Publish-header
Sts. Constantine and Helen Church
Publish Date: 2017-06-25
Bulletin Contents
Allsaint
Organization Icon
Sts. Constantine and Helen Church

General Information

  • Phone:
  • (414) 778-1555
  • Fax:
  • (414) 778-1117
  • Street Address:

  • 2160 N. Wauwatosa Avenue

  • Wauwatosa, WI 53213


Contact Information






Services Schedule

SUNDAY MATINS/DIVINE LITURGY, 8:30 am


Past Bulletins


Notes

Oops!  Here is this week's bulletin...  a day late!

Welcome to our online bulletin!

It's now easier than ever to Subscribe or Unsubscribe to our newsletter lists: Weekly Bulletin, Monthly Bulletin and Important News! All you have to do is visit our website: http://www.stsconstantinehelenwi.org/news/join-our-listserv and choose the list you are interested in.

A new tab will open with the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese's website, where you can either subscribe to the chosen list or, (if you prefer to no longer receive the newsletter emails) to unsubscribe.

If you prefer the online version: http://www.bulletinbuilder.org/StsConstantineHelen-WI/current

Nikki K.

_________________________________________________

Our dear Fr. Theologos will be on vacation in Greece from June 19th to July 21st

BACK TO TOP

This Sunday

SUNDAY, JUNE 25,  2017—3rd Sunday of Matthew

APOLYTIKION: When Thou didst descend unto death …                   Ὅτε κατῆλθες πρὸς τὸν θάνατον ....

EPISTLE:  Romans 5:1-10 (pgs. 67-68)      

HOLY GOSPEL: Matthew 6:22-33 (pgs. 68-69) 

READER:  Christopulos

ALTAR BOYS: Team B: Teddy C. Anagnostopoulos, Christo Antonopoulos, Yianni Antonopoulos, Angelo Cicatello, George L. Liapis, George P. Liapis, Markos Mamalakis, Dimitri Maniotis, Leonidas Melissourgos, Foti Papageorge, Andrew Roche, Vasili Tsiampas, Joseph VanCleve

USHERS: George Alexiou, Bob Gountis, Procopis Liapis, Apollon Limberatos, Niko Marlis

PROSPHORON:  Marina Huff

HOSPITALITY:  Memorials

BOOKSTORE: Please call the office to volunteer

SUNDAY, JULY 2,  2017—4th Sunday of Matthew

APOLYTIKION: Let the Heavens rejoice …                     Εὐφραινέσθω τὰ οὐράνια ....

EPISTLE:  Hebrews 9:1-7 (not in book)                

HOLY GOSPEL: Matthew 8:5-13 (pg. 70)

READER:  Bob Gountis

ALTAR BOYS: Team A: Andre Acra, Theodore G. Anagnostopoulos, Evan Anagnostopoulos, Nikita Athens, Dino Copoulos, Angelo Gorgolis, Christos Konstantakis, Peter Konstantakis, George Kostopoulos, Christos Lianos, Spiros Limberatos, Makis Limberatos, Dimitri Pandelis, Sam Patterson, Aristotelis & Dimitri Ziogas

USHERS: George Karas, Louie Kostopoulos, James Maholias, Alex Marlis, George Papageorge

PROSPHORON:  Nikki K

HOSPITALITY:  Nikki K / Dimitris A

BOOKSTORE: Jackie Papageorge

BACK TO TOP

Calendar

  • This week's events

    June 19 to July 2, 2017

    Monday, June 19

    Father's Vacation until July 21st

    Sunday, June 25

    +Memorial: 40-days Joseph DeFalco

    +Memorial: 6-months Elias Kartsonas

    Fanari Summer Camp - Week 2

    +Memorial: +6-months Najati Soudah

    7:00AM Prosforon: Marina Huff

    8:15AM Matins

    9:30AM Divine Liturgy

    12:30PM Hospitality: Memorial

    Monday, June 26

    Fanari Summer Camp - Week 2

    9:00AM +Funeral

    Tuesday, June 27

    Fanari Summer Camp - Week 2

    6:30PM OCWA meeting

    Wednesday, June 28

    Fanari Summer Camp - Week 2

    Thursday, June 29

    Fanari Summer Camp - Week 2

    Friday, June 30

    Fanari Summer Camp - Week 2

    Saturday, July 1

    Fanari Summer Camp - Week 2

    Sunday, July 2

    7:00AM Prosforon: Nikki K

    8:15AM Matins

    9:30AM Divine Liturgy

    12:30PM Hospitality: Nikki K / Dimitris A

BACK TO TOP

Our News and Interests

Stscnh.1

Fatherhood and the Modern Man

 

Balancing Fatherhood with other roles has been quite the struggle for men in our modern world. Listen as Emmy Louvaris speaks with George Papageorge, a licensed Marriage & Family therapist and expert in “Family Systems Psychology.” This Father’s Day edition is for the dads out there who are trying their best but might just need more assistance.  Listen Now.


Expectations of Fatherhood Today

 

Is the role of fatherhood getting in the way of parenting? Are you terrified at the thought of an emotional connection? Listen as our guest host, Emmy Louvaris, speaks with George Papageorge, a marriage and family therapist in Pleasanton, CA, on fatherhood and the challenges men face when they pay too much attention to their role. Boys and girls respond differently to a disconnected father. Today, paying the bills and ruling the roost just isn’t enough.  Listen Now.


The Vine Ads

Thank you to everyone that has already updated or added their ad to our monthly bulletin "The Vine".  If you haven't already done so, contact us at: schbulletin@gmail.com to place yours!

Please consider advertising in our monthly bulletin!

Don't forget to thank our advertisers when you visit them!


Our Hall or Gym

Important Announcement

Lately there has been a lack of consideration and communication in the use of the church facilities.  Please be mindful to return items and the areas you have used to, at least, its prior condition.

We have a multitude of groups that utilize these facilities and a little effort in everyone's part will go a long way in helping maintain a healthy and clean environment for all to enjoy.

Thank you for everything that you do!


Five Things to Ask a Young Adult Who Walks into Your Church (besides "Who are you and are you Orthodox?")

Andrew Boyd

"People are looking for an opportunity to share their stories. Give them the space and the patience to let them do that, and it will automatically make them feel warmly welcomed and part of a caring community." [Read More]


BACK TO TOP

Bulletin Inserts

    2017 Greek Open

    2017 Greek Open

    July 14th


    VBS

    VBS

    July 31st to August 3rd


    2017 Scholarship Guide

    2017 Scholarship Guide

    Windy City has compiled this guide of scholarships that are available to Greek Americans. "We’re dedicated to providing resources for our community, and we’re so excited to present Greek American Scholarship Guide 2017. ... Find information here to begin your research and application process. Some deadlines have already passed this year, but later this year, applications for 2018 will be posted. That will give you time to work through this information and determine your own eligibility and what opportunities to pursue. With the ever-increasing cost of college education, we recommend that you apply for as many scholarships as you can – no matter how small. The numbers will add up and every dollar makes a difference. In this guide, find “mini profiles” of scholarship awards of more than $5000. Also find a list of links to other organizations that offer smaller awards. Look for ideas on other places to search for opportunities, as well as tips on applying and winning scholarships. A very special thank you to our sponsors. We’re grateful to The John C. Kulis Charitable Foundation and PanHellenic Scholarship Foundation for their continued support. You’ll learn also more about them in this guide. Dive in! Happy Scholarship Hunting!


    2017 FAITH Scholarship Application

    2017 FAITH Scholarship Application

    Deadline: June 30th, 2017


    Tosa Parade

    Tosa Parade

    July 4th, 2017


    Tosa MidTown Madness 5K Run for Wellness

    Tosa MidTown Madness 5K Run for Wellness

    Saturday, July 22, 2017 Register/Full details: midtowntosa.com


    Scrip Gift Card Program

    Scrip Gift Card Program

    Take care of all your gift card needs and help raise money for our Church at no additional cost to you!


    St. Photios Essay

    St. Photios Essay

    The Shrine is built in the memory of the Greek Orthodox colonists. Why? Write a 1000-word essay showcasing your understanding of what happened in 1777 to the survivors of the New Smyrna Colony.... Deadline for submissions: December 31, 2017 1st Place wins $500 2nd Place wins $250 3rd Place wins $100


    OCWA Retreat

    OCWA Retreat

    September 29 & 30th, 2017 St. Iakovos Retreat Center 10707 224th Ave., Kansasville, WI 53139 Come join us… At a place of faith and fellowship. Rejoice in being surrounded by God’s beauty, and the love of Pan-Orthodox friends. Optional activities include a nature walk, bonfire, and hayride. Guest presenters: Fr. Nikola Radovancevic, from St. Nikola Serbian Orthodox Church in Cudahy Janet Christopulos, of Ss. Constantine & Helen, Wauwatosa Fee: $110 per person Downpayment of $60 per person must be sent in with this form by July 15th. The balance of $50 per person is due by August 15th. Send checks (payable to OCWA) to: Zoki Miskov 10480 W. Palmersheim Drive, Hales Corners, WI 53130 Any Questions? Fay Kolster 414-321-0347 or tkolster@wi.rr.com Three meals will be provided. Sign in begins @ 2pm on Fri., Sept. 29th, 2017. Retreat wraps up @ 2pm on Saturday.


    Family Ministry Conference

    Family Ministry Conference

    September 20-23, 2017


BACK TO TOP

Saints and Feasts

Allsaint
June 25

Prokopios the New Martyr


Febronia
June 25

The Righteous Martyr Febronia

This Martyr practiced the ascetic discipline in Nisibis of Mesopotamia; she was of such great beauty that the report of her came to the persecutor Selenus, and every attempt was made to make her deny Christ. After many horrible tortures, she was cruelly dismembered by the executioners, then beheaded, in the year 310 (or, according to some, in 302, during the reign of Diocletian).


Nativity_baptist
June 25

Leavetaking of the Nativity of the Forerunner John the Baptist


Allsaint
June 25

Dionysius & Dometios the Righteous of Mount Athos


BACK TO TOP

Gospel and Epistle Readings

Matins Gospel Reading

Third Orthros Gospel
The Reading is from Mark 16:9-20

When Jesus rose early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, from whom he had cast seven demons. She went and told those who had been with him, as they mourned and wept. But when they heard that he was alive and had been seen by her, they would not believe it.

After this he appeared in another form to two of them, as they were walking into the country. And they went back and told the rest, but they did not believe them.

Afterward he appeared to the eleven themselves as they sat at table; and he upbraided them for their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they had not believed those who saw him after he had risen. And he said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to the whole creation. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. And these signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up serpents, and if they drink any deadly thing, it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will recover."

So then the Lord Jesus, after he had spoken to them, was taken up into heaven, and sat down at the right hand of God. And they went forth and preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them and confirmed the message by the signs that attended it. Amen.

Third Orthros Gospel
Κατὰ Μᾶρκον 16:9-20

᾿Αναστὰς δὲ πρωῒ πρώτῃ σαββάτου ἐφάνη πρῶτον Μαρίᾳ τῇ Μαγδαληνῇ, ἀφ᾿ ἧς ἐκβεβλήκει ἑπτὰ δαιμόνια. ἐκείνη πορευθεῖσα ἀπήγγειλε τοῖς μετ᾿ αὐτοῦ γενομένοις, πενθοῦσι καὶ κλαίουσι. κἀκεῖνοι ἀκούσαντες ὅτι ζῇ καὶ ἐθεάθη ὑπ᾿ αὐτῆς, ἠπίστησαν. Μετὰ δὲ ταῦτα δυσὶν ἐξ αὐτῶν περιπατοῦσιν ἐφανερώθη ἐν ἑτέρᾳ μορφῇ, πορευομένοις εἰς ἀγρόν. κἀκεῖνοι ἀπελθόντες ἀπήγγειλαν τοῖς λοιποῖς· οὐδὲ ἐκείνοις ἐπίστευσαν. ῞Υστερον ἀνακειμένοις αὐτοῖς τοῖς ἕνδεκα ἐφανερώθη, καὶ ὠνείδισε τὴν ἀπιστίαν αὐτῶν καὶ σκληροκαρδίαν, ὅτι τοῖς θεασαμένοις αὐτὸν ἐγηγερμένον οὐκ ἐπίστευσαν. καὶ εἶπεν αὐτοῖς· πορευθέντες εἰς τὸν κόσμον ἅπαντα κηρύξατε τὸ εὐαγγέλιον πάσῃ τῇ κτίσει. ὁ πιστεύσας καὶ βαπτισθεὶς σωθήσεται, ὁ δὲ ἀπιστήσας κατακριθήσεται. σημεῖα δὲ τοῖς πιστεύσασι ταῦτα παρακολουθήσει· ἐν τῷ ὀνόματί μου δαιμόνια ἐκβαλοῦσι· γλώσσαις λαλήσουσι καιναῖς· ὄφεις ἀροῦσι· κἂν θανάσιμόν τι πίωσιν, οὐ μὴ αὐτοὺς βλάψει· ἐπὶ ἀρρώστους χεῖρας ἐπιθήσουσι, καὶ καλῶς ἕξουσιν. ῾Ο μὲν οὖν Κύριος μετὰ τὸ λαλῆσαι αὐτοῖς ἀνελήφθη εἰς τὸν οὐρανὸν καὶ ἐκάθισεν ἐκ δεξιῶν τοῦ Θεοῦ. ἐκεῖνοι δὲ ἐξελθόντες ἐκήρυξαν πανταχοῦ, τοῦ Κυρίου συνεργοῦντος καὶ τὸν λόγον βεβαιοῦντος διὰ τῶν ἐπακολουθούντων σημείων. ἀμήν.


Epistle Reading

Prokeimenon. Second Mode. Psalm 117.14,18.
The Lord is my strength and my song.
Verse: The Lord has chastened me sorely.

The reading is from St. Paul's Letter to the Romans 5:1-10.

BRETHREN, since we are justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have obtained access to this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in our hope of sharing the glory of God. More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not disappoint us, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit which has been given to us. While we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. Why, one will hardly die for a righteous man -- though perhaps for a good man one will dare even to die. But God shows his love for us in that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us. Since, therefore, we are now justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God. For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life.

Προκείμενον. Second Mode. ΨΑΛΜΟΙ 117.14,18.
Ἰσχύς μου καὶ ὕμνησίς μου ὁ Κύριος.
Στίχ. Παιδεύων ἐπαίδευσέ με ὁ Κύριος.

τὸ Ἀνάγνωσμα Πρὸς ῾Ρωμαίους 5:1-10.

Ἀδελφοί, δικαιωθέντες οὖν ἐκ πίστεως, εἰρήνην ἔχομεν πρὸς τὸν θεὸν διὰ τοῦ κυρίου ἡμῶν Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ, διʼ οὗ καὶ τὴν προσαγωγὴν ἐσχήκαμεν τῇ πίστει εἰς τὴν χάριν ταύτην ἐν ᾗ ἑστήκαμεν, καὶ καυχώμεθα ἐπʼ ἐλπίδι τῆς δόξης τοῦ θεοῦ. Οὐ μόνον δέ, ἀλλὰ καὶ καυχώμεθα ἐν ταῖς θλίψεσιν, εἰδότες ὅτι ἡ θλῖψις ὑπομονὴν κατεργάζεται, ἡ δὲ ὑπομονὴ δοκιμήν, ἡ δὲ δοκιμὴ ἐλπίδα· ἡ δὲ ἐλπὶς οὐ καταισχύνει, ὅτι ἡ ἀγάπη τοῦ θεοῦ ἐκκέχυται ἐν ταῖς καρδίαις ἡμῶν διὰ πνεύματος ἁγίου τοῦ δοθέντος ἡμῖν. Ἔτι γὰρ Χριστός, ὄντων ἡμῶν ἀσθενῶν, κατὰ καιρὸν ὑπὲρ ἀσεβῶν ἀπέθανεν. Μόλις γὰρ ὑπὲρ δικαίου τις ἀποθανεῖται· ὑπὲρ γὰρ τοῦ ἀγαθοῦ τάχα τις καὶ τολμᾷ ἀποθανεῖν. Συνίστησιν δὲ τὴν ἑαυτοῦ ἀγάπην εἰς ἡμᾶς ὁ θεός, ὅτι ἔτι ἁμαρτωλῶν ὄντων ἡμῶν Χριστὸς ὑπὲρ ἡμῶν ἀπέθανεν. Πολλῷ οὖν μᾶλλον, δικαιωθέντες νῦν ἐν τῷ αἵματι αὐτοῦ, σωθησόμεθα διʼ αὐτοῦ ἀπὸ τῆς ὀργῆς. Εἰ γὰρ ἐχθροὶ ὄντες κατηλλάγημεν τῷ θεῷ διὰ τοῦ θανάτου τοῦ υἱοῦ αὐτοῦ, πολλῷ μᾶλλον καταλλαγέντες σωθησόμεθα ἐν τῇ ζωῇ αὐτοῦ.


Gospel Reading

3rd Sunday of Matthew
The Reading is from Matthew 6:22-33

The Lord said, "The eye is the lamp of the body. So, if your eye is sound, your whole body will be full of light; but if your eye is not sound, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how great is the darkness! No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon. Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you shall eat or what you shall drink, nor about your body, what you shall put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And which of you by being anxious can add one cubit to his span of life? And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they neither toil nor spin; yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O men of little faith? Therefore do not be anxious, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear? For the Gentiles seek all these things; and your heavenly Father knows you need them all. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things shall be yours as well."

3rd Sunday of Matthew
Κατὰ Ματθαῖον 6:22-33

Εἶπεν ὁ Κύριος· ῾Ο λύχνος τοῦ σώματός ἐστιν ὁ ὀφθαλμός· ἐὰν οὖν ὁ ὀφθαλμός σου ἁπλοῦς ᾖ, ὅλον τὸ σῶμά σου φωτεινόν ἔσται· ἐὰν δὲ ὁ ὀφθαλμός σου πονηρὸς ᾖ, ὅλον τὸ σῶμά σου σκοτεινὸν ἔσται. εἰ οὖν τὸ φῶς τὸ ἐν σοὶ σκότος ἐστί, τὸ σκότος πόσον; Οὐδεὶς δύναται δυσὶ κυρίοις δουλεύειν· ἢ γὰρ τὸν ἕνα μισήσει καὶ τὸν ἕτερον ἀγαπήσει, ἢ ἑνὸς ἀνθέξεται καὶ τοῦ ἑτέρου καταφρονήσει. οὐ δύνασθε Θεῷ δουλεύειν καὶ μαμωνᾷ. Διὰ τοῦτο λέγω ὑμῖν, μὴ μεριμνᾶτε τῇ ψυχῇ ὑμῶν τί φάγητε καὶ τί πίητε, μηδὲ τῷ σώματι ὑμῶν τί ἐνδύσησθε· οὐχὶ ἡ ψυχὴ πλεῖόν ἐστι τῆς τροφῆς καὶ τὸ σῶμα τοῦ ἐνδύματος; ἐμβλέψατε εἰς τὰ πετεινὰ τοῦ οὐρανοῦ, ὅτι οὐ σπείρουσιν οὐδὲ θερίζουσιν οὐδὲ συνάγουσιν εἰς ἀποθήκας, καὶ ὁ πατὴρ ὑμῶν ὁ οὐράνιος τρέφει αὐτά· οὐχ ὑμεῖς μᾶλλον διαφέρετε αὐτῶν; τίς δὲ ἐξ ὑμῶν μεριμνῶν δύναται προσθεῖναι ἐπὶ τὴν ἡλικίαν αὐτοῦ πῆχυν ἕνα; καὶ περὶ ἐνδύματος τί μεριμνᾶτε; καταμάθετε τὰ κρίνα τοῦ ἀγροῦ πῶς αὐξάνει· οὐ κοπιᾷ οὐδὲ νήθει· λέγω δὲ ὑμῖν ὅτι οὐδὲ Σολομὼν ἐν πάσῃ τῇ δόξῃ αὐτοῦ περιεβάλετο ὡς ἓν τούτων. Εἰ δὲ τὸν χόρτον τοῦ ἀγροῦ, σήμερον ὄντα καὶ αὔριον εἰς κλίβανον βαλλόμενον, ὁ Θεὸς οὕτως ἀμφιέννυσιν, οὐ πολλῷ μᾶλλον ὑμᾶς, ὀλιγόπιστοι; μὴ οὖν μεριμνήσητε λέγοντες, τί φάγωμεν ἢ τί πίωμεν ἢ τί περιβαλώμεθα; πάντα γὰρ ταῦτα τὰ ἔθνη ἐπιζητεῖ· οἶδε γὰρ ὁ πατὴρ ὑμῶν ὁ οὐράνιος ὅτι χρῄζετε τούτων ἁπάντων. ζητεῖτε δὲ πρῶτον τὴν βασιλείαν τοῦ Θεοῦ καὶ τὴν δικαιοσύνην αὐτοῦ, καὶ ταῦτα πάντα προστεθήσεται ὑμῖν.


BACK TO TOP

Hymns of the Day

Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Second Mode

When Thou didst descend unto death, O Life Immortal, then didst Thou slay Hades with the lightning of Thy Divinity. And when Thou didst also raise the dead out of the nethermost depths, all the powers in the Heavens cried out: O Life-giver, Christ our God, glory be to Thee.
Ὅτε κατῆλθες πρὸς τὸν θάνατον, ἡ Ζωὴ ἡ ἀθάνατος, τότε τὸν ᾅδην ἐνέκρωσας τῇ ἀστραπῇ τῆς Θεότητος, ὅτε δὲ καὶ τοὺς τεθνεῶτας ἐκ τῶν καταχθονίων ἀνέστησας, πᾶσαι αἱ Δυνάμεις τῶν ἐπουρανίων ἐκραύγαζον·Ζωοδότα Χριστὲ ὁ Θεὸς ἡμῶν δόξα σοι.

Seasonal Kontakion in the Second Mode

O Protection of Christians that cannot be put to shame, mediation unto the creator most constant: O despise not the voices of those who have sinned; but be quick, O good one, to come unto our aid, who in faith cry unto thee: Hasten to intercession and speed thou to make supplication, O thou who dost ever protect, O Theotokos, them that honor thee.
Προστασία τῶν Χριστιανῶν ἀκαταίσχυντε, μεσιτεία πρὸς τὸν Ποιητὴν ἀμετάθετε. Μὴ παρίδῃς ἁμαρτωλῶν δεήσεων φωνάς, ἀλλὰ πρόφθασον, ὡς ἀγαθή, εἰς τὴν βοήθειαν ἡμῶν, τῶν πιστῶς κραυγαζόντων σοι· Τάχυνον εἰς πρεσβείαν, καὶ σπεῦσον εἰς ἱκεσίαν, ἡ προστατεύουσα ἀεί, Θεοτόκε, τῶν τιμώντων σε.
BACK TO TOP

Wisdom of the Fathers

And let me beg you to consider how he everywhere sets down these two points;His part, and our part. On His part, however, there be things varied and numerous and diverse. For He died for us, and farther reconciled us, and brought us to Himself, and gave us grace unspeakable. But we brought faith only as our contribution. And so he says," "by faith, unto this grace"What grace is this? tell me. It is the being counted worthy of the knowledge of God, the being forced from error, the coming to a knowledge of the Truth, the obtaining of all the blessings that come through Baptism. For the end of His bringing us near was that we might receive these gifts. For it was not only that we might have simple remission of sins, that we were reconciled; but that we might receive also countless benefits...A person has acquired rule and glory and authority, yet he does not stand therein continuously, but is speedily cast out of it. Or if man take it not from him, death comes, and is sure to take it from him. But God's gifts are not of this kind; for neither man, nor occasion, nor crisis of affairs, nor even the Devil, nor death, can come and cast us. out of them. But when we are dead we then more strictly speaking have possession of them, and keep going on enjoying more and more.
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 9 on Romans 4, 4th Century

Unless the grace of God comes to the help of our frailty, to protect and defend it, no man can withstand the insidious onslaughts of the enemy nor can he damp down or hold in check the fevers which burn in our flesh with nature's fire.
St. John Cassian
Conferences, Conference Two: On Discernment, Paulist Press pg. 74, 5th century

BACK TO TOP