Barsanuphius the Great and John of Gaza
Saint Barsanuphius the Great, who was from Egypt, and his disciple, Saint John the Prophet, struggled in very strict reclusion during the sixth century at the monastery of Abba Seridus at Gaza of Palestine, and were endowed with amazing gifts of prophecy and spiritual discernment. They are mentioned by Saint Dorotheus of Gaza, their disciple, in his writings. Many of the counsels they sent to Christians who wrote to them are preserved in the book which bears their names. Once certain of the Fathers besought Saint Barsanuphius to pray that God stay His wrath and spare the world. Saint Barsanuphius wrote back that there were "three men perfect before God," whose prayers met at the throne of God and protected the whole world; to them it had been revealed that the wrath of God would not last long. These three, he said, were "John of Rome, Elias of Corinth, and another in the diocese of Jerusalem," concealing the name of the last, since it was himself.
This week, find insights about the upcoming Gospel reading where Apostle Matthew talks about the Canaanite Gentile mother who cried out to Jesus to heal her possessed daughter. But why didn’t Jesus answer her? And when she then begged for His mercy, why did He compare her to dogs? Can we trust Jesus when we ask for His help? To find out, read this sermon by clicking here.
This February, the Department of Inter-Orthodox, Ecumenical and Interfaith Relations of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America will participate in the 60th Session of the Commission for Social Development at the United Nations. The Department will co-sponsor a virtual side event on divestment from extractive industries as part of the Archdiocese’s commitment to a more sustainable future. The event, entitled “Divestment from Extractive Industries: Building Forward for a Resilient and Sustainable Recovery & Implementing Inclusive Practices in line with the 2030 Agenda,” will be in collaboration with the NGO Mining Working Group, VIVAT International, and the Sisters of Charity Federation.
The 2022 Directory of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America is now available online at www.goarch.org/directory. The Directory can also be downloaded from the website as a pdf and used as a digital book on tablets, smart phones and other digital reading devices.
Metropolis of New Jersey Essay Contest to Honor the Feast of the Three Hierarchs
His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America announces that the 46th Biennial Clergy Laity Congress will convene in New York City from July 3-7, 2022, with the theme “Legacy, Renewal, Unity” honoring the Centennial of the Archdiocese which is being celebrated in 2022. During the Clergy Laity Congress, on July 4th, His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros will consecrate Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and National Shrine at the World Trade Center.
