, plundered the church, and took captive several monks including Onuphrius, the priests Maxime and Ioakime, and four deacons. Onuphrius was the oldest among them. The unbelievers planned to stab him to death, but the Lord protected him from their evil scheme.       According to the will of the All-mercifulGod, Onuphrius was freed and returned to the monastery.       The brotherhood was impoverished after the invasion, so Archimandrite Herman sent St. Onuphrius on a mission to solicit alms. It was difficult for St. Onuphrius to depart from the monastery, but he unquestioningly obeyed the will of his superior: the former aristocrat began to walk from door to door, begging for charity. At Tskhinvali in Samachablo St. Onuphrius attracted the attention of a crowd of people leading a young, demon-possessed man. The saint approached them and discovered that they were bringing the young man to a fortuneteller for help.       With love and great boldness St. Onuphrius addressed the crowd, saying, “My children, such behavior is not fitting for Christian believers. Bring the young man to me!”       The young man’s mother fell on her knees before him, begging for help, but St. Onuphrius raised her up and proclaimed: “I have come bearing earth from the grave of St. David of Gareji. This will help your son!” He dissolved a pinch of the earth in water and gave it to the young man to drink, and he was immediately healed.       St. Onuphrius took with him his youngest son, John, and returned to the monastery with a great quantity of provisions.       Once a certain Arab with a wounded eye came to the monastery seeking help. St. Onuphrius washed his eye in water from the holy spring of David-Gareji, and he was immediately healed.       Later St. Onuphrius desired to be tonsured into the great schema. The superior was hesitant, and told Onuphrius to remain for twenty or thirty days at the grave of St. David praying and supplicating God to reveal His will. The saint remained there in prayer, and after thirty days God revealed to the abbot that Fr. Onuphrius was truly worthy of this honor. Then Schemamonk Onuphrius gave a vow of silence and began to sleep on a tattered mat. Under his clothing he wore a heavy chain, and he left his cell only to attend the divine services.       Soon Blessed Onuphrius became so exhausted that he was no longer able to stand. The brothers begged him to lie on a bed and rest his head on a pillow, but the blessed Onuphrius opened his mouth for the first time since taking the vow of silence and said, “I vow to end my days on this mat.”       St. Onuphrius endured his infirmities with thanksgiving and repeated the Jesus Prayer incessantly. When people came to receive his blessing, he would welcome them, saying, “Let me kiss the edge of your garments and wash your feet with my tears!”       Sensing that the end of his days was approaching, St. Onuphrius partook of the Holy Gifts and, eighteen days later, on the Feast of Theophany, fell asleep in the Lord.       St. Onuphrius was buried on the south side of the grave of St. David of Gareji, near the altar window.

© 2006 St. Herman of Alaska Brotherhood.

1 Corinthians 10:23-28

23 All things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful; all things are lawful for me, but not all things edify. 24 Let no one seek his own, but each one the other's well-being. 25 Eat whatever is sold in the meat market, asking no questions for conscience' sake; 26 for "the earth is the LORD's, and all its fullness." 27 If any of those who do not believe invites you to dinner, and you desire to go, eat whatever is set before you, asking no question for conscience's sake. 28 But if anyone says to you, "This was offered to idols," do not eat it for the sake of the one who told you, and for conscience' sake; for "the earth is the LORD's, and all its fullness."

Luke 5:17-26

17 Now it happened on a certain day, as He was teaching, that there were Pharisees and teachers of the law sitting by, who had come out of every town of Galilee, Judea, and Jerusalem. And the power of the Lord was present to heal them. 18 Then behold, men brought on a bed a man who was paralyzed, whom they sought to bring in and lay before Him. 19 And when they could not find how they might bring him in, because of the crowd, they went up on the housetop and let him down with his bed through the tiling into the midst before Jesus. 20 When He saw their faith, He said to him, "Man, your sins are forgiven you." 21 And the scribes and the Pharisees began to reason, saying, "Who is this who speaks blasphemies? Who can forgive sins but God alone?" 22 But when Jesus perceived their thoughts, He answered and said to them, "Why are you reasoning in your hearts? 23 Which is easier, to say, 'Your sins are forgiven you,' or to say, 'Rise up and walk'? 24 But that you may know that the Son of Man has power on earth to forgive sins-He said to the man who was paralyzed, "I say to you, arise, take up your bed, and go to your house." 25 Immediately he rose up before them, took up what he had been lying on, and departed to his own house, glorifying God. 26 And they were all amazed, and they glorified God and were filled with fear, saying, "We have seen strange things today!"

[paraskevaaa]

August 1, 2024: The stench of sin

St. Gerasimos of the Jordan with his lion Jordanes.

The stench of sin. All humans sin and all humans have the stench of sin. Those who deal with dark entities have reported for hundreds of years the manifestation of horrid smells accompanying the enemy and his allies. It seems that the good are accompanied by good smells and the evil are accompanied by foul ones in the plane of the soul.

We know that sin, straying from God’s light, is equivalent to death. We were not created to experience physical death, we were created with free will and not blessed with the power to heal our bodies beyond natural laws. Free will and the enemy’s temptations of the flesh culminated in the first sin, and started Adam and Eve’s bodily clock of decay which all who are born of both male and female flesh inherit.

God loves and cares for all His creation. We could not wander the Garden with decaying bodies and naïve souls. We were sent to Earth to live as both body and soul, and are given the chance to die daily to the flesh, repent and rebuke sin and the passions, and live for God by serving his children in compassionate love and forgiveness.

Orthodox monastics are monks and nuns who seek refuge from the sickness of the world and the human condition to live for God entirely. It is written that

He who seeks to save his life will lose it, but he who loses his life for My sake will find it.

We will all lose our lives at the end of our time on Earth. The treasures you toil to build up here on Earth will become lost to you and to future generations in time. What about the soul? To comfort the soul with eternal life after death and reunion with the source of all universal power, monastics leave their entire Earthly lives to know, love, and serve God in this life. As a result of this, many monastics become extremely good and pure, and some become holy, of which God is the Most Holy. They become saints for having a heart so completely dedicated to God with no space at all for the passions.

These individuals, such as St. Gerasimos of the Jordan, became so free from Earthly sin that they began to lose the stench of their sins. A stench that we humans cannot sense, because with our bodies grounding our souls to the Earth, we cannot perceive things in our spirit. A stench, however, that animals can pick up on. With every sin we gain a blemish on our souls that takes it further away from its original state… a childlike state of innocence, blamelessness, love, and friendship.

Unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the Kingdom of Heaven.

St. Gerasimos encountered a fierce lion in the desert and the lion, sensing he was not like other humans because of the scentlessness and cleanliness of his soul, did not attack Father Gerasimos and instead became obedient to him. Father Gerasimos and his monastery’s brothers named the lion Jordanes and they lived in peace, until Father Gerasimos fell asleep in the Lord and Jordanes followed him to his grave the minute he realized Gerasimos’ death.

As Orthodox Christians, we strive to die daily to the flesh and lead our lives both in Christlikeness and in the spirit of His perfect love. We serve the King of the Universe, and all human hearts already know His law, though they may be lost. We are called to love all people as they are all beloved by God and made in His own image, though God is not an old man with a beard in a flowy white robe. He is woven into the very fabric of the universe, He is the nighttime wind ripping through the leaves of an oak tree, He is the warm heart of a stranger caring for you for seemingly no reason.

If you know a very good and loving person who seems to attract and be loved by animals, you might very well know why. God bless and keep you and your loved ones❤️‍🔥 Glory be to Jesus Christ.

[mamiaztec]

Alexander the Great statue at the Holy Monastery of Saint Gerasimos of the Jordan, west of the river Jordan.

[george-geranios]

“Thou Shalt Love Thy Neighbour As Thyself”

...as the Ten Commandments say “Thou Shalt Love Thy Neighbour As Thyself”

Love,because the Gospel speaks only about Love!

spent 10 days in a Orthodox Monastery in the desert of Saint Gerasimos

Israel.May 2018

[angrycrabeyes]

 via  Gridllr.com   —  gridlify your Likes!

Church interior, Monastery of Saint Gerasimos, Cephalonia, Greece by Berit Watkin.

[thesynaxarium]

Today we also celebrate the Holy New Martyr Haido of Chalkidike. Saint Haido was from the village of Stano in Chalkidike and she lived in the 19th century. After the Revolution of 1821 she left with her mother and settled in Thasos, because a Turkish ruler sought her hand in marriage and she did not want to convert to Islam or marry a Turk. Because of her refusal she was tortured in prison to convert, but she continued to refuse to renounce Christ and her heritage. Till this day one can see where Haido was imprisoned in Stano. She only escaped because the village priest and some young men helped break her free. In Thasos she entered the Monastery of Pantokratoros in Kallirachi, where she served in the church and lived a life of purity fully dedicated to God and taking care of her mother. After the repose of her mother she dedicated her whole life to prayer and fasting and she acquired spiritual illumination. It is said that she reached an angelic state by her heavenly way of life, and for two days she was caught up into Paradise where she witnessed heavenly mysteries. Upon her return she related her experience to Hieromonk Gerasimos who served in the Monastery. While still young she succumbed to sickness due to her austere way of life, and she reposed in peace. Before her death, she advised those with her to not change her clothing before her burial. They however did not obey. When they went to change her clothing an earthquake occurred and thunder sounded and a voice was heard saying to put her old clothes back on. When this was done there was stillness and her holy relics began to exude a beautiful fragrance. She was buried in the cemetery of the Monastery. May she intercede for us always + Source: https://www.johnsanidopoulos.com/2012/09/saint-haido-of-halkidiki-19th-cent.html?m=1 (at Στανός Χαλκιδικής) https://www.instagram.com/p/Ch8M3pjP9fn/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[kalosyni]

What to Visit in Skiathos: The Monastery of Evangelistria

Faith plays an important duty in the life of the Greeks, as well as especially in the islands, where lots of people still strictly regard religious traditions, like fasting, for instance. The rich sailors' households often had their church, so that the saint or the Holy Mary would certainly supervise their safety. In Skiathos, as in all Greek islands, these churches abound. They were generally set up in magnificent areas, with magnificent views. Do not wait to take place a hike uphill as well as inland on the dusty roads to check out several of them. You will certainly always find there a bench to remainder, sometimes a water fountain with fresh water and also a minute of peace. For more information visit https://www.skiathosmystery.com

Among the need to tours during your stay in Skiathos, you will include the spectacular Monastery Evangelistria. Whether you are a follower or otherwise, this gorgeous building is worth a check out for numerous factors: the amazing landscape that surrounds the high-grade repair that was done there recently, greatly funded by European funds, the function it played in the building of contemporary Greece, its galleries of everyday life and also musical tools from around the world and also its store regional produce.

The Abbey of Evangelistria gets on the northeastern edge of the island, regarding 5km far from Skiathos Community, on Mount Karaflytzanakia, the greatest optimal of Skiathos, near the headwaters of the river Lechouni among lush as well as remarkable nature. It dominates the Aegean Sea which occasionally looks like the Atlantic Ocean when it crashes hugely on the rocks 450 m below.

If you are followers of trekking, you can reach the monastery walking, regarding an hr on a paved steep sloping road. For those who prefer to keep their breath to marvel at the top, the abbey can be gotten to by vehicle in about 20 mins. Only the last meters will certainly be covered walking.

The monastery was founded by two monks, Niphon, a native of Chios and also Gregory Hatzistamatis, from Skiathos, compelled to leave Mount Athos as a result of a conflict with the reclusive community. Gregory had inherited from his father a large land in the mountain where he chose to develop the abbey. The construction started in the 18th century, in 1794 to be specific, and also was finished in 1806.

The community of monks that lived there provided substantial assistance to the pre-revolutionary movements against the Turks and also the Greek Transformation of 1821. Do you understand that the first Greek flag, with the white cross on a blue background, was created, woven, honored, and increased for the very first time in the Monastery of Evangelistria?

In the mid-90s, when the old abbot Gerasimos died after 39 years of loyal service, for two years, no substitute came to take in hand the destiny of the monastery. In 1997, the arrival of the dynamic and also charismatic Peter Angelos noted the beginning of a long duration of creative thinking, progression, and extreme and successful improvement of the shelter.

Throughout months, they were associated with the construction or repair work of the church of the three domes topped with a roof covering of stone, committed to "The Annunciation of the Virgin". They also repaired the cells of the West Wing, the guest house, the kitchen, the bakery, the mythology gallery, the collection, the vestry of the churches of St. John and St. Demetrius, the house of the abbot, as well as paved the eastern yard of the storage tank. A winery was grown, as well as lots of fruit trees, ornamental plants, and also flowers.

The Abbey had lastly recovered its beauty and its majesty.

Not just the place is magnificent, yet in the museum of clerical life, visitors can appreciate the old vestments, manuscripts, as well as publications from the 17th century, old wooden crosses, as well as silver Byzantine icons.

Two times a year, the monastery is invaded by the faithful as well as by lots of foreign travelers. One is the procession of the Virgin, on the eve of August 15. The islanders sing candlelight appreciation to the Virgin and also it is tough to remain indifferent to this feeling of respect.

An additional essential moment in the life of the monastery is the Holy Week, which culminates in the Mass of the Rebirth, during the night from Saturday to Sunday. The clergyman then brings the Holy Light, that came from Jerusalem by a plane hired by an affluent shipowner from the island.

Besides these two minutes of the intense task, an abbey is a place of tranquility, a wonderful break from the bustle of the vacations, which will prompt you to reflect.

If you are fans of hiking, you can get to the monastery on foot, concerning an hr on a paved high sloping roadway. The abbey was established by two monks, Niphon, a local of Chios, and also Gregory Hatzistamatis, from Skiathos, required to leave Mount Athos as a result of a dispute with the monastic neighborhood. In the mid-90s, when the old abbot Gerasimos died after 39 years of devoted service, for two years, no substitute came to take in hand the destiny of the abbey. Two times a year, the abbey is gotten into by the faithful as well as by several international visitors. An additional important minute in the life of the monastery is the Holy Week, which culminates in the Mass of the Rebirth, throughout the night from Saturday to Sunday.

[angelofberlin2000]

This is one of my favorite (modern) icons painted by Oleg Shurkus (Олег Шуркус). It depicts a sweet episode from the life of saint Gerasimus of the Jordan:  One day while he was walking along the Jordan, Gerasimos came upon a lion roaring in agony because of a large splinter imbedded in one paw. Overcome by compassion for the beast, Gerasimos removed the splinter and cleaned the wound, bounding it up, expecting the lion to return to its cave. Instead the creature meekly followed him back to his monastery and became his devoted pet. The whole community was amazed at the animal's conversion to a peaceful nature, life and devotion to the abbot; living on bread and vegetables. (x)

Look how lovely the artist painted the emotions of the lion (pain and sadness) and of Saint Gerasimus (love and compassion) and how close-knit they are!

[the-hebrew-bible]

Journey to Israel - The Judaean Desert

Journey to Israel – The Judaean Desert

Holy Monastery of Saint Gerasimos of The Jordan(Deir Hajla – دير حجلة) During my Journey to Israel, I visited this monastery, is on the west bank of the Jordan River, not far from Jericho and the Dead Sea.  I entered this cool oasis in the heat of the desert midday, just when I felt that I could not stand the heat and sun outside any more. The heavy stone provided full protection from the day…

[thehomelessmonk]

The chapel of St. Gerasimos of Kefalonia in the Monastery of Dovra in Veria☦ 

Ιερά Μονή Παναγίας Δοβρά 🇬🇷☦💒 

#monastery #greekorthodox #orthodox #christian #church #liturgy #Greece #greek #deacon #priest #monk #god #religion #jesus #architecture #byzantine #art #lifestyle #naousa #holy #saint #gopro #candle #dark #night #pray #d5500 #nikond5500 #nikon

by @paulos_papa 

on Instagram http://ift.tt/20riyag

[orthodoxydaily]

Saints&Reading:Sunday, December, 18, 2022

december 18_december 5

ST SABBAS THE SANCTIFIED (532)

Saint Sabbas the Sanctified was born in the fifth century at Cappadocia of pious Christian parents, John and Sophia, and his father was a military commander. Journeying to Alexandria on military matters, John and Sophia left their five-year-old son Sabbas in the care of an uncle. When the boy was eight years old, he entered the nearby Monastery of Saint Flavian. The gifted child quickly learned to read and became an expert on the Holy Scriptures. His parents urged Saint Savva to return to the world and enter into marriage, but all in vain.

When he was seventeen years old he was tonsured as a monk, and attained such perfection in fasting and prayer that God found him worthy of the gift of working miracles. After spending ten years at the Monastery of Saint Flavian, he went to Jerusalem, and from there to the Monastery of Saint Euthymios the Great (January 20). Saint Euthymios, however, sent the young man to Abba Theoktistos, the head of a nearby monastery with a strict cenobitic Rule. Saint Sabbas lived in obedience at this monastery until the age of thirty.

After the death of Elder Theoktistos, his successor blessed Savva to seclude himself in a cave. But on Saturdays, he left his hermitage and came to the Monastery, where he took part in the Divine Services and ate with the brethren. After a certain time, Saint Sabbas received permission not to leave his hermitage at all, and he struggled in the cave for five years.

Saint Euthymios directed the young monk's life, and seeing his spiritual maturity, he began to take him to the Rouba wilderness with him. They left on January 14, and remained there until Palm Sunday. Saint Euthymios called Saint Sabbas a Child-Elder, and encouraged him to grow in the monastic virtues.

When Saint Euthymios fell asleep in the Lord (+ 473), Saint Savva withdrew from the Lavra and moved to a cave near the monastery of Saint Gerasimos of Jordan (March 4). After several years, disciples began to gather around Saint Sabbas. As the number of monks increased, a Lavra sprang up. Guided by a pillar of fire which appeared before him as he was walking, Saint Savva found a spacious cave in the form of a church.

The holy Elder founded several more monasteries. Many miracles took place through his prayers: at the Lavra, a spring of water welled up, during a time of drought there was abundant rain, and the sick and those possessed by demons were also healed. Saint Sabbas composed the first monastic Rule of Church Services, the “Jerusalem Typikon," followed by all the Palestinian monasteries. The Saint surrendered his soul to God in the year 532.

Saint Sabbas is depicted holding a scroll which reads: "He who loves God disdains corruptible things, and prefers the knowledge of Him."

LUKE 17:12-19

12 Then as He entered a certain village, there met Him ten men who were lepers, who stood afar off. 13 And they lifted up their voices and said, "Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!"14So when He saw them, He said to them, "Go, show yourselves to the priests." And so it was that as they went, they were cleansed. 15 And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, returned, and with a loud voice glorified God, 16 and fell down on his face at His feet, giving Him thanks. And he was a Samaritan. 17 So Jesus answered and said, "Were there not ten cleansed? But where are the nine? 18 Were there not any found who returned to give glory to God except this foreigner? 19 And He said to him, "Arise, go your way. Your faith has made you well."

EPHESIANS 6:10-17

10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14 Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15 and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God;

[worldhotelvideo]

Branco Mykonos in Platis Yialos Mykonos, Greece (Europe). The best of Branco Mykonos Hotel. Welcome to Branco Mykonos in Platis Yialos Mykonos, Greece (Europe). The best of Branco Mykonos. Subscribe in http://goo.gl/VQ4MLN beach. In the section of food and drink you can enjoy chocolate or cookies, bottle of water, breakfast in the room, special diet menus (on request), restaurant, kid meals, wine/champagne, restaurant (à la carte), fruits, room service and bar. For wellness the establishment includes fitness, spa/wellness packages, personal trainer, pedicure, sun loungers or beach chairs, pool/beach towels, sun umbrellas, fitness classes, public bath, hair styling, hair treatments, body treatments, swimming pool, hair colouring, fitness centre, manicure, outdoor pool, beauty services, massage, yoga classes and beachfront. As far as transport is concerned, secured parking, shuttle service (free), accessible parking, airport drop off, airport shuttle, airport pick up, shuttle service and car hire. For the reception services we can find concierge service, private check-in/check-out, newspapers, ticket service, safety deposit box, 24-hour front desk and luggage storage and express check-in/check-out and tour desk. Within the common spaces you can enjoy sun terrace. For the enjoyment of the family we will have babysitting/child services. The role of cleaning services will include dry cleaning, trouser press, laundry, ironing service and daily maid service. If you arrive by business in the facilities you have business centre. shops (on site). We can highlight other possibilities as air conditioning, non-smoking rooms, soundproof rooms and bridal suite [https://youtu.be/grNmAtp4NWs] Book now cheaper in https://ift.tt/2F9aJR6 You can find more info in https://ift.tt/2HWI8BS We hope you have a pleasant stay in Branco Mykonos Other hotels in Platis Yialos Mykonos Myconian Ambassador Relais & Chateaux https://youtu.be/ZcJljx3vNzE Palladium Hotel https://youtu.be/rKARehPGfwA Nissaki Boutique Hotel https://youtu.be/IURZqyt556A Other hotels in this channel Hotel Monceau Wagram https://youtu.be/DcouVOg_AE4 Hotel Rural Las Calas https://youtu.be/tegQFZemq4k Hotel Zuldemayda https://youtu.be/jzM3oVcO9H0 Lynbar Hotel https://youtu.be/leWT5Nd5z7Y Lapland Igloo https://youtu.be/TU1aQtSvx6w MGM Grand Sanya https://youtu.be/mE1BMAyNwK8 Rose And Crown Hotel https://youtu.be/s2hDeTETnHs Eastiny Bella Vista Hotel & Residence https://youtu.be/mR8lz2hZ5oE H10 Salauris Palace https://youtu.be/gYZTZD2dHqQ Hotel Solymar https://youtu.be/9H5_qGjUwI4 https://youtu.be/yBNvPL0jPig Son Sant Jordi https://youtu.be/tnxXM0xLxtQ Hotel Fin De Semana https://youtu.be/Mhae1ngIDoE ibis Paris Avenue d'Italie 13ème https://youtu.be/JSG3Mxvjgq4 Hotel Modern Est https://youtu.be/93fzkLlxIlI In Platis Yialos Mykonos we recommended to visit In the Greece you can visit some of the most recommended places such as Melissani Cave, Playa Navagio, Makris Gialos Beach, Antisamos Beach, Catholic church of St Nicolai, Nefis Travel - Private Day Tours, Blue Caves, Lighthouse of Saint Theodoroi and Myrtos Beach. We also recommend that you do not miss Porto Vromi Beach, Monastery of Agios Gerasimos, Drogarati Cave, Zakinthos, Venetian Lighthouse of Fiscardo, Renata Boat, We hope you have a pleasant stay in Branco Mykonos and we hope you enjoy our top 10 of the best hotels in Greece All images used in this video are or have been provided by Booking. If you are the owner and do not want this video to appear, simply contact us. You can find us at https://ift.tt/2iPJ6Xr by World Hotel Video

[dronewithcamerastore-blog]

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[orthodoxydaily]

Saints&Reading: Thursday, October 12, 2023

september 29_october 12

VENERABLE CYRIACUS (Kyriacos) HERMIT OF PALESTINE (556)

Saint Kyriakos (Kyriákos)1 was born in the Greek city of Corinth to the priest John and his wife Eudokίa. Bishop Peter of Corinth, who was a family relative, seeing that Kyriakos was a quiet and sensible child, made him a Reader in church. His constant reading of the Holy Scriptures awakened in him a love for the Lord, and made him long for a pure and holy life.

When he was not yet eighteen years old, Kyriakos was deeply moved during a Church Service by the words of the Gospel: “If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me” (Matthew 16:24). He believed that these words applied to him, so he went straight to the harbor without stopping at home, got onto a ship, and went to Jerusalem.

After visiting the holy places, Kyriakos lived for several months at a monastery not far from Sion, in obedience to the Igoumen Abba Eustorgios (Eustórgios). Later, with the latter's blessing, he made his way to the wilderness Lavra of Saint Euthymios the Great (January 20). Saint Euthymios, discerning great gifts of God in Kyriakos, tonsured him into the monastic schema and placed him under the guidance of Saint Gerasimos (Gerásimos) (March 4), who trained him in asceticism at the Monastery of Saint Theoktistos (Theóktistos) by the Jordan.

Saint Gerasimos, taking into account the fact that Kyriakos was very young, ordered him to live in a cenobitic monastery with the brethren. The young monk easily fulfilled his monastic obediences: he prayed fervently, he slept little, and ate food only every other day, sustaining himself with bread and water.

It was customary for the monks to go into the Rouva wilderness during Great Lent, and return to the Monastery on Palm Sunday. Seeing the young monk's strict abstinence, Saint Gerasimos decided to take him along with him. In complete solitude, the ascetics redoubled their efforts. Every Sunday Saint Gerasimos imparted the Holy Mysteries to his disciple.

After the repose of Saint Gerasimos, the twenty-seven-year-old Kyriakos returned to the Lavra of Saint Euthymios, who was no longer among the living. Father Kyriakos asked for a solitary cell and there he devoted himself to ascetical contests in silence, speaking only to the monk Thomas. But Thomas was sent to Alexandria where he was consecrated as a bishop, and Saint Kyriákos spent another ten years in complete silence. At the age of thirty-seven, he was ordained to the diaconate.

When a rift occurred between the monasteries of Saint Euthymios and Saint Theoktistos, Saint Kyriakos withdrew to the Souka Monastery of Saint Kharίton (September 28). At this Monastery they received even tonsured monks as novices, and Saint Kyriakos was also received this way. He toiled humbly at various monastic obediences. After several years, Saint Kyriakos was ordained as a priest, and was chosen as the canonarch,2 serving in this obedience for eighteen years. In all, Saint Kyriakos spent thirty years at the Monastery of Saint Kharίton (September 28).

Strict fasting and a complete lack of evil distinguished Saint Kyriakos even among the older ascetics of the Lavra. Each night he read the Psalter in his cell, interrupting his reading only to go to church at midnight. The ascetic slept very little. When he reached the age of seventy, Kyriakos went to the Natoufa wilderness, taking his disciple John with him.

In the desert the hermits ate only bitter herbs, which were made edible by the prayers of Saint Kyriakos. After five years, a certain man found out about the ascetics and brought his demon-possessed son to them, and Saint Kyriakos healed him. From that time, many people began coming to him with their needs, but he desired complete solitude, and fled to the Rouva wilderness, where he dwelt five years more. But the sick and those afflicted by demons also came to him in that wilderness, and the Saint healed them all with the Sign of the Cross and anointing them with oil.

In his eightieth year Saint Kyriakos fled to the remote Sousakim wilderness, near two dried up streams. According to Tradition, the holy Prophet David mentioned Sousakim: “Thou hast dried up the rivers of Etham” (Psalm 73/74:15). After seven years, brethren of the Souka Monastery came to him, beseeching his spiritual help during a period of debilitating hunger and illness, which God allowed. They implored Saint Kyriakos to return to the Monastery, and he settled in the cave where Saint Kharίton had once lived.

Saint Kyriakos provided great help to the Church in the struggle with the spreading heresy of Origenism. By prayer and by word, he brought the wayward back to the true path, and strengthened the Orthodox in their faith. Cyril, the author of the Life of Saint Kyriakos, and a monk of the Lavra of Saint Euthymios, was a witness when Saint Kyriakos foretold the impending death of the chief heretics Nonos and Leontius, and said that soon the heresy would cease to spread.

The Most Holy Theotokos once appeared to Saint Kyriakos in a dream, along with Saints John the Baptist and John the Theologian, ordering him to preserve Orthodox doctrine in its purity. She refused to enter his cell, however, because in it was a book with the writings of the heretic Nestorius. “My enemy is in your cell," she told him.3

At the age of ninety-nine, Saint Kyriakos went to Susakim again and lived there with his disciple John. In the desert, Saint Kyriakos was served by a huge lion, which protected him from robbers. The animal did not bother the brethren, and it ate food from the Saint's hand.

The ascetics had stored some water in the hollow of a rock during the winter, but in the heat of summer, all the water dried up. Since there was no other source of water, Saint Kyriakos prayed, and the rain fell, filling the hollow with water.

Saint Kyriakos returned to the Monastery two years before his death and settled once more in Saint Kharίton's cave. Until the end of his life the righteous Elder preserved his courage, and prayed with fervor. He was never idle, he either prayed or he worked. Before his blessed repose, Saint Kyriakos summoned the brethren and blessed them all. He fell asleep in the Lord, having lived for 109 years.

1 His name is derived from the Greek word Κύριος, which means Lord, or one who belongs to the Lord. 2 A Canonarch is the lead chanter, or Reader. He ensures that other Readers chant from the correct texts and use the proper Tones. He also preserves the canonical order in the liturgical services, according to the Typikon. 3 The appearance of the Most Holy Theotokos to Saint Kyriákos is commemorated on June 8.

VENERABLE THEOPHANES THE MERCIFUL OF GAZA

Saint Theophanes the Merciful was an inhabitant of the Syrian city of Gaza. He was very kind and merciful. He took in vagrants, he helped the poor and the sick, and he spent all his substance on help for the needy, while he himself remained in want.

Saint Theophanes did not grieve at all over the loss of his property, but he lost his health, and sickness caused him great suffering. His body began to swell up, to rot, and to give off a stench. This ordeal he also endured in good spirit, giving thanks to God for all things.

A fierce storm raged while he was dying, and his wife grieved that she would not be able to give him proper burial. The saint comforted her: “Weep not, woman, for up to now the trial has lasted, but here comes help from the Merciful God, since in the hour of my death the storm will cease, by the will of God.” So it occurred: just as he gave up his soul to God, calmness prevailed. After death the body of Saint Theophanes became completely cleansed of wounds and decay and became fragrant, giving forth abundant healing myrrh.

Source: Orthodox Church in America_OCA

PHILIPPIANS 1:20-27

20 according to my earnest expectation and hope that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death. 21 For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. 22 But if I live on in the flesh, this will mean fruit from my labor; yet what I shall choose I cannot tell. 23 For I am hard-pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better. 24 Nevertheless to remain in the flesh is more needful for you. 25 And being confident of this, I know that I shall remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy of faith, 26 that your rejoicing for me may be more abundant in Jesus Christ by my coming to you again. 27 Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of your affairs, that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel,

LUKE 6:12-19

12 Now it came to pass in those days that He went out to the mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God. 13 And when it was day, He called His disciples to Himself; and from them He chose twelve whom He also named apostles: 14 Simon, whom He also named Peter, and Andrew his brother; James and John; Philip and Bartholomew; 15 Matthew and Thomas; James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon called the Zealot; 16 Judas the son of James, and Judas Iscariot who also became a traitor. 17 And He came down with them and stood on a level place with a crowd of His disciples and a great multitude of people from all Judea and Jerusalem, and from the seacoast of Tyre and Sidon, who came to hear Him and be healed of their diseases, 18 as well as those who were tormented with unclean spirits. And they were healed. 19 And the whole multitude sought to touch Him, for power went out from Him and healed them all.

[thesynaxarium]

Today we celebrate our Venerable Father among the Saints, Gerasimus of Cephalonia. Saint Gerasimus grew up a pious young man and travelled to Mount Argos to become a monk. He then visited the Holy Lands, where he became an attendant at the Holy Sepulchre. Here, he was ordained a deacon and priest by Patriarch Germanus of Jerusalem. For forty days, Saint Gerasimus struggled in the desert beyond the Jordan, just like his namesake Saint, and then requested a blessing to live a life of solitude on the island of Zakynthos. Having spent much time in prayer and fasting, Saint Gerasimus felt a calling to travel to the nearby island of Cephalonia where he lived in a cave. He built a women's monastery where he lived in asceticism for thirty years. Here, he achieved the heights of spirituality, being granted the gifts of wonderworking and healing. At the age of 71, the venerable one reposed in the Lord on August 15th. Because this is the feast of the Dormition, his celebration was moved to August 16th, but is more commonly celebrated on October 20th on the uncovering of his holy relics which were found incorrupt. May the Venerable Gerasimus intercede for us always + #saint #gerasimus #gerasimos #cephalonia #corfu #greece #zakynthos #zante #mountathos #ascetic #monk #deacon #priest #holysepulchre #holylands #jordan #jordanriver #palestine #orthodox #saintoftheday (at Kefalonia, Greece) https://www.instagram.com/p/Cj5697DL6Q3/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[thesynaxarium]

Today we celebrate our Venerable Father among the Saints, Gerasimus of Cephalonia. Saint Gerasimus grew up a pious young man and travelled to Mount Argos to become a monk. He then visited the Holy Lands, where he became an attendant at the Holy Sepulchre. Here, he was ordained a deacon and priest by Patriarch Germanus of Jerusalem. For forty days, Saint Gerasimus struggled in the desert beyond the Jordan, just like his namesake Saint, and then requested a blessing to live a life of solitude on the island of Zakynthos. Having spent much time in prayer and fasting, Saint Gerasimus felt a calling to travel to the nearby island of Cephalonia where he lived in a cave. He built a women's monastery where he lived in asceticism for thirty years. Here, he achieved the heights of spirituality, being granted the gifts of wonderworking and healing. At the age of 71, the venerable one reposed in the Lord on August 15th. Because this is the feast of the Dormition, his celebration was moved to August 16th, but is more commonly celebrated on October 20th on the uncovering of his holy relics which were found incorrupt. May the Venerable Gerasimus intercede for us always + #saint #gerasimus #gerasimos #cephalonia #corfu #greece #zakynthos #zante #mountathos #ascetic #monk #deacon #priest #holysepulchre #holylands #jordan #jordanriver #palestine #orthodox #saintoftheday (at Cephalonia, Greece) https://www.instagram.com/p/CVObz_HMTci/?utm_medium=tumblr