Baptism of Christ & of Christians (1-6-2019)

   The glorious Feast of Theophany is celebrated every year on January 6^th. It centers on the event of the Lord’s baptism in the Jordan River. It is an occasion for us to reflect on the meaning of not only Jesus’ baptism but our own baptism as well. Bishop Theophilos of Campania (1749-1795) wrote a short treatise about this and I share much of that and more today.

   Let us start with Jesus’ Baptism. If Jesus Christ is perfect God and perfect man, why was He baptized? In order to reveal truth, to show the way, and sanctify the waters and through the waters the whole of creation. We’ll cover the first two.

   Reveal Truth- that Jesus is the Messiah, the Anointed One, the Christ for “the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on Him” (Mt.3:16); that Jesus is the Son of God the Father, “a voice from heaven said, “This is My Son, the Beloved, with whom I am well pleased.” (v.17). Jesus said later, “I am the way, the truth and the life, no one comes to the Father but by Me” (John 14:6).

   Show the Way- Jesus became an example for humans to follow. Jesus submitted to baptism in order to teach us how we should behave in order to attract the grace of the Holy Spirit. The omnipotent and all-powerful eternal Word and Son of God takes the form of servant submits Himself to His own servant. He who was without sin, submits to baptism for the cleansing of sin. This is all summed up in one word—humility.

   Jesus shows us the way to regeneration. After His own baptism, He went immediately into the desert and fasted 40 days and nights. Jesus was also tempted by the devil and conquered him. Thus, Jesus teaches us that we cannot undergo the temptations of the devil without fasting, and both of these are based on the grace of the Holy Spirit which we receive at our baptism. Furthermore, when Jesus was baptized, the heavens were opened (Mt.3:16) to show that every time a human person is baptized, the heavens are opened. And this way to heaven remains open if we keep our baptism undefiled.

   John the Baptist hesitated to baptize Jesus because he knew Jesus was greater than himself. ¹⁵But Jesus answered him, “Let it be so now; for it is proper for us in this way to fulfill all righteousness.” (Mt.3:15). Thus, Jesus demonstrates by example that we also must fulfill righteousness, in other words, we must follow Divine Law. This is why Jesus also submitted to circumcision, the Sabbaths and feasts, to show that He was not an opponent of the Law. For He said, “Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill.” (Mt.5:17).

   Next, let’s discuss Christian Baptism, our own baptism We Christians are baptized because Jesus ordered His disciples to do so. After His resurrection, Jesus told them, ¹⁹ Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, ²⁰ teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you” (Mt.28:19-20). The first and primary teaching is to reject the deception of idolatry which is the worship of creation instead of the Creator, for God said to Moses “You shall have no other gods before Me” (Exodus 20:3). This is clearly evident in our own day as more people turn away from faith in God towards faith in humanity. What is the result? Endless perversions and redefinitions of human identity.

   Another hot topic today is equality. But we forget that God reaffirmed the equality of all human beings in Christian baptism because it is necessary and done the same for all people: kings and subjects, rich and poor, men and women. The grace that God bestows in baptism is the same for everyone.

   In Orthodox Christian baptism submersion and emersion occur three times. We know this symbolizes the Holy Trinity: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. What we may not know is that it also symbolizes Christ’s three-day burial. In the early Church, some were doing this only once instead of three times. This was considered inappropriate and contrary to the Lord’s teaching such that Canon 49 of the Holy Apostles specifically forbade the practice and imposed strict penances for violating the triple standard.

   Several pre-figurations or types of baptism appear in the Old Testament. We heard about several of them in the Royal Hours readings on Friday and the Vespers last night. One of the most famous is Moses and the Israelites passing through the Red Sea as they fled from the Pharaoh’s Egyptian army (Exodus 14). We remember well that the Israelites were saved by God in the midst of the waters. What we may forget is that the Egyptian army perished in the same waters. Something similar takes place in our own baptism. It saves those who believe but it condemns those who do not believe. This is why we are obliged to continuously cultivate our faith and never defy our own baptism, so that we too may not perish in the waters of unbelief.

   Christian baptism only occurs once. That’s what we confess in the Creed, “I believe in one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.” But why? Because Christ was buried and rose from the dead only once. Again, the early Church had to deal with people who sought and practice multiple baptisms because they sinned after their previous baptism.

   The Apostle Paul addressed when he said, ⁴ For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted the heavenly gift, and have become partakers of the Holy Spirit, ⁵ and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come, ⁶ if they fall away, to renew them again to repentance, since they crucify again for themselves the Son of God, and put Him to an open shame. (Hebrews 6:4-6)

   Instead of rebaptism, Orthodox Christianity practices the Sacrament of Tears, what we call the Mystery of Penance or Confession. Sadly, few of us partake of it regularly or at all.

   In his primary teaching about baptism, the Apostle Paul said, ⁴ Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life… ¹¹ Likewise you also, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 6:4,11). Thus, baptism is a paradigm of putting the devil and sin to death, but one transposing us from the earthly to the heavenly, from death to life, reigning with Christ forever. That is why Clement of Alexandria says, “those who are baptized are illumined; and those who are illumined are adopted as sons; and those who are adopted as sons become perfect; and those who become perfected become immortal.” Therefore, we see that this transposition is progressive, not instantaneous.

   However, as we close today, if you want to know the instantaneous way to sanctification and perfection, I share the miraculous example of the power of baptism. There are several saints in our tradition who carry the name Porphyrios. Two of them were mimes or actors. One lived during the reign of Roman Emperor Julian the Apostate in the late fourth century (Sept.15) and the other during the reign of Emperor Aurelian in the late third century (Nov.4). Both actors were trying to be funny by mocking Christian baptism in their play or skit. They had a font, they donned the robes, they even had other actors portraying bishops and priests. But these two were the ones being baptized. After being submersed three times in the name of the Trinity, both were suddenly wounded by love for Christ and then openly and truly confessed Him as the true God. The spectators and other actors thought it was part of the comedy routine, but both insisted that they indeed were now followers of Christ. Because of their new-found faith, they were both tortured and martyred for Christ.

   My brothers and sisters, these two Porphyrioi mocked baptism but afterwards became saints. Let us who take our own baptism or that of our children seriously, not make light of it afterwards by turning away from the continuing life of baptism in the Church. Amen!

ST. GEORGE GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH

 Rev. Fr. Richard Demetrius Andrews, Presbyter

1111 Summit Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55105, (651) 222-6220, www.stgeorgegoc.org

January 13, 2019                                                                                 SUNDAY AFTER THEOPHANY

TODAY’S EVENTS: Parish Council Oath of Office 11:30am;Vasilopita Celebration 11:45am; Youth basketball practice at St. Paul Downtown YMCA 12:30pm.

Epistle Reader: Stephen Kanavati                        Prosfora: anonymous

Fellowship: Philoptochos                                     Head Greeter: Jimmy Theros

Monday       01-14     Catechism Class “Introduction to Orthodox Christianity” with Fr. Rick                7:00PM

Tuesday      01-15     Parish Council meeting                                                                                    6:30PM

Thursday    01-17     AHEPA meeting                                                                                            7:00PM

Friday         01-18     Youth Winter Camp near Hudson, WI through Jan 21

Saturday    01-19     VESPERS                                                                                                         5:00PM

Sunday       01-20     ORTHROS (8:15am) &DIVINE LITURGY – 12^th SUNDAY OF LUKE                      9:30AM

                                  Youth basketball practice at St. Paul Downtown YMCA                                     12:30PM

                                  Greek Dance practice                                                                                      4:30PM

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

New Parish Council Installed: today at end of Liturgy with Oath of Office service. They will then elect the officers for Year 2019. Please keep our council in your prayers that they may be faithful leaders.

Vasilopita Celebration Today: sponsored by Philoptochos, will begin with traditional cutting of the Vasilopita by Fr. Rick assisted by the youth. A silent auction of Vasilopitas in the social hall afterwards. All proceeds go to Saint Basil Academy, the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese home for children in upstate New York. The academy provides a loving Christian environment where resident children are nurtured to adulthood. Give generously!

Intro to Orthodoxy- the cooperative catechism program of classes begins tomorrow Monday, January 14^th and will continue on Monday evenings 7-9pm for twelve weeks. This is an excellent opportunity to refresh the knowledge of our Orthodox Christian Faith. Classes are open to everyone but required for those planning to convert. For more info and to register online, visit https://tinyurl.com/yccynqsr

Think About It: Never risk the health and life our soul by being resentful or bearing grudges.    St. Gregory of Nyss (+395)

40 Day Churching- Tabitha Kazaglis and baby Maxwell were churched on Sunday, January 6^th. Congratulations to the whole family including dad Louis!

March for Life- on Tuesday January 22, 2019 Orthodox Christians in the Twin Cities will join with thousands across the country to bear witness that all life is sacred. After Divine Liturgy here for the Apostle Timothy, a bus will pick up (10am) and transport people to the Catholic Cathedral of St. Paul for a 10:30am service and then a march to the State Capitol building for the rally and return to St. George approximately 1pm.

Sunday Social Hour Coordinator needed- Volunteer from home. Work at your pace. Get to know parishioners. Past coordinator will work with you for questions. Written instructions provided.

Note from Treasurer: please include designations on checks when making contributions to the church. A few words on the memo line noting the purpose of the check (e.g. 2018 stewardship, 2019 stewardship, memorial, capital campaign) is extremely helpful for bookkeeping, thank you!

Bible Study: meets on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month from 1:30-3pm in the conference room at church. RSVP or questions to Kathy Ryan 651-292-9948 or Kathy.aeiou@gmail.com. All are welcome!

Roselawn Cemetery Lots: 2019 prices are: $6,120 for a Monument Lot (2 graves); $3,825 for a Flat Lot A (2 graves); $2,167.50 for a Flat Lot B (1 grave). Single graves have limited availability. Contact church today!

Exterior Restoration- Brick, block and tuckpointing have been completed. Cost of project is $118,647. We have raised over $72,505 from our parishioners and friends. Please join us in this important work. Thank you!

Church Fathers Speak: How do you reproach yourself? Very simply. Listen to your conscience because it immediately speaks out and censures us. Then, we only need to agree that we acted wrongly and humbly turn to God with prayer for forgiveness.                                        St. Barsanuphios (+540)

Youth Minister Position Open: applications are now being accepted for this part time position. To apply, email a resume, cover letter and two references to Fr. Rick at fatherrick@stgeorgegoc.org.

Woman's Bracelet Found: please contact the church office if you lost a bracelet last Sunday, January 6.

Basketball Practices: Sundays Jan 6-Feb 3 from 12:30-2:30pm at St. Paul Downtown YMCA, 194 Sixth St E, St Paul, MN 55101. Coaches are Boys- Milam Paraschou & George Mastrogiorgis, JOY Coed- Elena Condos, Women- Anastasia Mastrogiorgis, Men- Luke Simon. Contact Dan Simon to confirm registration for the tournament. Register for the tournament and book hotels now before cost increases on January 15^th.

2019 Basketball Tourney: hosted by Annunciation Church, Milwaukee, February 8-10. Player Registration, click here. Meal registration is separate click here. Early Bird Weekend Package is $90/adult, $55/child until Jan 14; afterwards $110/adult, $60/child until Jan 28. Rooms $119/night at the Brookfield Hotel, 375 South Moorland Rd, Brookfield, WI 53005, 262-364-1100 or here. Questions? Email 2019greekbball@gmail.com.

Patristic Wisdom:  By unceasing inner watchfulness we can perceive what is entering into us and shut the door if necessary, calling upon our Lord Jesus Christ to repel malevolent adversaries. Inner attentiveness obstructs the demons by rebutting them. And Jesus, when invoked, disperses them together with all their fantasies.                     St. Philotheos of Sinai (+1380)

IOCC Job Opening in Minneapolis: the IOCC US Field Office is hiring a full time Administrative Project Assistant. Please see posting in social hall or https://www.iocc.org/careers/administrative-project-assistant. Deadline for application is January 18.

Pan-Orthodox Ethnic Dance Party- Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019 at 7pm, St. Mary’s GOC in Minneapolis; all ages invited. Instruction in at least one Arab, Bulgarian, Greek, Romanian, Russian and Serbian dance. If possible, please bring an appetizer or dessert to share. A cash bar priced to cover expenses will be provided. Event is free; but rsvp at  https://stmarysgoc.org/pan-orthodox-ethnic-dance-party/

Wisdom from the Fathers: Throw out of your head the idea that you can through a comfortable life, become what you must be in Christ.                              St. Theophan the Recluse (+1894)

Things Sound Different- yes, that’s right, the Sunday liturgy is sounding a bit different the last few months. That’s because the choir is using minor mode from the Cherubic Hymn through the Epiklesis/Consecration. Although this is new to our community, it is not innovative or novel in the Tradition. Many Greek Orthodox churches throughout the United States and the world do this. Minor mode conveys a mystical and penitential quality that is so important to our Orthodox Christian phronema (mindset). Fr. Rick has encouraged this addition to the choir’s repertoire for many years. Recently, they accepted the challenge and are working hard to execute it better each and every Sunday. Please support them and seek to understand what minor mode is all about.

Welcome Visitors Thank you for joining with us in prayer and fellowship. The worship of the Orthodox Church is deeply rooted in and very similar to that of the early Christian Church. Unique sensory stimuli and mystery are elements that go back even to the liturgy of the Jewish temple. Everything in an Orthodox Christian church communicates the majestic presence of God the Holy Trinity with His Saints. It is literally heaven on earth. It is a sad consequence of the divisions in Christianity that we cannot extend a general invitation to receive Holy Communion. Visitors are invited to receive the blessed bread (antithoron) at the conclusion of the liturgy. We pray and work for the reconciliation and unity of all Christians. If you are interested in learning more about Orthodoxy, please contact Fr. Rick at fatherrick@stgeorgegoc.org. We are proud of our Greek heritage, but one does not have to be of Greek descent, nor speak Greek to be a Greek Orthodox Christian.

Note to Orthodox about Holy Communion: Receiving the Body and Blood of Christ is one of the most Holy experiences for a Christian in order to be granted the forgiveness of sins and everlasting life. We are never worthy to partake of Divine Nature. Yet, it is essential that we prepare ourselves for this sacred Communion by constant prayer, reading the Scriptures, regular fasting and periodic Confession. At a minimum, we should fast all morning before Communion, arrive at the beginning of Liturgy, and come for Confession at least once a year. In addition, we should not have separated ourselves from the Church through serious sin. Otherwise, please refrain from Communion to avoid “judgment…not discerning the Lord’s body” (1Cor. 11:29). Contact Fr. Rick for pastoral guidance.

 Glad Tidings deadline: The 10th of each month. Glad Tidings email: gladtidings@stgeorgegoc.org  Sunday Bulletin Deadline: Wednesday Noon each week.  Email: office@stgeorgegoc.org